The Eczema Association of Australasia Inc (EAA) is a non-profit charity organisation whose mission is to bring awareness and advocacy to the wider community and provide support and education to eczema sufferers and their carers Australia wide. Eczema is a common skin condition affecting 3 - 5% of children. It is due to a combination of two problems. 1. The surface of the skin has an altered protein (filaggrin) which is unable to hold as much moisture - this results in cell shrinkage, allowing irritants to get 'under the skin'. 2. The second problem is increased sensitivity to these irritants, resulting in inflammation. There is an aggressive immunological reaction which is abnormal. These two problems lead to the key elements of eczema - dryness, and inflammation. These are the two areas that need to be managed with any treatment. If you need any advice or support, please contact EAA at 1300 300 182