What is eczema?

Causes and Symptoms

The term
eczema
refers to a noncontagious inflammation of the skin. Several types of eczema exist, resulting in a range of symptoms that vary in appearance, duration, and severity. The common characteristic, however, is red, dry, and itchy skin. Other symptoms may include scaling, thickening, or cracking of the skin, leading to infections and severe discomfort.

Atopic dermatitis,
the most common form of eczema, is characterized by itchy and cracked skin of the cheeks, arms, and legs. The onset of this chronic type of eczema occurs most often during infancy or childhood, although symptoms may continue into adulthood. The cause of atopic dermatitis is thought to be a hereditary predisposition to skin sensitivities to various environmental factors. These factors include irritants such as soaps, detergents, and rough clothes; allergens such as certain foods, pollen, or animal dander; and changes in climate or temperature. Other forms of eczema, such as contact dermatitis, have similar environmental causes. Seborrheic eczema, nummular eczema, and dishydrotic eczema may result from a combination of several possible causes. Emotional factors, such as stress or frustration, may aggravate the symptoms.

The diagnosis of eczema requires a careful and detailed observation of symptoms. Family and personal medical histories are often useful to determine the presence of allergies or exposure to allergens or irritants. Dermatologists may also use skin biopsies or blood tests to determine a tendency toward elevated allergic or immune response.

Treatment and Therapy

The treatment of eczema involves minimizing exposure to possible causes while at the same time managing symptoms to maintain a high quality of life. Identifying known allergens and irritants specific to the individual is an important first step. Lifestyle changes aimed at avoiding exposure to these possible causes can lower the frequency and duration of symptoms dramatically. Proper skin care to avoid excessive drying of the skin, including the use of moisturizers or creams and minimizing exposure to water, may also help reduce skin irritation. Avoiding scratching of existing irritations and eliminating sources of emotional stress are other ways that patients can lessen the severity of their symptoms. Dermatologists may prescribe additional treatments, such as corticosteroid creams and ointments, antihistamines, or antibiotics. In more severe cases, systemic corticosteroid treatments or phototherapy, the use of ultraviolet (UV) light, may be tried.

The approval of a new type of treatment for eczema called topical immunomodulators has changed the way eczema is treated in recent years. This new class of drug counteracts the inflammation of the skin without interfering in the body’s normal immune response. This treatment has been successful in preventing and even eliminating symptoms of eczema.

Bibliography:

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Hellwig, Jennifer. "Eczema." Health Library, Mar. 11, 2013.

MedlinePlus. "Eczema." MedlinePlus, May 6, 2013.

National Eczema Society. National Eczema Society, n. d.

Rakel, Robert E., and Edward T. Bope, eds. Conn’s Current Therapy. Philadelphia: Saunders, 2007.

Ring, J., B. Przybilla, and T. Ruzicka, eds. Handbook of Atopic Eczema. 2d ed. New York: Springer, 2006.

Turkington, Carol A., and Jeffrey S. Dover. Skin Deep: An A-Z of Skin Disorders, Treatments, and Health. 3d ed. New York: Checkmark, 2007.

Westcott, Patsy. Eczema: Recipes and Advice to Provide Relief. New York: Welcome, 2000.