Atopy
About 20% of the population have the inherited condition called atopy, which can lead to various degrees of dry skin or even eczema. People with this problem need to take extra care of their skin.
Atopic skin tends to have a higher than average TEWL and loses water readily. It can be very sensitive to irritants.
No one knows the precise cause of atopy, except that it has a genetic component: 70% of patients with atopic dermatitis have at least one relative who suffers from either eczema, asthma or hay fever.
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