What is eczema?
Eczema or dermatitis is often used as the grab bag diagnosis for skin disorder. If the skin lesion is red and you can't think of anything else that's causing it, put it under eczema or dermatitis until proven otherwise. That shows how wide the range of symptoms is. The term is broadly applied to a family of skin conditions that causes inflammation to the skin that may result in redness, swelling, itchiness, dryness, crusting, blistering, oozing, or even bleeding. It is a chronic non contagious condition that may flare-up periodically and then subside for a time.
The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It usually affect infants as early as age 2 to 6 months. According to American Academy of Dermatology, most (90%) of people develop atopic dermatitis by age 5 years. Many people outgrow the condition, but some cases persist until adulthood.
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| People with atopic dermatitis may have other allergic related conditions such as asthma or hay fever. |
The term 'atopic' refers to an allergic tendency of this condition. People with atopic dermatitis may have other allergic related conditions such as asthma or hay fever. The exact cause is unknown, but it's likely due to a combination of malfunctioning immune system, skin irritability, and environmental factors. Stress, dry air, viral illness like common cold or the flu, sudden weather changes, chemicals in cosmetics, fragrances, or soap, skin contact with rough materials like wool, contact with common allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites, long hot baths, and excessive sweating may trigger flare-ups.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
Atopic dermatitis may affect any area of your skin, but it usually appears on the hands and feet, and in bending areas such as inside the elbows and behind the knees. In young children, it may affect the face (including the eyelids), the scalp, neck, and upper chest. It tends to flare periodically and then subside.
Signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis may include: - Itching, which may be severe, especially at night. Often times, scratching the rashes can make it even itchier, causing an itch-scratch cycle that's difficult to break.
- Oozing or crusting blisters, especially in young children.
- Red to brownish patches, usually in older children or adultsThickened, cracked or scaly leather-like skin which occur after long periods of irritation
- Raw, sensitive skin from scratching
What is the treatment?
Early treatment will keep atopic dermatitis from worsening. The more severe it becomes, the more difficult it is to control. Treatment plan aims to reduce inflammation, relieve itching and prevent future flare-ups. In mild cases, over-the-counter anti-itch creams and other self care measures such as avoid scratching and keeping the skin moist with moisturizer or air humidifier may help control the symptoms.
In moderate to severe cases, prescribed medications like topical or oral corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, and antibiotics. Immunomodulators and phototherapy may be given in very severe cases that do not respond to other forms of treatment.
