What is Eczema

Eczema is a skin disorder that may cause swelling, irritation and itching in the affected skin. It is a type of skin inflammation which can affect people of any age, race and ethnicity. However, the disorder is more common in infants up to the age of 5 years and in people who have a family history of this skin disorder or other allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever. Also termed as dermatitis, eczema in infants usually manifests on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, scalp, neck and legs. While in adults, itchy red skin rashes or patches appear on the face, neck, insides of the elbow, knees and ankles.

Types of Eczema
The term eczema is a generic term used for various skin conditions, hence there are many skin disorders that can be considered as a type of eczema. Some of the common types of eczema are:

• Atopic Dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, characterized by chronic itchy, inflamed skin. This skin disorder is more common in people who develop hypersensitive reaction to allergens or have a family history of other allergies.
• Contact Eczema: Contact eczema or dermatitis is another type of eczema which causes redness, itching or burning in the areas that come in contact with an allergen.
• Seborrheic Eczema: Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin inflammation, characterized by yellowish, oily, scaly patches or marks on the skin. Stress, oily skin, too much shampooing or climatic conditions can be some factors that may contribute to seborrheic eczema.
• Nummular Eczema: Nummular eczema is a chronic skin inflammation, seen more commonly in elderly people on the arms, back and lower abdominal regions. The condition is often characterized by coin shaped patches in the infected skin area.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema: Dyshidrotic eczema is a skin disorder that causes irritation or itching in the hands and feet, along with formation of deep blisters that itch or pain.

Causes of Eczema
Though what causes eczema is still not clearly understood, some probable causes include frequent and long exposure to irritants like detergents, soaps, battery acid, poison ivy, nickel, etc. Environmental allergens like pollen, dust, smoke, etc. that can cause allergic reactions can also contribute to eczema on face and other exposed areas of the body. Changes in temperature or humidity, stress, gene mutations or even heredity are some more causes that may lead to eczema in people.

Symptoms of Eczema
Now that you know about eczema and its types, let's discuss eczema symptoms. Symptoms of eczema may vary from person to person, the common signs and symptoms of this skin disorder that can be noticed are dry, scaly and reddened skin, intense itching and burning sensation on the affected skin areas, blisters and oozing lesions and red to brownish gray patches on skin. Though these skin rashes or patches may appear on any part of the body, they are more commonly seen on the face, neck, hands, feet, arms, wrists, behind the knees, ankles and upper chest.

Treatment for Eczema
Doctors after conducting thorough physical examination of skin and knowing the patient's history of the condition may recommend certain medications, creams or ointments that will keep your skin hydrated and will help in eczema cure. Quite often, corticosteroid creams for eczema treatment may be prescribed to reduce the skin inflammation and irritation. Antihistamines can also be used to control itching and other eczema symptoms.

Sufferers should avoid over-sweating, over bathing or coming in contact with allergens like soaps, detergents, etc. that can lead to disease manifestation. Wearing loose fitting clothes, maintaining hygiene, drinking enough water and living a stress free life can surely minimize the chances of getting eczema. Besides this, you can also try some natural cures that can heal them naturally. However, if these preventive measures do not benefit you, do not hesitate to contact your dermatologist to elucidate the case.

Eczema is not contagious and it doesn't spread through skin to skin contact. Sadly eczema, a chronic skin disease, is not preventable but some preventive measures can surely help to manage and control the severity of its symptoms.