What is Eczema?
The word eczema is used to define any inflammatory procedure which is marked by itching, redness, small vesicles and papules on the skin. These often ooze and lead to a scaly, flaky and pigmented skin. Eczema is often defined as atopic eczema which is the most common form of eczema.
Types of Eczema: The other types of eczema apart from atopic are:
- Contact Eczema: occurs when the skin comes in contact with the allergen
- Dyshidriotic eczema: Occurs on the skin of palms and soles and is in the form of blisters
- Seborrheic eczema: This is usually found on the face and scalp and is characterised by patches which are oily and scaly
- Discoid eczema: This is present as circular or oval patches on the skin
- Varicose eczema: This usually occurs on the lower legs and causes problems in the blood flow in the veins of the leg
What Causes Eczema?
The cause of eczema is unknown, but it usually develops because of a combination of the environmental and hereditary factors. This is also more common in people who have allergies and conditions like hay fever and asthma.
Symptoms of Genital Eczema:
The symptoms are usually caused by triggers or irritants such as, detergents, soaps, shampoos. Allergens like pets, dust mites, moulds and pollen also trigger eczema. Too hot or too cold temperatures, food allergies, skin infections, stress and hormonal changes also contribute as triggers for eczema.
People with atopic eczema have dry scaly patches on the skin which are very itchy and tend to worsen when exposed to dry and dusty air. People with eczema often experience periods of flare ups and of their symptoms.
Complications:
Sometimes people with eczema might develop bacterial and viral skin infections. Some also suffer from the psychological problems.
Tests and diagnosis:
Eczema is usually diagnosed by GP by asking questions regarding the rash and itchy skin, when the symptoms began, is it episodic with flare ups and normal skin and does a person suffer from conditions like hay fever and asthma. In some people the pattern of eczema might be different and help from a specialist is needed. Skin tests and blood tests are not required but sometimes skin might need to be swabbed to check for viral and bacterial infections. Allergy tests are helpful in finding the food allergy which might trigger the eczema.
Treatment of Eczema:
There is no cure for eczema but treating the symptoms can help in easing the condition. The main treatment is in the form of emollients and topical steroids. Here are some ways in which eczema can be treated:
- Avoid scratching – Eczema can lead to a very itchy skin. In this case if scratching is done it might lead to skin damage, bleeding and bacterial infections
- Avoid triggers – Avoiding the triggers which flare up the symptoms of eczema is advisable
- Diet modification – If foods like dairy products and eggs are causing flare up of the symptoms then these should be avoided from the diet
- Use moisturisers (emollients) generously after a bath and before stepping out in the sun
- Topical corticosteroids should be used in case the eczema is red and inflamed. These are usually of different strengths and are prescribed according to the eczema and the areas affected.