Eczema (atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis) is an itchy inflammatory skin disease most commonly seen in children. It is characterised by itchy, inflamed, dry, scaling and crusted skin. If the condition becomes chronic lichenification (thickening) and hyperpigmentation of the skin are seen.
Eczematous skin has reduced skin barrier function, cutaneous inflammation with increased susceptibility to irritants, and higher rates of Staphylococcus aureus colonisation.
Dr Susan Morton talks about the Growing Up in New Zealand Study, what we have learned so far and how we should be using this knowledge to reduce inequity and optimise care in New Zealand general practices. Susan is a public health physician specialising in life-course epidemiology and works at the University of Auckland.
