| Eczema is a skin condition characterized by inflammation of the skin which results in a type of dermatitis. Thus, the term ‘eczema’ refers to a broad range of persistentor chronic skin conditions which may also include dryness and rashes which may be accompanied by reddening of the skin, local swelling, itching, flaking, cracking,oozing or bleeding. As the lesions heal, temporary skin discoloration may appear and even scarring is possible at times. | |
Types of eczema
Eczema can be classified on the basis of: - location of the lesions,
- specific type of appearance and
- cause of appearance.
In addition, eczemas may be caused by allergies or may be due to non-allergic causes.
| | Some of the common eczemas include the following. | Atopic Eczema or atopic dermatitis - This is also known as infantile or flexural Eczema.
- It is believed to be hereditary.
- Also associated with asthma or hay fever in most sufferers.
- Presents as an itchy rash that can appear on hair-covered regions such as the head, scalp and neck as well as in joint flexures of the elbows,knees and the buttocks.
- This condition needs to be assessed and treated carefully with appropriate medication and therapy to minimize the possible complications.
Contact dermatitis - This may be of two types; allergic or irritant.
- The condition can be aggravated by exposure to sunlight and can metamorphose into a condition called phototoxic dermatitis.
- More than 70% of this type of Eczema is caused by irritant substances and are a common manifestation of occupational diseases.
- This condition can be treated effectively to bring about a cure and recurrence can be avoided by the elimination of the harmful substance from one’s environs.
Xerotic eczema - Also known as asteatotic dermatitis or eczema, winter itch or craquele.
- Primarily caused by aggravation of dry skin that becomes serious enough to turn into Eczema.
- The areas that are most commonly affected include the limbs and the trunk.
- The affected skin area has obvious cracks and appears like a dry or parched riverbed.
- This condition has a higher incidence in older people and, of late, even among young children or babies due to overzealous hygiene practices.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis - This condition is also known as ‘cradle cap’ and is prevalent in very young children or babies.
- It is believed to be caused by the same fungal organism that is responsible for causing dandruff.
- Symptoms include dry or greasy peeling of the affected areas, especially over the scalp, eyebrow, face and region behind the ears.
- This condition is believed to be harmless except when it acquires a secondary bacterial infection that can spread within the body and can become life threatening.
- Treatment involves keeping the affected region clean and applying natural oils that have antibacterial properties, such as olive or coconut oils.
Some of the less common eczemas
Dyshidrosis - This is a type of hand Eczema which commonly appears on the palms, soles and over the sides of the fingers and toes.
- It is aggravated during warm and humid climates,which increase sweating.
Discoid eczema - This is characterized by circular spots of oozing or dry rash with clearly marked boundaries and is more common on the lower part of the legs.
- Recurrence and aggravation are higher in winter or in cold climates.
Venous eczema - This is also known as gravitational dermatitis and occurs in individuals with impaired blood circulation or longstanding Varicose Veins or Edema.
- This condition begins with initial discoloration of the skin that is followed by scaling and itching and eventually results in an ulcer.
| Neurodermatitis - This is also known as scratch dermatitis and results from frequent scratching or rubbing.
- The affected area usually has a thickened, darkened Eczema and can appear as a single lesion.
- Treatment involves conscious behavior modification and anti-inflammatory drugs.
In addition to these, there are other eczemas which can occur following certain viral infections or in the presence of an underlying malignant disease as well as from certain medications, foods and chemicals. | |
Treating Eczema
Accurate diagnosis of the type and cause of the Eczema is crucial to providing effective treatment and cure. Some medications that are used in the treatment and management of flares of this skin condition include: - Corticosteroids which help in lessening the local skin irritation and the more upsetting symptoms such as itching.
- Drugs which modify the body’s immune response are used in cases where the Eczema appears to be mediated by immune reactions.
- Antibiotics are used to treat and cure secondary infections that may have set in once the normal protective skin barrier has been disrupted.
- Antihistamines are also used to reduce the itching caused by the reactions within the affected skin.
| How to avoid eczema
There are several ways in which an individual prone to Eczema can avoid development of this irritating, disfiguring and sometimes life-threatening skin disorder. - It is imperative to avoid developing dry skin throughout the year.
- This can be achieved by using appropriate moisturizers.
- Soaps should be selected based on their mildness to sensitive skin and should not be used excessively.
- Emollients can also be used as alternatives to moisturizers.
- Cosmetic products such as powders and perfumes are best avoided on eczema-prone skin.
- It would be better to use a non-soap-based cleanser during periods of aggravation.
- An alternative to soap in cleansing dry skin is yoghurt.
- It is preferable to avoid the use of loofahs or any other abrasive agents while using soap over dry skin.
- All skincare products should be screened carefully to avoid using an agent that can trigger an allergic flare that may cause significant discomfort and disfigurement before it settles down.
- Skin should never be rubbed roughly after a bath or after washing, but instead only patted dry.
- Keeping one’s environs clean of dust and other irritants is also beneficial to avoiding the development of Eczema.
- A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid, has been found to be helpful in preventing and treating Eczema.
- Cotton clothes are preferable to synthetic material, especially as inner-wear in individuals afflicted with or prone to Eczema.
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