Dermatology

Question 1

What is eczema?

Answer 1

Red, dry, itchy skin eruption

Common, affects 1 in 5 children

Question 2

Atopic eczema is thought to be a barrier defect. What does this mean?

Answer 2

There is increased permeability to irritants and allergens, which explains why it is itchy.

There is also water loss, which explains why it is dry.