Eczema What is Eczema?
Eczema is a particular type of inflammatory reaction of the skin. It is a very common skin problem, and the onset follows stages.
1.Blister-like raised areas (vesicles) appear
2.Reddening of the skin (erythma)
3.Swelling (edema)
4.Bumps (papules) appear
5.Crusting of the skin
6.Thickening (lichenification) of the skin
7.Itching and burning sensation in the skin
Eczema is the generic name – there are numerous types of eczema, including:
•Atopic dermatitis – a chronic skin disease characterised by itchy, inflamed skin
•Contact dermatitis – a localised reaction caused by contact with an allergy causing substance (allergen) or with an irritant such as an acid or cleaning substance that includes redness, itching, and burning
•Allergic contact eczema – a red, itchy, weepy reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system recognises as foreign, such as poison ivy or certain preservatives in cosmetic products
•Seborrheaic eczema – skin inflammation of unknown cause characterised by yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and occasionally other parts of the body
•Nummular eczema – coin-shaped patches of irritated skin on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy
•Neurodermatitis – scaly patches of skin on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms caused by a localised itch (such as an insect bite) that becomes very irritated when scratched
•Stasis dermatitis – a skin irritation on the lower legs, generally related to circulatory problems
•Dyshidrotic eczema – irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterised by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn.
The exact cause of eczema isn’t known though there is a genetic tendency to develop the condition, which may also extend to asthma and hay fever. Eczema is not contagious. The symptoms of eczema may unexpectedly flare up for no obvious reason. However, certain triggers that may set off eczema including:
•Chemicals, detergents, soap or shampoo
•Dry skin
•Infections with bacteria or viruses
•Inhaled irritants such as pollen or house dust mites
•Being ‘run down’
•Stress
•Fluctuations in hormone levels – i.e. before a period
•Rarely, certain foods in people that have food allergies
