 |
 |
|
|
|
|
What is Eczema ?
The term Eczema is from the Greek
word Eczema which means to boil. Eczema is a type of skin
condition in which the skin has an inflamed rash often
accompanied by an intense itching. Eczema and dermatitis are now
generally used to describe the same skin condition. It is a skin
condition that can affect all age groups.
It could range from the mildest form in which the skin is dry,
hot and itchy to the severest form where the skin can become
broken, raw and bleeding. Eczema is not contagious though there
is no cure for it. With treatment, you can control the
inflammation of skin although your skin will always be sensitive
to flare-ups.
Symptoms
• Dry, sensitive skin
• Intense itching
• Red, inflamed rash
• Recurring rash
• Patches of scaly skin
• Rough, leathery patches of skin
• Oozing or crusting
• Swollen areas
• Darkened patches of skin
• Temporary pigment loss
If you notice any of the above symptoms, check with your doctor
to find out if you have eczema.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Causes
The causes of eczema are many and varied, and depend on the
particular type of eczema that a person has. Some of the more
common causes of eczema include:
• Changes in temperature or humidity.
• Chemical irritants, such as pesticides, alcohol, perfumes,
harsh soaps, detergents, and household cleaners.
• Physical irritants, such as rough or scratchy fabrics like
wool.
• Allergies to dust, pollen, mold, animal dander and others.
• Emotional Stress.
• Infections of any kind.
• Sensitivity to certain foods like dairy and wheat products,
citrus fruits, eggs, nuts, chemical food additives,
preservatives and coloring.
• Family history of asthma, hay fever, or eczema. |
|
Diagnosis
Your doctor may evaluate your condition by seeking answers to
the following questions:
• a complete skin examination
• your medical history
• whether it is a chronically recurring rash
• is there intense itching that is consistent with eczema
• tests may be conducted to rule out other possibilities.
Grades of eczema
You can classify eczema based on the degree and length of
activity into the following types:
Acute - This refers to the
rapid onset of the condition. Acute eczema means an area that
recently flared up and is red with blisters and some oozing or
crusts.
Chronic - This refers to how
long the condition has been present. The usual signs of this
type are dry, scaly, thickened and cracked skin.
Infected - This is a
condition in which there are pus filled blisters denoting an
infection.
Types of Eczema
Atopic eczema - This is the
most common form of eczema. It is closely linked to asthma and
hay fever. It can affect both children and adults and is usually
hereditary. Some of the common symptoms of this type are
itchiness that can be almost unbearable, overall dryness of the
skin, redness and inflammation. Constant scratching can also
cause the skin to split which could lead to infection.
Treatments include emollients to maintain skin hydration and
steroids to reduce inflammation.
Allergic contact dermatitis
– As the name suggests, this is a type of eczema in which the
skin gets inflamed as a result of its contact with a substance
that is allergic to it. The allergic reaction often develops
over a period of time through repeated contact with the
substance. Examples include an allergic reaction to nickel that
is found in earrings, belt buckles and jeans buttons, or
perfumes and rubber. The best cure for this type of eczema is
avoiding those substances that cause it.
Irritant contact dermatitis
- This is a type of eczema caused by frequent contact with
common substances like detergents and chemicals that irritate
the skin. It is a commonplace skin condition that occurs on the
hands of adults especially those who work everyday with such
substances. This can be controlled by keeping the skin
moisturized.
|
|
Infantile
seborrhoeic eczema – This is a common condition that
affects babies under one year old and is known as cradle cap. It
usually starts on the scalp or the diaper area and quickly
spreads. It does not cause the baby any discomfort and will
clear in just a few months. Moisturizing creams and bath oils
can be used as treatment.
Adult seborrhoeic eczema -
It is dandruff on the scalp but can also spread to the face,
ears and chest. The skin becomes red, inflamed and starts to
flake.
Varicose eczema - Varicose
eczema is caused by poor circulation and affects the lower legs.
The skin around the ankles becomes speckled, itchy and inflamed.
Treatment is with emollients and steroid creams. If left
untreated, it could lead to ulcer.
|
|
|
|
Discoid
eczema – It is seen as coin shaped areas of red skin,
normally on the trunk or lower legs. The cause is unknown and it
occurs along with dry skin and is most common in winter. The
rashes start as itchy pimples and blisters that later ooze and
form crusts. The rashes are more obvious on the backs of the
arms or legs and on the buttocks but can also be widespread.
While the cause is not known, the treatment is to keep the skin
moisturized and avoid dryness. Most people benefit from skin
moisturizers. Other treatments include antibiotics,
corticosteroid creams and injections, and phototherapy (exposure
to ultraviolet light).
Treatment
Though there is currently no cure for eczema, it is a condition
that can be managed. There are many ways to minimize the
discomfort and distress beginning with effective skin care
routine. Access to accurate information is important as this
allows the person with eczema to make informed choices for
living with the condition. The following are the more commonly
used treatments:
Emollients – To keep the
skin moisturized and reduce water loss, it is essential to use
emollients. This will seal the moisture in thereby reducing dry
skin and itchiness associated with eczema. They are available in
various forms like ointments, creams and lotions. It is
advisable to test a small amount on a small portion of your skin
for sensitivity.
Topical steroids - A steroid
cream may be needed for inflammation. Steroids reduce
inflammation and are used in many types of eczema.
Oral steroids – These are
prescribed for severe cases.
Other treatments – may
include anti-histamines to reduce inflammation, wet wrap
bandaging to soothe dry itchy skin, ultraviolet treatment and
stronger medication. .
Complementary Therapies
There are many complementary therapies in addition, or as an
alternative, to conventional treatments:
• Evening primrose oil
• Aromatherapy and relaxation
• Homeopathy
• Chinese herbal treatments
Keep in mind, though that there has been no scientific proof
that these remedies will work. Since eczema differs from
individual to individual, what works for one may not work for
another.
|
|
Article Contributed By: Jaya Suresh
|
|
|
|
|
