INTRODUCTION: Eczema is a type of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin and is usually cyclical, meaning that at some times of the year the afflicted are able to feel normal, while at other times they will separate themselves from social contact. Diagnosis is most often based on the appearance of inflamed, itchy skin in sensitive areas such as face, chest and other skin crease areas.
It is sometimes called the “the itch that rashes,” since the itch, when scratched, causes the appearance of a rash. It can occur on practically any part of the body; however, in infants, it usually occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. Outbreaks can often be avoided by taking simple precautions.
DERMATITIS: One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis (or “atopic eczema”). There are several different types, but the one people usually mean when they say eczema is atopic dermatitis. In general,it will come and go, often based on external factors.
Eczema is a chronic skin disease characterized by itching rashes, which may be red, scaly, dry, or leathery. Causes for it is yet unknown, but it does appear to run in families that have a history of asthma, allergies or atopic dermatitis.
Some herbs, such as chamomile, are known to produce allergic contact dermatitis. It is a chronic disease, but only a third of children with it will continue to have problems as they get older. In atopic dermatitis it is usual for there to be episodes of calm mixed with flares ups of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema.
TREATMENT: Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Another option is to try bathing using colloidal oatmeal baths. Other than direct treatments of the symptoms, no cure is presently known for most types of dermatitis; even cortisone and immuno-modulation may often have only minor effects on what may be a complex problem.
These applications are usually most effective when applied directly after taking a bath (within 3 minutes is a common recommendation) so that the dampness from the bath is “locked in”. Tar treatments and photo-therapy are also used and can have positive effects; however, tar can also be messy.
While there are many treatments, it isn’t always easy to find the one that’s right for you. Dermatitis patients can be treated, but medical treatments often don’t help a pain which is more than skin deep. The primary therapies are aimed at controlling and preventing inflammation and itching and include avoiding triggers, bathing frequently and hydrating the skin, free use of moisturizers and lubricants, and the use of steroid creams for flare ups.
With innumerable types treatments on the market, it’s critical to be knowledgeable when making decisions with your doctor. The natural human desire to scratch or rub an itchy rash simply worsens the condition, and treatments can be slow and are often not very effective.
CONCLUSION: Eczema is a general term encompassing various inflamed skin conditions and occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy. It is an allergic condition that affects the skin. Also known as dermatitis it can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. It’s not contagious but like many diseases, currently cannot be cured.
The National Institutes of Health estimates that 15 million people in the United States have some form of this disease. About 10 percent to 20 percent of all infants have it; however, in nearly half of these children, the disease will improve greatly by the time they are between five and 15 years of age.
Because dermatitis is usually dry and itchy, the most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible. One of the most important components of a treatment routine is to prevent scratching.
Finally, in cases where eczema is non-responsive to treatment, your physician may prescribe the drug cyclosporine A, which modifies immune response; however, this is used only in extreme conditions because of its association with serious side effects.