Eczema, also called Atopic Dermatitis, is a medical condition where a patch of the patient’s skin undergoes the following:
- Gets inflamed
- Itchy
- Red
- Cracked
- Rough
- Blisters occur in some cases
- Occurrence
- Some foods, like nuts and dairy, can trigger symptoms
- Environmental factors like smoke and pollen can also trigger symptoms
- A patient’s age also determines the extent of the symptoms
- The treatment provided is usually to manage the symptoms and it focusses on healing the damaged skin and reducing the symptoms. Eczema cannot be cured fully.
- Dry skin
- Severe Itching
- Red to brownish-gray patches on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees.
- Bumps, which are small and raised bumps, might leak fluid if scratched
- Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
- Raw, sensitive and swollen skin from scratching
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis is a skin reaction following contact with a substance or allergen that the immune system recognizes as foreign.
- Dyshidrotic Eczema is a skin irritation that appears on the palms of hands and the soles of the feet, usually characterized by blisters.
- Neurodermatitis forms scaly patches of skin on the head, forearms, wrists, and lower legs. This is caused by a localized itch due to insect bites etc.
- Nummular Eczema is the formation of circular patches of irritated skin that can be crusted, scaly, and itchy.
- Seborrheic Eczema forms oily, scaly, yellowish patches of skin on the scalp and face. Stasis Dermatitis is a skin irritation that appears on the lower leg, usually caused due to the circulatory problems.
- Asthma and hay fever
- Chronic itchy and scaly skin
- Skin infections
- Irritant hand dermatitis.
- Sleep problems
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) will help in controlling the itch.
- Corticosteroid cream or ointment will help in reducing the itch. Cool compresses might be applied on the affected area before applying this cream.
- For more severe reactions, you might be prescribed steroids like prednisone (Rayos) to control the swelling. These are usually taken orally.
- Calcineurin inhibitors reduce the immune response that causes red, itchy skin.
- Antibiotics treat skin infections.
- Light therapy exposes skin to ultraviolet light to heal your rash. What can I do at home?
- You can try managing eczema using the following options before visiting the doctor.
- Use a rich, oil-based cream or ointment to moisturize your skin daily.
- Try to find out the triggers that can worsen the condition and avoid them.
- Use gentle soaps.
- Apply cool compresses to your skin.
- After a bath, gently blot your skin with a soft towel. Never rub.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes made from soft fibers
It is usually common among children but it can occur at any age. It has been found to occur from:
The patients suffering from eczema exhibit the following symptoms:
There are different types of Eczema:
Eczema can cause the following complications:
The doctors might recommend either one or a combination of the following options for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment :
