How Common is Eczema
Many people have eczema (atopic dermatitis). It is a very common problem in the United States. In fact, eczema is the most common skin problem in children under the age of 12. Children with a parent, grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, or uncle who have or have had eczema, asthma, or hay fever often have eczema themselves. In fact, if both parents have eczema, there is an 80% chance that their children will too. However, even people who don't have these conditions in their families can develop eczema too.
Eczema appears most often in early childhood. Nine out of 10 people who have eczema get it before they are 5 years old. People who have it as children may always have dry or extra-sensitive skin, even as adults.
About two-thirds of eczema cases begin in babies under the age of 1 year. It starts usually in babies between the ages of 6 and 12 weeks. It may clear up but then may come back from time to time.
It is not common for someone to have eczema for the first time as an adult, but it can happen.
Many people with eczema also have asthma or hay fever as children or adults. Children with eczema often have allergies to such things as food or pollen.
In older children and adults, eczema appears less often on the face and more commonly on the hands, neck, inner elbows, backs of the knees, and ankles.
In infants and toddler, eczema usually appears on the face, elbows, knees, and possibly on other areas.
|
