eneral Information on Eczema

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin inflammation that produces red, itchy, rash-like areas on the face, scalp, wrists, and hands. Eczema can also occur at the crease of the elbows, in back of the knees, and sometimes elsewhere on the body. It is associated with other markers of atopy, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and food allergy. Persistent scratching or rubbing can bring on chronic eczema, with its distinctive dark, thickened, scaly red patches.

Types of Eczema


Atopic dermatitis is marked by a hypersensitivity, or allergy, to a food, inhalant, or other common substance that doesn't bother most people. People with this type of eczema tend to have a family history of hay fever, asthma, or eczema.

Seborrheic eczema/dermatitis is marked by inflammation, flaking, and scaling on the face and scalp. This type of eczema tends to run in families.

Contact eczema/dermatitis is marked by an acute localized rash after you have come into contact with an allergen (nickel in jewelry, oil in poison ivy).

Stasis eczema affects the lower legs and ankles. This type of eczema is associated with circulatory problems in the legs and ankles. This type of eczema generally appears in middle-aged and elderly people.

Symptoms of Eczema

    Itchy, red rash-like patches of skin that are dry, rough, scaly, or cracked

    Small red pimple-like blisters

    Leaking ("weeping") of fluid, crusting, and flaking in affected areas

    Chafing and peeling

    Thickened, dry patches of skin in persistent cases

    Itching, swelling and inflammation in lower legs and around ankles (stasis dermatitis)

Causes of Eczema
    Allergic reactions to foods, pollen, animal fur, or other substances

    Antigens

    Milk, eggs, shellfish, nuts, wheat, strawberries, and chocolate can trigger it

    Family history

Treatment and Prevention of Eczema

    Eliminate exacerbating agents, such as soaps and detergents, food allergens, and cosmetics

    Lessen excessive bathing or use of lotions

    Emollient creams of ointments

    Psychological approaches

    Antihistamines

    Antibiotics

    Topical corticosteroids

    Systemic corticosteroids

    Soothing creams and ointments