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Eczema - Eczema symptom, treatment, causes

Eczema is a skin disorder in which certain chronic or recurrent inflammations of the skin (DERMATITIS) marked by red, itchy patches, often with blistering, weeping, crustingand scaling occurs. Eczema may be caused by skin allergies, persistent irritation, or conditions resulting from disturbances of blood flow through the skin (such as may occur on the lower legs of people with varicose veins). However, in many cases the cause remains obscure, when eczema begins in infancy, an inherited allergic tendency is suspected; this condition is called atopic eczema.

Eczema is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. Eczema can be caused by a number of different factors, and may result in just a small patch of skin being affected, but can affect skin anywhere on the body. Fortunately, many children with eczema find that the disease clears and often disappears with age. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis. In general, atopic dermatitis will come and go, often based on external factors. Although its cause is unknown, the condition appears to be an abnormal response of the body's immune system. Eczema can affect people of any age, although the condition is most common in infants. Eczema will permanently resolve by age three in about half of affected infants. In others, the condition tends to recur throughout life. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent or recurring skin rashes characterized by redness, skin edema, itching and dryness, with possible crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing or bleeding. Areas of temporary skin discoloration sometimes characterize healed lesions, though scarring is rare. People with eczema often have a family history of the condition or a family history of other allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever. Up to 20% of children and 1-2% of adults are believed to have eczema.

Eczema is not contagious. Eczema is often worse during infancy and typically improves by early adulthood. Some researchers believe that people who have eczema also have a reduced threshold for the itch sensation. So, once your skin gets itchy, it's very hard to resist the urge to scratch. Some forms of eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin, such as soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelry, or sweat. Eczema is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes," since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of the rash. Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. Eczema might look different in different persons, and may occur in different parts of the body to different person. Atopic dermatitis is believed to be caused by an abnormal function of the body's immune system. The condition tends to come and go, depending upon exposures to triggers or causative factors. Dermatitis is a common condition that isn't life-threatening or contagious. But, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treat dermatitis.

Causes of Eczema

The common causes and risk factor's of Eczema include the following:

• General allergic over sensitivity ( atopy ).
• Changes in temperature or humidity.
• Family history of eczema.
• Chemical irritants, such as pesticides, paint strippers, alcohol, astringents, perfumes, harsh soaps, detergents, and household cleaners.
• Intense emotion or stress.
• Soaps or detergents.
• Dust mites and pollen.

Symptoms of Eczema

Some sign and symptoms related to Eczema are as follows:

• Redness and swelling.
• Skin lesions.
• Sores that form by scratching and may ooze watery fluids.
• Rough, thickened skin.
• Thickening.
• Atopic eczema usually affects the front of the elbows as well as the chest and neck.
• Due to the temporary pigment loss, the color of the skin gets change.

Treatment of Eczema

Treatment includes identifying and removing the cause, if possible; applications to relieve itching; and the use of corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation. Here is list of the methods to treat Eczema:

• Immunosuppressants like Azathioprine, Methotrexate and even Cyclosporine can be used to get relief from pain and swelling.
• Antihistamines taken by mouth may be helpful in reducing the itch.
• If the skin becomes obviously infected, which is more likely as its normal protective surface has been damaged, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
• A short course of an oral steroid is sometimes given if the rash is severe. A long course is rarely prescribed because of the many side effects.
• An antifungal cream may be prescribed if your health care provider is concerned about infection.
• Chelating therapy may be introduce to remove itching.
• Light therapy (PUVA) is also very effective in the treatment of dyshidrotic eczema.