Eczema

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is an inflammation of the skin. Eczema can emerge on any part of the body. It occurs when the skin is dry or oily. The ascendant symptom is itching, which can be severe. Eczema is not infectious. The most common type of Eczema is atopic eczema. Eczema is a cluster of skin conditions which can affect all age groups. The austerity of the disease can vary. It frequently affects the insides of the elbows, backs of the knees, and the face, but can cover most of the body.

Eczema is a basic term encompassing different inflamed skin conditions. Eczema is a heterogeneous group of various non-infectious skin diseases that may be caused by irritative as well as immune intermediaries and lead to pathological changes in the epidermis and upper dermis (corium). Nearly 10 percent to 20 percent of the world population is influenced by this chronic, relapsing, and very fidgety rash at some point during childhood. In general, atopic dermatitis will come and go, generally based on external factors.

Though its cause is unknown, the condition appears to be an abnormal retroaction of the body's immune system. Some things which may irritate your skin involve household cleansers, detergents, aftershave lotions, soap, gasoline, turpentine and other solvents. Try to avoid contact with things which make you break out with eczema. As soaps and wetness can cause skin irritation, wash your hands only when important, especially if you have eczema on your hands.

The word 'atopic' defines people with certain 'allergic' tendencies. All the same, atopic eczema is not just a normal allergic condition. Reasons of eczema depends upon the type of eczema the person is suffering from. Eczema is regarded to be hereditary. Excess stress, heat and emotional stress are other aggravators of eczema. Occassionally blood circulation problem in the leg can also cause eczema. Insufficiency of vitamin B6 causes eczema. It is the most common category of skin diseases. Eczema occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy.

Eczema makes the skin more sensitive, so you may notice that you are more irritated by cosmetics, soaps, detergents, etc. Eczema in infants is most often seen as a patch below the chin or cradle cap. Eczema is not life-threatening. Many people who have eczema also suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do. People having eczema also may have asthma and certain allergies, such as hay fever. For few, food allergies (such as allergies to cow's milk, soy, eggs, fish, or wheat) may bring on or worsen eczema.

Some people who have eczema scratch their skin so much it becomes almost leathery in texture. Others find which their skin becomes excessively dry and scaly. For some people with harsh eczema, ultraviolet light therapy can help clear up the condition. Newer medications that change the way the skin's immune system reacts may also help.

Causes of Eczema

The common causes and risk factor's of Eczema include the following:

Specific allergies to foods.
Dyshidrotic dermatitis often appears during times of stress.
Environmental Factors.
Physical irritants, such as clothes made of rough or scratchy fabrics, like wool.
Infections of any kind.
Chemical irritants, such as pesticides, paint strippers, alcohol, astringents, perfumes, harsh soaps, detergents, and household cleaners.
Dust mites and pollen.

Symptoms of Eczema

Some sign and symptoms related to Eczema are as follows:

The skin becomes dry and leathery after repeated syndrome.
Small bumps appear on the cheeks and forehead.
Itchy blisters.
Inflammation on skin.
Allergic shiners (dark rings around the eyes).
Crusting.
Rash inside the elbow.
Difficulty sleeping - because of the itch.
Hyperpigmented eyelids.
Atopic pleat (Dennie-Morgan fold) - extra fold of skin under eye.

Treatment of Eczema

Here is list of the methods for treating Eczema:

Keep the skin moist with lotions and ointments to reduce hallmarks.
Topical steroids are usually used in addition to moisturizers if eczema symptoms do not improve and the affected area becomes severely irritated and swollen.
Cold compresses applied directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itchin.
Phototherapy (ultraviolet A or B light therapy) may be used when all other avenues of topical and oral treatments have been exhausted.
Antihistamines taken by mouth are often used to reduce the itching associated with eczema.
If your lichen simplex chronicus worsens and you can't regulate it, return to the office so we can acclimate your medications, or inject the area with hydrocortisones.
Oral antibiotics may be used for skin infections that arise at the site of an eczema flare-up.

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