Eczema affects your skin. The disease usually causes red, inflamed patches that are accompanied by intense itching. This reaction has been linked to a malfunction in the body's immune system. People with eczema have lower levels of a particular cytokine (a protein), which helps their immune system function properly. They also have higher levels of a different cytokine protein that prompts allergic reactions. This imbalance of cytokines is most likely to blame for confusing the immune system and causing it to create the inflammation.
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