Eczema is an inflammation of the epidermis characterized by itchy eruptions in the skin. A broad range of persistent and recurring skin infections come under the category of eczema.
It's a long-lasting (chronic) condition that may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever and is most often seen in infants and children, but it can continue into adulthood or first appear later in life.
Although eczema may affect virtually any area, it classically involves skin on the arms and behind the knees.
The exact cause of eczema is not known, but is likely due to a combination of dry, irritated skin together with a malfunction in the body's immune system. Stress and other emotional disorders can worsen eczema, but they don't cause it.
Eczema often occurs along with allergies and frequently runs in families in which other family members have asthma or hay fever.
Eczema is an allergic reaction of hypersensitivity type and causes inflammation of the skin. It is a chronic condition.
The types of eczema’s are as follows:-
Atopic Dermatitis also known as Infantile Dermatitis is considered due to hereditary reasons and is often seen running in families having history of asthma and hay fever.
Contact Dermatitis, which is of two types allergic and irritant. It is the most common occupational skin disease. It is curable provided the offending substance is avoided and its traces is removed from one’s environment.
Xerotic Dermatitis, also referred to as Winter Itch, is characterized by dryness of skin leading to itching and pruritus. It is commonly seen amongst the older population and it worsens in dry winter weather, affecting the skin of the limbs and trunk wherein the dry itchy skin becomes tender and resembles a dry river bed.
Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as Cradle Cap in infants, is the common type of eczema. It closely resembles dandruff. In newborns it causes a thick, yellow crusty scalp rash called cradle cap which seems related to lack of biotin, and is often curable.
There also some less common eczema are dyshidrosis (housewife’s eczema), Discoid Eczema, Venous Eczema; Dermatitis Herpetiformis, Neurodermatitis (scratch dermatitis), Autoeczematization (Id Reaction) and eczema due to medications, viruses, foods and chemicals.
Eczema is diagnosed based upon physical examination of the skin and a review of the medical history. Rarely skin biopsy may be taken but it is not always necessary.
Treatment is not available for eczema. Treatment is only to relieve the symptoms of itching and inflammation. It depends upon the stage of the lesion. Oral anti-histamines are given to relieve itching. Corticosteroids are used for the treatment of eczema. The potency of the steroid depends upon the severity of the eczema. In severe cases injections of corticosteroids are given but they are not recommended for prolonged period of time. Immune-modulators may be used. They suppress the immune response of the affected area.
If there are secondary bacterial skin infections then antibiotics are given. Light therapy or phototherapy may be given. In this, a controlled amount of natural sunlight, ultraviolet A or ultraviolet B light is given. It may be given alone or in combination with the medications.
Use of moisturizers and avoiding strong soaps, detergents, powders and perfumes are recommended. Lotions to prevent loss of moisture may be used.
Eczema is a chronic condition but the symptoms can be controlled by avoiding exposure to agents causing irritation. It may disappear in young adulthood.
If the symptoms of eczema do not subside by using moisturizers or avoiding allergens or if there is an infection due to eczema then it is better to contact the health care provider.
Breast fed children are less likely to have eczema but the nursing mother should avoid cow’s milk in her diet. Avoiding exposure to all types of allergens especially for infants can prevent eczema. It may be from food, air, soaps or skin care products. Allergy to certain allergens vary from person to person, therefore, individuals must find out the things unsuitable for their own body and avoid them. Foods containing Omega 3 can reduce the symptoms.
