Eczema
Eczema, also called dermatitis, is an irritation mainly caused by allergies. Symptoms of eczema include inflammation of the skin, itchiness, the appearance of blisters, scaling and thickening of the skin. Eczema typically appears on face, elbows, knees and arms, but hands and feet also common areas where eczema can flare up.
Eczema is distinguished by its various types - including allergic contact dermatitis, atopic eczema, irritant contact dermatitis, infantile seborrhoeic eczema (also known as cradle cap), adult seborrhoeic dermatitis, varicose eczema and discoid eczema. Eczema can be treated with prescribed cortisone cream in combination with lotions or immunomodulators (medications that increases the body’s immune response).
Moisturizing the skin is a must for people with eczema. Additional treatments include light therapy; which makes use of ultraviolet lights such as PUVA, UVB and Narrow Band UVB. Chinese herbal medicine has also been used to effectively treat eczema.
To prevent eczema from getting worse take shorter and less frequent baths and showers. Also avoid directly washing the affected areas. Harsh soaps, detergents, cleaners and lotions should also be avoided. It’s also beneficial to keep the skin cool and dry by wearing loose fitting cotton materials. The worse thing you can do is scratch your eczema when it feels itchy. Scratching affected areas will damage your skin and aggravate eczema further.
Types of eczema:
Infantile seborrhoeic eczema (baby eczema) - A common condition affecting babies under one year old, the exact cause of which is unknown. Also referred to as cradle cap, it usually starts on the scalp or the nappy area and quickly spreads. Although this type of eczema looks unpleasant, it is not sore or itchy and does not cause the baby to feel uncomfortable or unwell. Normally this type of eczema will clear in just a few months, though the use of moisturizing creams and bath oils can help to speed this along.
Atopic eczema - Atopic eczema is the commonest form of eczema and is closely linked with asthma and hayfever. It can affect both children and adults, usually running in families. One of the most common symptoms of atopic eczema is its itchiness (or pruritis), which can be almost unbearable. Other symptoms include overall dryness of the skin, redness and inflammation. Constant scratching can also cause the skin to split, leaving it prone to infection. In infected eczema the skin may crack and weep (‘wet’ eczema). Treatments include emollients to maintain skin hydration and steroids to reduce inflammation.
Allergic contact dermatitis - Develops when the body’s immune system reacts against a substance in contact with the skin. The allergic reaction often develops over a period of time through repeated contact with the substance. For example, an allergic reaction may occur to nickel, which is often found in earrings, belt buckles and jeans buttons. Reactions can also occur after contact with other substances such as perfumes and rubber. In order to prevent repeated reactions it is best to prevent contact with anything that you know causes a rash.
Irritant contact dermatitis - This is a type of eczema caused by frequent contact with everyday substances, such as detergents and chemicals, which are irritating to the skin. It most commonly occurs on the hands of adults and can be prevented by avoiding the irritants and keeping the skin moisturized.
Adult seborrhoeic eczema - Characteristically affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40. It is usually seen on the scalp as mild dandruff, but can spread to the face, ears and chest. The skin becomes red, inflamed and starts to flake. The condition is believed to be caused by a yeast growth. If the condition becomes infected, treatment with an anti-fungal cream may be necessary.
Varicose eczema - Varicose eczema affects the lower legs of those in their middle to late years, being caused by poor circulation. Commonly the skin around the ankles is affected, becoming speckled, itchy and inflamed. Treatment is with emollients and steroid creams. If left untreated, the skin can break down, resulting in an ulcer.
Discoid eczema - Is usually found in adults and appears suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red skin, normally on the trunk or lower legs. They become itchy and can weep fluid. Usually discoid eczema is treated with emollients (and steroid creams if necessary).
