Eczema
Eczema is a broad word that encompasses a wide variety of persistent skin conditions. These conditions are characterized by the skin being itchy, inflamed, and red. The skin may appear to be blistering, crusting, flaking, cracking, swelling, and may even be bleeding. It shows up as a rash that is very itchy and scaly. As the condition persist, a color change in the skin and a thickening of the skin may develop that has a leather-like texture to it. This comes from chronic scratching that damages the skin over time. Eczema is a term that is used interchangeably with atopic dermatitis or allergic eczema. It is the most common type of eczema. The word dermatitis means; inflammation of the skin. The word atopic refers to the lifelong tendency to develop some type of an allergic condition. This tendency to develop allergies is often inherited. More often than not, an episode develops because something has touched or irritated the skin. This falls under the category of contact dermatitis. There are 2 main types of contact dermatitis;
Allergic contact dermatitis is the name used when the flare up is caused by an allergy-causing substance that the person is allergic to. The allergen touches the skin and the immune system responds in an inappropriate way. The allergen causes an allergic reaction in the skin to a substance that is not harmful to the body. People who have nasal allergies have an increase risk of developing allergic eczema. Contact irritant dermatitis is the name used when the flare up is caused by a general irritant found in the environment. With so many possible irritants capable of triggering a rash from a skin irritation, it is often difficult to determine the cause. Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by contact with a non-allergen that is not known to produce allergies. The inflamed area is usually limited to the area of contact with the skin. How this disease affects people varies from person to person. All races and all ages can develop a skin rash. The degree of sensitivity varies from person to person. It is most common to find eczema occurring in young people. It usually begins early on in life and the first rash appears before age 5. For most people, their condition improves over time and they outgrow it. For those who enter adulthood with atopic dermatitis, the condition usually stays with them and flare ups comes and goes over their lifetime.
Quick facts
Common TypesThere are many different kinds of eczema. The more common forms of dermatitis are: Hand dermatitis: Patches of red, scaly, and inflamed skin that flakes constantly and occurs on the hand. Most likely to occur with those who are exposed to irritating chemicals in the workplace. Dyshidrotic dermatitis: Small blisters occur on the hands or on the feet. The small blisters come together to form large blisters. Scratching can break the blisters and release fluid. Nummular dermatitis: Also known as Discoid dermatitis. Can occur anywhere on the body but most flare ups are on the arms or legs. Usually appears to be oval-shaped or coin-shaped. They are scaly, crusted, and itchy patches. Neurodermatitis: Also known as Lichen Simplex Chronicus. It is an itch that becomes irritated by scratching. The more you scratch, the more it itches. The scratching does not relieve the itch sensation. The key to treatment is to stop scratching. The intense itch makes this very difficult to do. Stasis dermatitis: Also known as Varicose eczema. Itchy and/or reddish-brown discoloration of the skin appears on the legs. This type is related to poor circulation so it is more common in older people. The legs can even swell from the poor circulation. Small fine bumps and skin lesions can lead to blistering. Seborrheic dermatitis: Sebaceous glands produce oil and the rash usually occurs around those oil-producing glands. The most common area for occurrence is on the scalp or on the face. The red, swollen, scaly patches may or may not be itchy. This type of eczema is closely related to dandruff. The skin can look dry, peeling, and flaky. Xerotic dermatitis: Skin that becomes so dry that it turns into eczema. Occurs many times in the winter when the air is dryer and usually affects the elderly. The skin becomes dry, itchy, and cracked. It has a small pimple-like appearance.
The CauseThe exact cause of atopic eczema is not known at this time. Research suggests that atopic dermatitis runs in families and genetics plays a major role. The condition is a hypersensitivity reaction similar to the allergic reaction of various types of allergies. Why the immune system acts in an abnormal way is not fully understood. Atopic eczema is not exactly an allergy. The skin rash is not triggered by a specific allergen. There is not a specific allergen to identify in order to avoid the rash. Rather, having allergies can trigger eczema and/or be a contributing factor.
Likewise, having atopic dermatitis can lead to having a higher likelihood of developing some form of allergic rhinitis such as; dust mite allergy, pet allergies, mold allergies, and cockroach allergies. Having atopic dermatitis means that your skin is extra sensitive to a wide variety of irritating substances that can trigger a reaction. For those who do have allergies, environmental allergens can trigger an episode. The skin becomes hypersensitive to allergens. Laying on the dust mite allergen all night long, for example, can produce a skin rash. There are a wide range of irritants that can cause the skin to become itchy and inflamed. It is often difficult to pinpoint the exact trigger. Even conditions such as temperature changes and sweating can irritate the skin and cause a flare up. What triggers the skin to become itchy depends on your sensitivity to certain substances. Some examples of possible irritants capable of causing a flare up are listed below;
Anything that irritates the skin is capable of producing an episode. Research suggests that stress does not cause a flare up, however, it can and will make the condition worse.
