Basic Information About Eczema
Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis
May 30, 2009
Besides being irritating to live with, eczema can cause an individual to feel embarrassed about the way his/her skin looks. Treatment has to be consistent and long-term, but the rash can be controlled.
What is Eczema?
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin disease that produces an itchy, non-contagious rash. It can affect any age, but is most common in young children. It usually goes away in childhood, but for some people it is lifelong.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema is considered hereditary and is associated with food allergies, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. It is caused when the skin is inflamed and cannot retain sufficient moisture.
Eczema can be aggravated by moisture from sweating or humid weather, but also by dry, cold extremes. It can also flare up from stress, irritants (materials, soaps and lotions), particular foods or dust and molds.
What are the Symptoms of Eczema?
The symptoms of eczema can vary depending on the age of the individual involved:
Infants
There is usually an itchy rash over the face, neck and scalp, and sometimes on the front of the limbs.
If the infant scratches, the rash can become wet, spread and crust over.
Older Children
Eczema in older children is usually behind the knees, on the inside of the forearms, and opposite the elbows.
If the skin is covered with the rash for long periods of time, it can become more brown in color, thicker and drier.
Teenagers and Young Adults
Teens and young adults most often get eczema in more places, including the ankles and wrists, bend of the elbows, behind the knees, face, neck, chest, soles of the feet and palms of the hands.
Basically, for all ages, eczema is a rash that leaves the skin dry, hot and itchy. The itchiness can be extreme at times. The rash can also be weepy or scaly. In some cases the rash is mild, in others it can cause the skin to crack, peel and bleed.
How is Eczema Diagnosed?
To diagnose eczema a medical expert will examine the rash and take the patient's history. He/she will likely look at the family history of allergies, eczema and asthma. Tests may be done to determine if a food allergy is responsible for the condition. Suitable treatment will be recommended.
How is Eczema Treated?
It is very important for eczema to be treated and controlled. Scratching can cause infections and if the rash is left untreated, the skin can become thick and discolored.
When it comes to medications, a medical expert can make the best recommendations.
Some tips for treating eczema include:
- The individual should avoid any known foods or allergens that aggravate it and cause inflammation.
- Perfumed soaps, lotions, detergents and cleaners should be avoided. Gloves can protect the hands when cleaning or doing chores.
- Baths in soothing solutions can help to relieve itching. The skin should also be kept hydrated with appropriate lotions.
- It is a good idea for children to keep their nails short to avoid excessive scratching. They can also wear cotton socks and gloves when sleeping.
- The individual or family can also try to avoid stress and to seek support for the unpleasant emotions that eczema can bring on.
Eczema is an unpleasant skin condition, but it can be treated and controlled. It can take awhile to figure out the triggers and what works best for an individual, but, with effort and education, there is almost always improvement over time.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical attention and supervision.
Sources:
Website: National Eczema Association, 1998-2009. Visited May 25, 2009.
Website: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, updated 2005. Visited May 25, 2009.
Website: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 2007. Visited May 25, 2009.
For more information about allergic skin conditions see Basic Information About Contact Dermatitis and Basic Information About Hives.
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