ECZEMA

Eczema or dermatitis is the medical term for a skin flare-up where patches of skin become itchy, red, oozing or dry and inflamed. It is a hypersensitive skin reaction. Atopic dermatitis is a common form of eczema. It can be acute, subacute or chronic.

CAUSES

It is usually common among children but it can occur at any age. It has been found to occur from:
• Some foods, like nuts and dairy, can trigger symptoms
• Environmental factors like smoke and pollen can also trigger symptoms
• A patient’s age also determines the extent of the symptoms

Symptoms

The patients suffering from eczema exhibit the following symptoms:
• Dry skin
• Severe Itching
• Red to brownish-gray patches on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees.
• Bumps, which are small and raised bumps, might leak fluid if scratched
• Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
• Raw, sensitive and swollen skin from scratching

Types of Eczema

There are different types of Eczema:
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis is a skin reaction following contact with a substance or allergen that the immune system recognizes as foreign.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema is a skin irritation that appears on the palms of hands and the soles of the feet, usually characterized by blisters.

• Neurodermatitis forms scaly patches of skin on the head, forearms, wrists, and lower legs. This is caused by a localized itch due to insect bites etc.
• Nummular Eczema is the formation of circular patches of irritated skin that can be crusted, scaly, and itchy.
• Seborrheic Eczema forms oily, scaly, yellowish patches of skin on the scalp and face.
• Stasis Dermatitis is a skin irritation that appears on the lower leg, usually caused due to the circulatory problems.

Complications

Eczema can cause the following complications:

• Asthma and hay fever
• Chronic itchy and scaly skin
• Skin infections
• Irritant hand dermatitis.
• Sleep problems
• Allergic contact dermatitis

Eczema Treatment

The treatment provided is usually to manage the symptoms and it focuses on healing the damaged skin and reducing the symptoms. Eczema cannot be cured fully.

• Antihistamines will help in controlling the itch.
• Corticosteroid cream or ointment will help in reducing the itch. Cool compresses might be applied on the affected area before applying this cream.
• For more severe reactions, you might be prescribed steroids to control the swelling. These are usually taken orally.
• Calcineurin inhibitors reduce the immune response that causes red, itchy skin.
• Antibiotics treat skin infections.
• Light therapy exposes skin to ultraviolet light to heal your rash.