Health

Eczema: What’s to know about Eczema?

Eczema: It is a condition in which patches of skin become itchy, red, inflamed, rough and cracked. The term eczema is specifically used to talk about its most common i.e. atopic dermatitis where “atopic” refers to a group of diseases which also involves the immune system and “dermatitis” refers to inflammation of the skin. It is not a contagious condition. Symptoms may vary depending upon the factors like age and can be triggered through environmental factors like pollen and smoke.

Table of Contents

Types of eczema

  • Neurodermatitis -Here in this condition scaly patches are formed on the head, wrist, under legs and forearms.
  • Allergic contact dermatitis – A skin reaction when comes in contact with an allergen that the immune system recognises as foreign.
  • Dyshidrotic eczema – Irritation on the palms and soles of the feet.
  • Nummular eczema – Circular patches that can itchy, scaly and crusted.
  • Stasis dermatitis – Related to circulatory problems usually irritation on the lower leg.
  • Seborrheic eczema – Yellowish, oily, scaly patches of the skin are formed usually on the scalp and face.

Symptoms of eczema

Maximum people develop atopic dermatitis early before the age of 5 and continue to have this condition as an adult. This may occur in infants causing scaly and dry patches on the skin which are often itchy.

    • Symptoms in infants
    • Rashes which causes extreme itchiness
    • Rashes which commonly appear on cheeks and scalp
    • Leaking fluid coming out of rashes
    • Symptoms in children aged 2 years until puberty
    • Rashes can become bumpy
    • Rashes can develop knots and a permanent itch
    • Rashes can lighten or darken in colour
    • Common on areas like neck, wrist, ankles and between the crease of buttocks & legs
    • Commonly appear behind the crease of knees and elbows

I. Symptoms in adults

  • Rashes cover most of the body
  • Can cause very dry skin
  • Can be permanent itchy
  • Prominent on the neck, around the eyes and face
  • Can lead to skin infections
  • More scaly in adults than children

 

Eczema Causes

  • Irritants
  • Microbes
  • Allergens
  • Foods
  • Hot and cold temperature
  • Stress
  • Hormones
  • Genetic

Treatment of eczema

The aim of treating this condition is to heal the affected skin as there is no cure for eczema. Doctors will suggest treatment based on an individual’s state of health, age, and symptoms.

For some, it may go over the time and for some, it remains a lifelong condition.

  1. Home remedies
  • Taking a lukewarm water bath
  • Moisturizing every day
  • Learning and avoiding eczema triggers
  • Using mild soap while washing
  • Keep a humidifier in hot and cold temperature
  • Avoid rapid changes in temperature which makes you sweat
  • Air dry or gently patting skin with a dry towel
    2.Medications
  • Antibiotics
  • Systemic corticosteroids
  • Topical corticosteroids creams and ointments
  • Antiviral and antifungal medicines
  • Antihistamines
  • Phototherapy
  • Barrier repair moisturizers
  • Topical calcineurin inhibitors

Even though this condition is not curable, it is important that we must keep looking after it and avoid it to get in worse condition.

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