Eczema - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a group of skin conditions which can affect all age groups. The severity of the eczema can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy. In severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding.

Although eczema can sometimes look unpleasant, it is not contagious. With treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced. However, the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care.

Types of Eczema

There are various types of eczema.

• Atopic eczema
• Contact dermatitis
• Varicose eczema
• Discoid eczema
• Hand eczema
• Nummular eczema
• Asteatotic eczema

Causes of Eczema

There are many causes of eczema, but the most common is a general allergic over-sensitivity, called atopy. This sort of eczema is known as atopic eczema, and it is linked with asthma and hay fever. These conditions often run together in a family. Another possible cause of eczema is contact with substances that irritate the skin chemically, called irritant contact dermatitis. This is caused by direct contact between the skin and the substance, which might be adetergent, soap, diesel or engine oil, strong chemical, cleaner, etc. Eczema can also be caused by contact with substances that the body has become allergic to, called allergic contact dermatitis. This type commonly involves nickel, poison ivy, cosmetics, and rubber products. Infantile eczema often affects young babies, and is caused by moisture from drool or inflammation of the scalp (cradle cap). Varicose veins can lead to a form of eczema affecting the lower legs, called stasis dermatitis. This is also known as varicose or gravitational eczema.

Symptoms of Eczema

The rash may appear red, wet and weepy or dry, thickened and scaly. When the disease starts during infancy, it is sometimes called infantile eczema. This is an itchy, crusted rash that tends to be localized principally on the face and scalp, but can appear at the other sites. Scratching often aggravates the rash. The skin thickens and becomes darker. It is a chronic condition. It can affect any part of the body, particularly the elbow bends, back of the knees and the neck.

• severe itchiness
• dry skin
• Redness
• Thickening
• Blisters
• Crusts

Treatment of Eczema

Medical Treatment

Once your health care provider is sure you have eczema, the mainstays of therapy are anti-inflammatory medication and relief from the itching.

Prescription-strength steroid cream and antihistamine medication are the usual treatments.

Diet restrictions and chemical skin-drying agents may also be offered, but their success is controversial.

For severe cases not responding to high-potency steroid cream, alternate treatments may be tried. These include coal tar, PUVA, and chemotherapy agents.

Medications

• Antihistamines - Prescription strength antihistamines relieve symptoms without drowsiness, allowing you to carry on with your normal activities.
• Corticosteroids - A short course of an oral steroid is sometimes given if the rash is severe. A long course is rarely prescribed because of the many side effects.
• Antibiotic pills or an antifungal cream may be prescribed if your health care provider is concerned about infection.