Eczema

Eczema is a common skin problem that is characterized with the skin becoming itchy, dry and flaky. It is often red and painful and in some cases will weep or bleed. In babies, it will normally appear in the baby’s cheeks. It may also appear in adults in the creases of the elbows and wrists, and behind the knees.

Atopic eczema and contact eczema are the main types of the condition.

With atopic eczema, it normally develops in childhood, sometimes just after birth. Although the eczema flare up may withdraw as the child grows up, it can flare up again when they are adults. Atopic eczema tends to run in families and is more likely if someone has other atopic conditions like asthma or hay fever.

Contact eczema usually affects adults. It is normally caused by contact with an allergen like nickel or skin irritants such as detergents, soaps and perfumes.

Other types of eczema include discoid that causes circular patches of eczema, and seborrhea which affects the scalp and eye-lashes as a severe form of dandruff.

Causes of Eczema

The exact cause of the condition is not known. It may be due to a combination of dry, irritated skin together with a malfunction of the body’s immune system. Allergies, stress and emotional disorders are known to worsen the condition but not necessarily cause it.

Other factors that can worsen the signs and symptoms of eczema include:

• Long , hot baths or showers,
• Sweating,
• Rapid changes in temperature,
• Low humidity,
• Cigarette smoke, and
• Dust or sand

Symptoms of Eczema

The common symptoms of the eczema include:

• Itching which may be severe especially at night and after a hot shower,
• Red to brownish-gray colored patches,
• Small, raised bumps which may lead fluid and crust over when scratched,
• Thickened, cracked or scaly skin, and
• Raw, sensitive skin from scratching

Treatment of Eczema

The treatment of eczema involves reducing the inflammation, relieving the itching, and preventing future flare ups. Most of the treatment options involve medication. The medication may include:

• Corticosteroid creams and ointments to ease scaling and relieve itching,
• Oral antihistamines,
• Oral corticosteroids, and
• Immunomodulators that help maintain normal skin texture

Preventing Eczema

One of the best ways to prevent eczema is by avoiding dry skin. This can be done by:

• Moisturizing your skin,
• Drying yourself carefully,
• Bathe less frequently, and
• Use certain soaps and synthetic detergents
• Avoid itching where possible

Prolonged itching and scratching may increase the intensity of the itch. This can cause the skin to become thick and leathery. It can also lead to permanent scars and changes in skin color.

It is important to see your doctor if you suspect that your eczema is affecting your eyes. The symptoms of eye complications include eye watering and inflammation of the eyelid and lining of the eyelid.

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