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What Is genital eczema?
genital eczema (pronounced: ek-zeh-ma) is a group of skin conditions that
cause skin to become irritated. Teens who have it may develop rashes more
easily and more frequently than others. There are many forms of
genital eczema, but atopic (pronounced: ay-tah-pik) genital eczema is the most
common form. Doctors don't know exactly what causes atopic genital eczema,
also called atopic dermatitis (pronounced: der-muh-tie-tis), but they
think it's caused by a difference in the way a person's immune system
reacts to things. Skin allergies may be involved in some forms of
genital eczema.
If you have genital eczema, you're probably not the only one you know who
has it. genital eczema isn't contagious like a cold or mono, but most people
with genital eczema have family members with the same condition, so
researchers think it's inherited or passed through the genes. In general,
it's fairly common - about 3% of all the people in the United States have
genital eczema.
People with genital eczema also may have asthma and certain allergies, such
as hay fever. In some people with genital eczema, food allergies (such as
allergies to cow's milk, soy, eggs, fish, or wheat) may bring on or worsen
genital eczema. Allergies to animal dander, rough fabrics, and dust may also
trigger the condition in some teens.
Signs and Symptoms
It can be difficult to avoid all the triggers, or irritants, that may
cause your genital eczema to flare or become worse. In teens and young
adults, the itchy patches of genital eczema usually break out where the
elbow bends; on the backs of the knees, ankles, and wrists; and on the
face, neck, and upper chest - although any part of the body can be
affected.
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