Eczema Causes, Symptoms and Treatments of Eczema

Eczema

Eczema is often called dermatitis or atopic dermatitis, but all of these terms mean the same thing. Eczema is an itchy skin condition which often occurs in families.

Generic term for inflammatory conditions of the skin, particularly with vesiculation in the acute stage, typically erythematous, edematous, papular, and crusting; followed often by lichenification and scaling and occasionally by duskiness of the erythema and, infrequently, hyperpigmentation; often accompanied by sensations of itching and burning; the vesicles form by intraepidermal spongiosis; often hereditary and associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma.

There are various types of eczema, with slightly different causes and symptoms. This fact sheet will focus on atopic eczema but the other types are described as: Allergic contact eczema,Irritant contact eczemaSeborrhoeic eczema & Varicose eczema.

Causes of Eczema
You cannot catch eczema. It does not spread from one person to another.
The cause of eczema is thought to be a combination of hereditary (genetic) and environmental factors. This means that factors such as allergies can cause eczema in susceptible people. Exposure to certain irritants and allergens (see Lifestyle section for further definition of these substances) in the environment can worsen symptoms as can dryness of the skin, exposure to water, temperature changes, and stress.

Symptoms of Eczema
It can be difficult to avoid all the triggers, or irritants, that may cause or worsen eczema flare-ups. In many people, the itchy patches of eczema usually appear where the elbow bends; on the backs of the knees, ankles, and wrists; and on the face, neck, and upper chest — although any part of the body can be affected.

Itch is also a common feature of many other skin conditions as well as being a symptom of a range of diverse medical conditions not primarily to do with the skin, so although it is an ‘essential’ symptom when diagnosing eczema it is not specific for it.

Treatment of Eczema
In treating eczema, most doctors will start patients on basic therapies. One example is a room-temperature bath to remove crusted skin. A good moisturizer (in cream, lotion, or ointment form) helps conserve the skin's natural moisture and should be applied immediately afterward.

Though various creams and therapies are available for eczema treatment, cradle cap a strict skin care routine should be maintained to get effective results. Taking bath regularly is helpful. It assists in moisturising the skin. Using moisturizers or emollients after shower is also very important.

A daily bath helps to moisturize the skin, using aqueous cream rather than ordinary soap. The water temperature should be cool or warm for a 15 to 20 minute soak so that the skin's outer layer can absorb moisture. Avoid any excessive scrubbing. Dry the skin by gently patting with a towel.

All the study participants had undergone a variety of treatments, including radiation therapy with ultraviolet light. Surprisingly, treatment with azathioprine was found to cure the irritating skin condition. Although the drug can have serious side effects such as increased susceptibility to infections, it can be minimized by modulating the drug dosage depending on the ability of the patient to metabolize the drug.