Eczema

ECZEMA / DERMATITIS

Eczema is a general term for many types of skin inflammation (dermatitis).

Eczema can present as an:

Acute-rapidly evolving red rash which may be blistered and swollen.

Chronic– longstanding irritable area that gets darker,thickened (lichenified) and is being scratched repeatedly.

Commonly Found In

Infants and young children. All races can be affected by Eczema.

Types of Dermatitis:

• Atopic dermatitis:
• It is a chronic condition ,more common in children who have other allergies, like asthma and hay fever.
• It tends to run in families, and may be triggered by allergens in the environment such as house dust, mites, animal dander, grass pollens and moulds.
• In infant face is affected mostly, later on as kids get older, elbows, behind the knees, and/or on wrists and hands are affected.
• Contact dermatitis
• It is a localized reaction that includes redness, itching, and burning in areas where the skin has come into contact with an allergen (substances that an individual has not been sensitized to) or with a general irritant such as an acid, a cleaning agent, or other chemicals.
• Contact eczema includes reactions to laundry detergents, soaps, nickel (a metal present in jewellery), cosmetics, certain fabrics, clothing, and perfumes.
• Seborrheic dermatitis

A condition sometimes classified as a form of eczema that is closely related to dandruff. It causes dry or greasy peeling of the scalp, eyebrows and face, and sometimes of the chest.

• Xerotic eczema

Commonly seen in the older age group. It is also known as “winter itch” and is seen in extremely dry skin. It worsens in dry winter weather; hands, legs and trunk are mostly affected

• Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis can occur when fluid accumulates in the tissues just beneath the skin — typically on your lower legs — due to a sluggish circulation. This condition typically occurs around the ankle area. Possible underlying factors include: Varicose veins, Obesity, conditions that affect circulation in your legs, such as pregnancy or deep vein thrombosis. The disorder can make the individual prone to develop leg ulcers later on.

Causes of Eczema: defect in skins protective barrier function against outside agents, abnormal bodies defence mechanism, and presence of triggering factors.

Treatments @ skin and youfor eczema:

An important aspect of treatment is to identify and tackle any contributing or aggravating factors.

Common risk factors include:

• Family history of eczema
• Family history of allergies, including hay fever and asthma
• Contact with irritants in the environment or occupational exposure.
• Emotional stress
• Allergens such as house dust, mites, animal dander, grass pollens and moulds.
• Occasionally, allergic reaction to particular foods

Treatment is always based on:age, type and severity of condition

Bathing: use lukewarm water and avoid hot long water baths. Replace standard soap with a substitute such as a mild soap-free moisturizing cleanser.

Clothing: Wear soft cotton clothes; while, wool, nylon is best avoided.

Irritants: Protect your skin from dust, water, solvents and detergents. Gloves can be worn while handling irritants.

Moisturizers (emollients): Use liberally minimum twice a day on damp skin.

How to apply moisturizer?

• Gentle application of moisturizer into the skin in the same direction that the hair grows.
• For very dry skin, apply the emollient every 2 or 3 hours.
• After a bath or shower, gently dry the skin and then immediately apply the emollient while the skin is still moist.
• Do not share emollients with other people.

Topical corticosteroids:Itis prescribed to decrease the inflammatory reaction in the skin. Depending of severity duration of application is determined by dermatologist.

Oral corticosteroids: For severe, wide spread and non-responsive cases, a short course of oral steroids may be used. It should be used only under the guidance of a medical practitioner.

Anti-itch medicines: oral anti-histamines may be required, for serious itching.

Topical immunosuppressant: Both Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus are topically appliedin combination with steroids and moisturisers or separately to reduce itching and inflammation.

Why skin and you clinic for eczema?

We, at Skin and you, assess, examine and treat all dermatological conditions with utmost care.