Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Resolving Water, Proteins, and Lipids from In Vivo Confocal Raman Spectra of Stratum Corneum through a Chemometric Approach
09:32

Resolving Water, Proteins, and Lipids from In Vivo Confocal Raman Spectra of Stratum Corneum through a Chemometric Approach

Published on: September 26, 2019

An overview of atopic eczema in children: a significant disease

Steve Gill1

  • 1Birmingham Children's Hospital.

British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
|May 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Atopic eczema, a common inflammatory skin condition in children, causes dry, itchy skin. It often becomes infected due to Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium frequently found on affected children's skin.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Atopic eczema is the most common skin disorder in children, affecting 12-15% of school-aged children.
  • This inflammatory condition has a genetic basis but is triggered by environmental factors like detergents, emotional distress, and dust mites.
  • It typically begins in infancy and is characterized by dry, itchy skin that can lead to secondary infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the prevalence and characteristics of atopic eczema in children.
  • To discuss the genetic and trigger factors involved in atopic eczema.
  • To explain the link between atopic eczema and Staphylococcus aureus infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on atopic eczema.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data on childhood skin disorders.
  • Examination of the relationship between skin barrier function and microbial colonization.

Main Results:

  • Atopic eczema affects a significant portion of the pediatric population.
  • Genetic predisposition combined with environmental triggers initiates the condition.
  • Staphylococcus aureus colonization is frequently observed in children with atopic eczema, increasing infection risk.

Conclusions:

  • Atopic eczema is a prevalent childhood disease with complex genetic and environmental origins.
  • The compromised skin barrier in atopic eczema facilitates Staphylococcus aureus infection.
  • Further research is needed to understand the interplay between host genetics, environment, and microbial factors in atopic eczema pathogenesis.

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Acne Infection01:27

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...