Eczema

Eczema is a broad term, used for various types of skin swellings. It’s also called dermatitis. Eczema refers to the conditions in which there is superficial inflammatory process involving the epidermis mainly, the top most layer of the skin. It’s marked by minute papules, oozing and crusting vesicles that turn into scales, lichenification or pigments later on.

Eczema isn’t a dangerous condition and most types of eczema cause swollen, red and itchy skin. It can develop in any part of the body.  People suffering with eczema are at a higher risk of developing various allergic conditions like hay fever and asthma.

Various factors that can cause eczema include:

-       Allergies

-       Irritating substances including:

o   Synthetic and woolen clothing

o   Soaps

-       Dry skin

-       Heat and sweat

-       Dry and cold climates

-       Other diseases

-       Genetic

Eczema is not contagious, i.e., it doesn’t spread from one person to another directly.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema.

It’s a chronic disease and avoiding various allergens, irritants and stress can prevent most types of dermatitis.

Types of eczema

There are various types of eczema, including:

-       Atopic dermatitis

-       Allergic contact dermatitis

-       Contact eczema

-       Dyshidriotic eczema

-       Seborrheic dermatitis

-       Neurodermatitis

-       Nummular eczema

-       Stasis dermatitis

-       Varicose eczema

-       Discoid eczema

Causes of eczema

Exact cause of eczema is still unknown, however environmental factors combined with hereditary factors are believed to be the cause.

Environmental factors that are known to cause eczema symptoms include:

-       Irritants

o   Soaps

o   Shampoos

o   Detergents

o   Disinfectants

o   Food items

§  Meat

§  Vegetables

§  Fresh fruit juices

-       Allergens

o   Dandruff

o   Pollens

o   Dust mites

o   Pets

-       Microbes

o   Bacteria, including:

§  Staphylococcus aureus

o   Viruses

o   Fungi

-       Extreme temperatures – both hot and cold

o   Hot weather

o   High humidity

o   Low humidity

o   Perspiration due to exercise

-       Foods

o   Dairy products

o   Nuts

o   Seeds

o   Eggs

o   Wheat

o   Soy products

-       Stress

o   Doesn’t cause eczema but can worsen the symptoms

-       Hormones

o   Any event or disease causing hormonal imbalance

o   In women:

§  Pregnancy

§  Changes during menstrual cycle

Symptoms of eczema

Symptoms of eczema vary in different age groups.

Eczema in infants

In infants, eczema appears as:

-       Rashes appearing on cheeks and scalp usually

-       Rashes bubble up and then start weeping the fluid

-       Rash is sometimes extremely itchy, leading to sleeping issues in infants

-       Continuous scratching and rubbing of the affected skin can lead to infections

Eczema in children from 2 years age to puberty

In children from 2 years to puberty, the symptoms are:

-       Rashes appearing behind the knees and elbows creases

-       Rash can also appear on wrists, ankles, neck and crease between legs and buttock

As the eczema progresses, the symptoms can appear as:

-       Bumpy rashes, like Goosebumps

-       Change in color of the rash, to dark or light

-       Thickening of the rash, called lichenification, resulting in knots development and permanent itch

Eczema in adults

In adults, eczema symptoms include:

-       Rash around nape of neck, elbow and knees creases

-       Much of the body covered with rash

-       Prominent rash around eyes, face and neck

-       Very dry skin due to rash

-       Permanently itchy rash

-       Scaly skin caused by rash

-       Infections due to rash

Those adults who developed eczema in their childhood but don’t have the condition anymore, can still experience the symptoms of eczema like dry skin that’s easily irritated, eye issues and eczema on hands.

Scratching and rubbing the skin affected by dermatitis irritates it further, increasing itch and worsening the inflammation.

Diagnosing eczema

Eczema is diagnosed mainly on the basis of patient’s medical history and examination and by seeing the symptoms. The doctor will inquire regarding family history of similar symptoms, allergies, exposure to any irritants, any aggravating factors including food items, use of medicines in past especially steroids, etc.

Your doctor might like to rule out any possibility of allergic reactions or other conditions that cause skin irritations by doing tests like:

-       Patch testing

-       Skin prick testing

-       Supervised food challenges

Treatment of eczema

There is no complete cure of eczema, however treatment options are aimed towards healing the affected part of skin and to prevent any flaring of the symptoms in future.

The treatment plan depends upon the patient’s age, state of health and their symptoms.

Various management options that help in reduction of the symptoms of eczema include:

-       Take warm baths regularly

-       Moisturize everyday, preferably within 3 minutes after taking bath

-       Wear soft and cotton fabrics

-       Use non-soap cleanser or a mild soap only

-       Don’t rub the skin to dry it

-       Avoid rapid temperature changes and activities that make you sweat

-       Learn about eczema triggers and avoid them

-       Use humidifier in extreme cold or dry weather

-       Avoid scratching and keep nails short’

Medication for eczema includes:

-       Topical steroids

-       Antibiotics

-       Anti-fungal and anti-viral medicines

-       Antihistamines

-       Topical calcineurin inhibitors

-       Phototherapy

-       Barrier repair moisturizers

-       Probiotics

If you’re experiencing any symptoms related to eczema, consult your doctor to get the best possible treatment in your specific case.