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What is Eczema? |
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Symptoms
Eczema is a chronic condition of skin eruption, one which may also occur in combination with asthma or hay fever. Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) cases are usually more prevalent in infants and young children, although the condition can persist well into a person’s adulthood, or show symptoms at a later point in life. Eczema is evidenced by reddish or brownish-gray patches on the skin which tend to itch severely, particularly at night. There can also be small bumps on the skin’s surface which ooze fluid or form a crust when they are scratched. In many cases, the thick skin eventually cracks or forms scales, and becomes raw and inflamed from scratching. Although these skin patches can surface anywhere, the limbs, neck, and the face are most susceptible to it.
Causes
The exact reason as to why eczema occurs is as yet unknown, although it is commonly associated with a dry, irritated skin which occurs along with a weakening of the patient’s immune system. A person’s stress level, especially if it is brought upon by related emotional disorders, can contribute to the worsening of eczema, but these don’t actually cause the latter. Since it is a skin condition which worsens with irritation, eczema can also occur in accordance with an allergy, and persons who have a running family history of asthma or hay fever are susceptible to it as well. Seventy-five percent of all children who bear signs of eczema obtain asthma or hay fever later on their lives.
Diagnosis
Eczema is diagnosed through a physical examination of the patient’s skin, as there is no other efficient way of evaluating it with a lab or skin test. The patient’s medical history is taken into account, as well as any other indications of allergies or asthma in the family. The doctor may also inquire about the intensity and recurrence of the inflammation, as well as how long the patient has experienced the symptoms.
Treatment Info
The inflammation and itchiness which are caused by eczema can be reduced by a combination of OTC anti-itch topical preparations and self-care methods. Even though the condition is associated with allergies, the elimination of allergens seldom improves upon the symptoms of eczema. Intravenous allergy treatments are not normally successful for the treatment of eczema, and these may even worsen the condition. Topical corticosteroid preparations can relieve the scaling and itchiness, but these should be used with medical supervision, since prolonged use can cause irritation and infection. Oral antihistamines, immunomodulators, and oral corticosteroids may be prescribed for severe cases, and wet dressings which are dabbed in an astringent solution may be applied to prevent infection. The condition may also be treated with phototherapy, where the afflicted skin is exposed to regulated amounts of sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light (types A and B). This may be used as a supplement measure to medication, but since long-term exposure to UV light can cause premature skin aging and may also result in skin cancer, the patient’s prospects for recovery must be weighed against the potential harm which the treatment can afflict.
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