Information about Eczema

We Have to Know about the Eczema

• Inflammatory skin response, not contagious
• Also called as dermatitis

Could be dangerous, if the answer is YES for any one of the following questions

• Itching and redness of skin?

Causes of Eczema

• Allergic asthma, hay fever or food allergies
• Contact with an allergen or irritant
• Dry environment, very hot showers, stress
• Poor blood circulation in lower legs
• Sebaceous glands produce excess oil, seen mostly in AIDS patient

Do’s and Don’ts of Eczema

• Use moisturizing creams
• Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, dry wind, and harsh soaps
• Use a room humidifier during the winter

Signs & Symptoms of Eczema

• Patches of itching red, brown or normally colored, raised skin, tiny bumps or blisters that may ooze fluid
• In babies- seen on face or groin
• In children- inside of the elbow or back of the knee
• In adults- hands, feet, ankles, and groin

Medical advice for Eczema

• Develops an unexplained rash
• Skin is painfully dry
• Yellowish to light brown crust, or pus-filled blisters, develop over existing patches of eczema

Risk factors of Eczema

• Children with asthma
• The family history of allergies
• Men of 55 years and older, with dry skin
• AIDS patient
• Alcohol consumption Asthma and hay fever. Eczema sometimes precedes these conditions
• Chronic itchy, scaly skin
• Skin infections
• Irritant hand dermatitis
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Sleep problems

Treatment for Eczema

• Moisturizing creams and ointments
• Medications

Self-care for Eczema

• Wear loose clothing, preferably cotton
• Soak in a medicated bath
• In children use a wet body wrap

Investigations for Eczema

• Investigation of allergy is of major importance in the diagnosis of eczema. It is mainly based on patient history: personal and familial atopic antecedents, possible contact with allergens at the work-site, in the household or during leisure activities, or in topical medications, cosmetics or clothing