Eczema
The term eczema is broadly applied to many persistent skin conditions. These include dryness and
recurring skin rashes that are characterized by one or more of following symptoms
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itching and dryness,
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crusting &flaking,
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blistering,
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cracking,
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oozing or bleeding.
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Skin edema or swelling
Cause:
The cause of eczema is unknown but is presumed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.[5]
Another study identified a gene that the researchers believe to be the cause of inherited eczema and some
related disorders. The gene produces the protein filaggrin , the lack of which causes dry skin and impaired skin
barrier function.[66]A recent study indicated that two specific chemicals found in the blood are connected to the
itching sensations associated with eczema. The chemicals are neurotrophic factor & P substance.In a genome-wide
study published on Dec 25, 2011 in Nature Genetics, researchers reported discovery of three new genetic variants
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associated with eczema. They are OVOL1, ACTL9 and IL4-KIF3A.