Eczema

Eczema
What is eczema?
Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder. It is a general term for many types of skin inflammation, also known as dermatitis. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis (some people use these two terms interchangeably). However, there are many different forms of eczema.
Eczema is not contagious, but since it is believed to be at least partially inherited, it is not uncommon to find members of the same family affected.
Symptoms

• Dry, extremely itchy skin


• Blisters with oozing and crusting


• Red skin around the blisters


• Raw areas of the skin from scratching, which can cause bleeding


• Dry, leathery areas that are either darker of lighter than their normal skin tone

• Young age -- infants and young children are most affected


• Exposing skin to harsh conditions


• Living in a climate with low humidity


• Personal or family history of allergies to plants, chemicals, or food


• Not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals (for example, zinc)

• Wool or synthetic fibers


• Certain soaps and detergents as well as perfumes and some cosmetics


• Dust or sand


• Cigarette smoke

• Avoid anything that makes symptoms worse, such as allergens (things you are allergic to) and things that irritate skin. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Common skin irritants include wool, synthetic fibers, soaps and detergents, perfumes, cosmetics, lanolin, certain chemicals such as chlorine and solvents (including mineral oil), cigarette smoke, dust, and sand.


• Don’t scratch or rub affected areas.


• Protect skin from rough clothing and irritants.


• Reduce stress with relaxation techniques.


• Keep your environment cool, with stable humidity.


• Topical corticosteroids may soothe mild dry scaly patches.


• Ointments or creams to lubricate or soften the skin.


• Oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation


• Medications that suppress the immune system.


• Antihistamines used at night to prevent scratching


• Topical Immunomodulators are newer drugs that are applied to the skin to reduce inflammation.


• Phototherapy and Photochemotherapy. Treatment with ultraviolet light may help mild-to-moderate cases of eczema in children over age 12 and adults.


• Nutrition and Dietary Supplements. Diet may help reduce inflammation and allergic reactions.


• Avoid exposure to environmental or food allergens

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