Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition marked itchy and inflamed patches of skin. It is also known as atopic dermatitis. It is more common in babies and young children. It occurs on the faces of infants, as well as inside the elbows and behind the knees of children, teenagers, and adults. It is caused by an overactive immune system. Up to 20 percent of children and one to three percent of adults develop atopic dermatitis.

TYPES

• Contact dermatitis is caused by contact with irritants. Burning, itching, and redness occur. When the irritant is removed, the inflammation goes away.
• Dyshidrotic dermatitis affects fingers, palms of the hand, and soles of the feet. It causes itchy, scaly patches of skin that flake constantly or become red, cracked, and painful. The condition is more common in women.
• Nummular dermatitis causes dry, round patches of skin in the winter months. It usually affects the leg. It is more common in men.
• Seborrheic dermatitis causes itchy, red, scaly rashes, particularly on the scalp, on the eyebrows, on the eyelids, on the sides of the nose, and behind the ears.

 CAUSES

• An eczema flare-up is when one or more eczema symptoms appear on the skin. The cause of eczema is not fully understood.
• It is thought to be triggered by an overactive immune system that responds aggressively to the presence of irritants.
• Eczema is sometimes caused in part by an abnormal response to proteins that are part of the body. Normally, the immune system ignores proteins that are part of the human body and attacks only the proteins of invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. 
• In eczema, the immune system loses the ability to distinguish between the two, which causes inflammation.

RISK FACTORS

• Chemicals found in cleaners and detergents that dry out the skin
• Rough scratchy material like wool
• Synthetic fabrics
• Raised body temperature
• Sweating
• Temperature changes
• A sudden drop in humidity

SYMPTOMS

• Eczema is characterized by itchy, dry, rough, flakey, inflamed, and irritated skin. 
• It can flare up, subside, and then flare up again. It can occur anywhere but usually affects the arm, inner elbow, back of the knee, or head (particularly the cheeks and the scalp).
•  It is not contagious and becomes less severe with age.  
• Red or brownish-gray patches are common symptoms. Small, raised bumps that ooze fluid when scratched are another symptom. 
• Scratching causes them to become crusty, which can signal infection. Thickened, scaly skin is another symptom.
• Eczema can cause intense itching. Scratching further irritates and inflames the skin. This can cause infections that must be treated with antibiotics.

 PREVENTION

• Avoid exposure to:Extreme temperatures, Dry air, Harsh soaps, Perfumed products, Bubble baths.
• Use blankets and clothing made of cotton. Avoid more irritating fabrics, such as wool. Avoid stiff synthetics, such as polyester.
• After showering or bathing, pat dry (rather than rub). That way, you leave a little moisture on your skin. Then apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to trap moisture in the skin.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air during the winter heating season.
• To help to prevent contact dermatitis, avoid skin contact with:- Dish detergent, cleaning solutions, and other irritating chemicals, Plants, Jewelry, Substances that trigger skin allergies.