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Skin Conditions - Eczema

Eczema

Persistent, painful itching – that's how many patients describe eczema, a skin condition with many causes. To make it easier to understand eczema and the various symptoms and related treatments, eczema goes by a number of different names. Regardless of the underlying cause however, eczema always affects the epidermis, and it can affect any individual, regardless of genetics, racial background or age.

Classified into two broad categories, eczema that has no apparent trigger or cause is considered endogenous eczema. When eczema is the result of external triggers such as allergens, the eczema is classified as eczematous dermatitis.

Much still is unknown about eczema and one puzzling fact is that the available treatments for the various types of eczema aren't always effective for every individual.

The primary symptoms of eczema include the appearance of itchy red rashes. Sometimes blisters develop and they may seep fluids then crust over. Affected areas often become scaly and thick and sometimes there's even discoloration. Eczema can develop on any part of the body and there is no consistency in the length of time each flare-up will last. Eczema that develops in the folds of skin tends to be more irritating because of the constant rubbing.

The most serious risk associated with eczema is infection. Eczema is so itchy that affected individuals sometimes scratch the area until the top layer of skin has been broken. With the skin's ability to provide external protection from harmful bacteria compromised, bacteria can make its way into the damaged area and cause an infection.

It's advisable to keep fingernails trimmed short to decrease the damage that can be caused by constant scratching of affected areas. When children develop eczema, parents are often advised to place soft mittens over their hands to reduce the severity of the itching.

Although it can be troublesome, eczema is not contagious.

Eczema treatment will differ based on the type that has been diagnosed. NSAIDS, which are non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and others, and corticosteroids, drugs that mimic the hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands, are often prescribed to help reduce the inflammation associated with eczema. Benzocaine can also help reduce inflammation when applied topically. In some cases, antihistamines are prescribed.

Calamine lotion is effective at soothing the affected area, helping to keep it dry and protected. Another treatment aimed to soothe is application of wet bandages. Dermatologists often suggest use of cotton clothing and bedding as this natural fiber cools skin and allows it to breathe.

Shampoos and ointments that contain coal tar additives can help patches of red, itchy skin decrease in size. Finally, eczema that is considered severe is sometimes treated with UV lights.

Forms of Eczema

Let's take a closer look at some of the more common forms of eczema.

Atopic eczema is associated with a family history of allergies. It's considered an inherited form of eczema since the majority of people with atopic eczema themselves have problems with allergies or they have relatives who suffer from allergies, asthma or hay fever. Atopic eczema usually first appears during infancy and it flares and subsides regularly throughout life.

Seborrheic eczema is very often misdiagnosed as 'dry skin'. This common type of eczema is not at all associated with dry skin. It's actually believed to be somehow related to genetics, although the relationship has yet to be defined. The symptoms of seborrheic eczema include scaly skin that usually appears on top of the head and around the eyebrows, ears and nose, however, it can also appear on the chest.

It seems to be a skin condition that more often affects men than women and it doesn't usually become a problem until after puberty. After that however, seborrheic eczema flares frequently. Interestingly, it also appears in patients with some forms of mental or neurological issues such as mental retardation and Parkinson's disease.

To treat seborrheic eczema on the head, wash daily with shampoo that contains tar, salicylic acid, sulfur or selenium. For skin, apply hydrocortisone cream. Systemic antibiotics are sometimes prescribed as well.

Cradle cap is a form of seborrheic eczema that affects infants. It's easy to diagnose by the appearance of patches of thick, yellowish scales atop an infant's head. It sometimes appears in the diaper area, neck, face and behind ears, too. It's harmless and goes away quickly when treated. Use shampoo formulated for infants, then after shampooing, lightly massage and brush scalp with a soft brush. If it doesn't improve, it's important to seek medical advice.

Varicose eczema is caused by poor circulation usually due to obesity, menopause and pregnancy. This type of eczema most often appears on the lower leg area around the ankles. Symptoms don't usually appear until mid-life. It's important to treat this type of eczema otherwise the affected areas of skin could break down and form ulcers. Steroid creams and emollients are effective treatments.

The discoid type of eczema is characterized by round patches the size of coins appearing on the lower part of the legs, arms and the trunk. The patches are itchy and they sometimes weep. Discoid eczema seems to have no apparent trigger and usually develops suddenly and mostly in older men.

Contact dermatitis is another form of eczema that develops when irritants come into contact with skin. It results in localized inflammation in the area where contact occurred. It results from exposure to toxic chemicals rather than allergens, either just once or after several such contacts. A one-time exposure, usually to highly toxic chemicals, is considered an acute case and can cause red, thick, scaly skin.

A cumulative case is far more common and results from repeated exposure to any number of milder irritants such as laundry detergents, soap and even urine or saliva. Continual exposure only prolongs the problem. Dry, red skin that is thick and cracks and sometimes has papules is the result of this form of eczema, which is also hard to treat.