Eczema
An allergic condition that affects the skin is called eczema. Eczema is also called dermatitis and can cause dandruff. This is an inflammation of the skin Eczema can be triggered by anything that touches the skin. It can occur in people who have an extra sensitivity to skin irritants. Flaky and dry skin can appear over inflamed, red areas. This causes severe itching and burning. Eczema is very common. Two percent of adults have eczema and twenty percent of children are affected with eczema. Most people who will contract eczema will contract it before they are 5 years old. Eczema will improve for some people over a period of time but some people will suffer with chronic or recurring eczema. Eczema may occur one time but it can also occur on and off throughout a person’s life. It is not known the exact cause of eczema. It is activated by the immune system and relates to reactions to allergies. These allergic reactions are different than most. Contact with an allergen can cause skin to become inflamed. How long the contact is does not really matter. Eczema develops on first contact or over time. Soaps, weather, jewelry, clothing, sweating, rubbing or stress can cause eczema. People at higher risk for eczema are people who usually have hay fever or asthma. Eczema usually runs in families. Illness, mental stress and exposure to products that irritate the skin are also risk factor that may bring about an eczema episode. There are some symptoms of eczema to be aware of. The first symptom of the condition is severe itching. A rash appears later. This rash is patchy and begins as scaly dry skin on top of the red, inflamed skin. This rash will usually itch or burn. If this rash is scratched it can ooze and become crusty. This is usually, the case in children.
In adults, these patches are brownish and scaly. There are some people who may develop red or clear bumps that look bubbly. If these are scratched, the bumps look wet. Painful cracks also develop. The rash can be found on any part of the body but is usually found on the face, arms and legs. It can be found in creases on the feet and hands. If eczema spreads, increases in redness, are painful or hot even though steroids creams are used, call the doctor. If you cannot sleep, work or are incapable of maintaining daily activities a more effective treatment should be used. Most of the time, eczema is not an emergency and should not be handled in a hospital. However, is skin becomes infected, the rash becomes red and painful or if red streaks come from the rash, you may have to go to the emergency room if your doctor is not available. Also, a person who has a weak immune system or a disease such as diabetes and there are signs of infection they should go to the emergency room right away. A doctor can usually diagnose eczema by looking at the rash and asking about its origin. The physician will scrape scales off of the rash and observe them under a microscope to be sure the rash is not caused by a fungus. Three are used in identifying eczema. These are scaly rash, serious itching and a family tendency toward asthma or hay fever.
There are treatments to help eczema. Removing what caused an allergic reaction is the simplest and easiest treatment. This may involve changing laundry detergent or even moving to a new climate. Dry skin related to eczema can be prevented by taking warm showers instead of baths. Use a mild body cleanser. Dry carefully and apply a moisturizer over your body. Do not use lotions with fragrances or other irritants. Avoid tight fitting or scratchy clothing and do not scratch the rash. If you cannot stop scratching, cover the rash. Avoid hard exercise because sweating can irritate the rash. If what is causing an allergic reaction cannot be identified, it is important to make the allergic response less. Apply a steroid cream and an anti-itch lotion. These creams should be applied several times daily until the rash is gone. Diphenhydramine can be taken for itching and clean the rash with hypoallergenic soap daily. A lubricating cream should be used after washing. Avoid mental and physical stress. Also, eat right and get proper sleep. Staying healthy can prevent flare ups or eczema. If your physician diagnoses eczema, anti-inflammatory medication are usually part of the therapy. A doctor may also prescribe steroid cream or an antihistamine medication. Your doctor may restrict your diet and agents that dry the skin may be offered. Antihistamines relieve eczema symptoms without making you tired. Corticosteroids used in short course may be given in the case of severe rash. If an allergy causing trigger of eczema is identified, eczema may go away altogether. If the trigger is not identified, chronic eczema can develop. This means flare ups will continue, especially if you are stressed. Eczema may fade as a person enters their adult years but people with eczema could continue to have problems during their lifetime. These problems include dry, sensitive, skin, infections and eye irritations People with eczema can have many problems and should get the necessary medical treatments. |
