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
