Eczema: The Grab Bag Diagnosis For Skin Diseases

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.

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.

Common Skin Problems

The skin is our body's largest organ. Changes in skin appearance may be caused by something as minor as acne or they can signal a more serious underlying condition. Rashes, strange spots, itchiness, and other changes in texture and color may be the result of infection, allergic reaction, or other chronic skin disorder. Listed below are some common adult skin problems at a glance. Incidence varies depending on your age and other factors like skin types, racial background, and occupation.

1. Acne

Around 80% of Americans will have acne at some point in their lives. Incidence in both men and women peaks in the teenage years is because of hormonal influence. Acne is the most common skin condition especially in young adult, but it's usually the least severe.

Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples which occurs when the tiny pores on the surface of the skin become clogged. When glands produce too much oil, the skin pores can become blocked and dirt, bacteria, and cells build up. Acne may come in many forms such as whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, or nodular and cystic acne which may leave scars. The most common locations affected are the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back.

2. Eczema

Eczema or dermatitis is a term used to describe a group of conditions where skin is inflamed, red, dry, and itchy. It is a chronic noncontagious condition that may come and go over time. The exact cause is unknown, but stress, allergens, chemical irritants like soap or cosmetics, and weather changes can trigger flare-ups.

There are three types of dermatitis: atopic dermatitic, allergic contact dermatitis, and nummular dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is usually seen in children and many people outgrow it by adulthood. In adult, it often occurs on the hands and feet, and in bending areas such as inside the elbows and behind the knees. Allergic contact dermatitis usually starts in adulthood and is related to allergens in fragrances, cosmetics, or metallic elements. Nummular dermatitis is a condition in which itchy, coin-shaped spots or patches appear on the skin. It usually affects elderly men.

3. Moles

Moles or nevi are very common. Almost every adult, especially people with light skin, has a few moles that generally appears in teenage years until the middle ages. A number of 10 to 40 moles is normal. Moles can grow anywhere on the body in form of black or brown spots. Some moles may undergone changes in size and colors over the years. While most are harmless, some moles have a higher risk of becoming cancerous. If a mole starts to grow, itch, or bleed, make an appointment to see a dermatologist and have it evaluated.

4. Hives

Also known as urticaria, hives are raised, often itchy, red welts (wheals) on the surface of the skin. They are usually an allergic reaction to foods, medicines, temperature changes, and bacterial or viral infections. Hives may appear anywhere on the body varying in sizes and may last from minutes to days. They are generally harmless and disappear on their own, but a small number of cases can develop into severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Seek emergency help if your hives are accompanied by tongue or face swelling and shortness of breath.

5. Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes skin rashes and irritation with thick red plaques covered with white or silvery scales. The condition usually begins between ages 15 to 35 and may come and go throughout life. It usually affects the elbows, knees, and lower back. Certain forms affect particular areas like the hands, scalp or the joints. Psoriarsis is non contagious and the exact cause is unknown. However, the immune system seems to play an important part in the development of this disease and it is now proposed that psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder.

6. Warts

Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Common warts usually appear on the fingers or hands. They usually do not cause pain unless they are repeated rubbed against. Warts spread from person to person or via direct contact or indirectly through things used by a person with the virus. In most cases, warts are harmless, painless, and go away on their own.

7. Shingles 

Shingles or herpes zoster is a painful, blistering skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It usually starts with burning, tingling, or painful rash which develop into blisters that last about two to three weeks. Shingles may develop in any age group, but elderly people and those with weakened immune system are at higher risk. It can appear anywhere, but often affects the trunk, buttocks, or the face. Most people recover, but sometimes the pain in the area where the shingles occurred may last from months to years.

Fighting the Sun: Sunscreen and Other Options

Know your enemy: ultraviolet radiation

It's not the sun that you actually want to fight, it's the ultraviolet radiation. The highest concentration of ultraviolet occurs between 10 am to 4 pm. So these are the times when you want to avoid getting exposed to sunlight, or at least use extra protection if you can't do so.

There are two types of ultraviolet that can harm your skin: UVA and UVB. UVA rays may penetrate deep into your skin, suppress your defense system, and eventually be responsible for wrinkles and age spots. UVA rays can even penetrate glass and clouds so you still need to protect yourself even when it's cloudy or you're in a place with a lot of windows. UVB rays may burn your skin. Prolonged exposure to both UVA and UVB rays raises the risk of getting skin tumors and malignancy, such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.

A good sunscreen offers protection from all types of UV light, but there are other ways to protect yourself from the sun. Protective clothings like long sleeve shirt, long pants, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hat can also considerably reduce the harmful effects of UV exposure.

What is SPF?

remember to take other protective measures against ultraviolet

Every sunscreen have a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number. This number measures how well the sunscreen deflects UVB rays. There's no standard for measuring protection against UVA. Theoretically, the higher the SPF, the better. Sunscreens with an SPF of 2 to 14 can advertise protection from sunburn, but they don't reduce skin cancer risk or early skin aging. 

In general, look for water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Broad spectrum sunscreen means it provide protection to both UVA and UVB. Apply the sunscreen evenly and thick enough onto your skin around 30 minutes before going outdoors. Always remember that even water-resistant sunscreen will wear off after awhile. Reapply sunscreen after two hours or immediately after swimming.

Always remember that sunscreen use must be accompanied by other preventive measures, such as protective clothing and avoiding midday sun, in order to actually reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.

10 Simple Ways to Reduce Wrinkles

There are cheaper and more practical ways than applying expensive night creams to help keep the lines off your your features. Here's how:

1. Lay on your back when you're sleeping. Laying on your side causes wrinkles on your cheeks and chin, while facing down gives you a furrowed brow.
2. Avoid repeating the same facial expressions or maintaining it for long periods of time. Forcing your facial muscles to overwork forms grooves which eventually become wrinkles. Wear reading glasses to prevent you from squinting or sunglasses to avoid glares.

   

   wear reading glasses to avoid squinting

3. Don't wash your face too often. If you do this, you wash away the natural oils and takes away moisture that protect against wrinkles.
4. Drink enough water. Hydration is important to maintain healthy skin.
5. Eat more fish, especially salmon. Cold water fish contains high level of omega 3 fatty acid that will nourish and keep your skin to look and feel younger.

6. 

   drink enough water

   Eat or apply soy. Soy may help protect or even heal your skin from some of the sun's photoaging damage.
7. Drink cocoa. Epicatchin and catechin in cocoa protects your skin from sun damage, improve circulation and make the skin look and feel smoother.
8. Get enough sleep. When you are sleep-deprived, the body produces more cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells.
9. AHA, retinoids, vitamin C. Most of these antioxidants can be found in fruit. Applying them topically in form of mask will help reduce those fine lines.
10. Don't smoke. Avoid second-hand smoking as well. Cigarette smoke breaks down skin collagen and elastin. Your skin will be thinner and more fragile.