Eczema is a skin condition caused by inflammation of the skin. Eczema may develop at any age group and is usually an inflammation. Children are more affected with eczema than other age groups. Eczema appears at any part of the body. The skin becomes itchy, dry and red. It can crack or become leathery. Researches reveal that there is a greater risk for developing asthma and hay fever for those who are previously affected with Eczema

TYPES :

There are many types of Eczema.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common one. It is the most severe and long-lasting type. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a pruritic disease of unknown origin that usually starts in early infancy. Many patients have acute flares with red, inflamed, blisters and patches, sometime fluid oozing from it. In between flares, the skin may either appear normal, or dry, thickened and itchy.

Hand Eczema is otherwise known as hand dermatitis. It affects up to 10% of general population. It occurs over the palms and soles, and may be difficult or impossible to differentiate from atopic dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis is when the skin come in contact with certain substances, there may be initiation of inflammatory response.

Seborrheic dermatitis is also a common type of eczema. Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting areas of the head and trunk where sebaceous glands are most prominent.

Nummular dermatitis which is otherwise known as discoid eczema, which can occur at any age. It is characterized by round or oval-shaped itchy lesions.

Dyshidrotic Eczema is twice common among women and is limited to the fingers, palms and soles of feet. It is a blistering type of eczema

Neurodermatitis is an itchy skin disease similar to atopic dermatitis. It is also known as lichen simplex chronicus. It is a skin disorder characterized by itching and scratching a particular area for a long time. Continuous scratching make the affected part of skin more leathery and spreads to the larger area. It is usually associated with some psychological disorders like nervousness, anxiety, depression.

Stasis dermatitis or otherwise called venous stasis dermatitis is more prone to develop when there is a problem in the veins of lower extremities occur. Symptoms are itching, scaling, hyper-pigmentation, and sometimes ulceration.

CAUSES :

The exact cause of Eczema is still unknown. An overactive, hyper-responsive immune system or a sensitive skin is thought to an important predisposing factor for the development of Eczemas.

It is identified that eczema is caused due to combination of multiple risk factors.

1. Abnormalities in the immune system

2. Family History or Hereditary.

3. Environmental factors

4. Certain fabrics

5. Irritable skin

6. Stress

7. Climatic alterations

8. Medications

It is important to know the facts about Eczema.

• Eczema is not a contagious disease. It does not spread from one person to other.

• Eczema is not an allergic reaction. But eczema have a greater association with other allergies. Eg: Food allergy.

• Eczema tends to run in families.

• Eczema is more common among children born to older women than those born to young aged women.

• Those residing in colder climate, high economic group and in urban region are more likely to develop eczema.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS :

• Severe itching

• Red, inflamed skin

• Dry, sensitive skin

• Cracks, leathery patches

• Swelling over areas of skin

• Crusts over skin

• Recurring rashes

• Scaly skin

• Dark colored patches of skin

 
DIAGNOSIS :

There is no single diagnostic tests for eczema. A thorough history collection with due emphasis on the risk factors is vital. Clinical examination of the skin is an important measure to diagnose Eczema.

TREATMENT :

Good skin care is vital in controlling eczema. For mild cases of eczema, modifications in the lifestyle and proper skin care is enough for the recovery. But for severe types, appropriate medical help is needed.

Medications and other treatments for eczema include:

• Corticosteroids: This can be applied to the skin as ointments and topical creams in mild forms of Eczema. But for severe cases, an oral steroid is usually prescribed by the dermatologist.

• Antihistamines. Oral antihistamines may help to relieve symptoms. Certain antihistamines have drowsiness as its side-effects. Hence the patient is advised to refrain from alertness requiring activities.

• Immunosupressants. For persons with hyper-responsive immune response, drugs that suppress the immune system are beneficial.

• Immunomodulator Drugs. Medications are used to regulate the immune response.

• Ultraviolet light therapy. For severe eczemas, treatment with ultravoilet rays are found suitable.

• Moisturizers. These are used to maintain a healthy skin barrier.

PREVENTION :

Eczema can be prevented to some extent through healthy lifestyles.

• Use an appropriate skin moisturizer daily.

• Wear cotton or soft fabrics. Avoid rough, scratchy fibers and tight clothing.

• Take lukewarm baths and showers, using mild soap or non-soap cleanser

• Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel – do not rub.

• Apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing to maintain moisture.

• Avoid rapid exposure to climate changes.

• Identify the triggering factors and refrain from them.

• Use a humidifier during cold season.

• Cut short your fingernails to prevent skin breaking from scratching.

• Use appropriate sandals to prevent allergies to rubber.