SymptomsThe most common characteristic of eczema is the itchiness. The itching does not stop and the scratching begins. The itch can become unbearable. In a short time, a rash appears as the infected area becomes inflamed. Flare ups can produce bumps and blisters. Sometimes fluid can ooze from the infected site. The damage caused to the skin can invite infection from bacteria. The skin is the largest organ in our body. Constant damage to it over time will take its toll. In time, the color will change and the skin will grow thicker in an attempt to protect itself. Symptoms may occur anywhere on the body. Typically, the most common places for the rash to occur are;
Exactly what symptoms are experienced will vary from person to person. The degree of sensitivity to the trigger that started the itching can also be a factor. But in general terms, eczema symptoms are;
Eczema TreatmentEczema is a disease that can be managed and controlled with the proper treatment. Begin by visiting your dermatologist to determine the exact type and severity of your condition. Treatment often varies from person to person. The goal of treatment for eczema is to reduce the itchiness and inflammation. Preventing the itching and scratching not only relieves the discomfort, it also helps prevent the skin from becoming damaged. Your physician can discuss a number of option and treatment strategies. Below is a list of just some of the treatment strategies available to discuss with your doctor. Corticosteroids: Doctors can prescribe eczema creams to suppress and to control symptoms. There are different degrees of potency and your physician can prescribe what is appropriate for your situation. The goal in using these types of drugs is to reduce inflammation. Antibiotics: Antibiotics are often needed when the skin becomes damaged. Touching (scratching) can often times introduce bacteria to the affected area. Immunosuppressants: These drugs help to suppress the immune system and can provide relief when other forms of treatment are not producing the desired results. Because of the side effects that can occur, your physician needs to closely monitor this type of treatment. Hydrate the skin: Dry skin can make eczema worse. And eczema causes dry, itchy skin. Keeping your skin moist may be one of the most important things you can do which can also promote skin healing. This can be done in two ways. First, use moisturizing creams and ointments. Second, avoid soaps, detergents, chemicals, and other agents that dry out the skin. Antihistamine: Used for eczema as an anti-itch drug. Life style changes: Avoid the irritating substances that seem to trigger an episode. Avoid anything that makes the symptoms to become worse. Work with your dermatologist to help identify the many possible eczema triggers. Laying on the dust mite allergen all night long is one possible trigger for those who have allergies. Avoiding the cause of the disease is one of the most effective forms of treatment.
PreventionEczema is a disease that cannot be avoided however it can be managed and controlled. Outbreaks can be minimized and the severity of the flare ups can be lessened. On one hand, we may not be able to do anything about the genetic component that we inherit. On the other hand, we can take care of our skin and our health. We can learn what triggers an outbreak and change our lifestyle to avoid whatever it is that is irritating our skin. Below is a starting point for beginning prevention strategies. Talk with your physician: A dermatologist is best equipped to prescribe an effective eczema prevention plan. They can offer tips and techniques and ideas not found on this website. Furthermore, they are qualified to diagnose your condition and prescribe the correct medication for your unique situation. They can answer any questions that you may have. Understanding your disease is the starting point for dealing with it. Keep your skin moist: Keeping moisture in your skin is probably one of the most beneficial things you can do. Dry skin leads to cracking and irritation which can trigger a rash. Moisturizing can not only alleviate and prevent a flare up, it can also helps heal the skin. Creams and ointments is the most common way of adding moisture. One effective way of applying moisturizing creams is after taking a bath or shower. Your skin will absorb some of the moisture from the bath. Applying a moisturizing cream while the skin is still damp can help lock some of that moisture in. Avoid prolong periods of dry air: Low humidity (dry air) dries out the skin and lips and can lead to the skin cracking and irritation. Being exposed to excessive heat can also dry out the skin. Wintertime is a typical time of year when relative humidity is lower. It may be appropriate to consider buying a humidifier if your home has dry air over a prolong period of time. Avoid overheating: Excess heat takes out needed moisture from the skin. Sunburns are bad for the skin whether you have eczema or not. Activities creating the skin to heat up and sweat can easily lead to rubbing and irritation. This, in turn, can start the itch-scratch cycle. Avoid scratching: Good advice but hard to follow. Easier said than done. Scratching usually makes the rash worse. Scratching excessively over time can damage the skin. Constant damage makes it more difficult for the skin to heal properly. Damage skin provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Avoid stress: Stress does not cause eczema. It can, however, make the condition worse. For some people, having a bad rash in a place where all can see it causes stress. This can be especially true for teenagers. There are many products on the market to help with stress reduction. Getting plenty of sleep is also good for stress. Avoid irritating fabrics: Whether it be blankets, bedding, or clothing, avoid material that is rough and irritating to the skin. Choose material that is softer to the touch such as cotton. Cotton also breathes easier and keeps you cooler. Loosely fit clothing can be beneficial by not constantly rubbing on the skin. Washing new clothing before wearing them can reduce the harsh dye and chemicals used in manufacturing. Be cautious of the type of detergents you use during clothes washing so they don’t become irritants to the skin. Avoid skin irritants: Avoid harsh chemicals, soaps, and detergents. In this era of “going green,” there are many effective chemicals and cleaners that do a good job but don’t hurt the environment or people. Be careful about what you put on your skin. What you put on your skin gets absorbed into the skin. (This is one reason why smokers trying to quit use the nicotine patch.) Many products such as aftershave, colognes, lotions, etc. contain alcohol which dries out the skin. Learn what irritates your skin and then don’t use those products. Practice good hygiene: Dirty fingernails can spread bacteria. Bacteria need some kind of port of entry into the body to grow. Scratching a rash can damage the skin and provide a way in for the bacteria. Fingernails can both make the rash worse and carry the bacteria to the site. Keep fingernails short and hands clean. A good idea is to wear gloves at night if scratching becomes a problem during the night. Avoid allergen triggers: Having symptoms of hay fever can trigger atopic eczema or make an existing episode worse. Avoid the allergens that your immune system is extra sensitive to. Common allergens are; If you are allergic to one or more of these types of airborne allergens, you can learn about avoidance strategies by clicking on:
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