Several conditions can make your skin red, itchy and inflamed. Eczema is a term that is commonly used to describe these skin conditions. Some types of Eczema can also lead to blisters. Even though one can get Eczema at any age, it is most common in children. While Eczema as a condition has several types, the most common type is Atopic Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis. The term atopic signifies a group of conditions that have to do with the immune system. This includes asthma, Atopic Dermatitis and hay fever. Some individuals outgrow Eczema as they grow older. However, some others continue to have it well into adulthood. Eczema treatment involves no particular cure, but its symptoms can be managed by avoiding irritants. Eczema is not contagious, which means, you cannot spread it to other people. Certain types of foods such as dairy and nuts are known to trigger symptoms of Eczema. Smoke, soaps, pollen and fragrances are a few environmental triggers of Eczema.
Eczema is not a skin condition in itself. It causes Atopic Dermatitis. Eczema refers to a group of skin conditions that can lead to inflammation and irritation. On the other hand, Atopic Dermatitis is a common chronic skin condition that causes inflamed, red, itchy and dry skin.
It is difficult to pin-point what exactly causes Eczema, but several health experts believe that it is caused due to a mix of environmental and genetic factors.
When it comes to the genetic factor, children are likely to develop Eczema if a parent suffers from it. The risks run even higher if both parents have an atopic condition.
When it comes to the environmental factors, here are a few -
Did you know that the symptoms of Eczema vary depending on the age of the person? Most often, Eczema makes an appearance before the tender age of five and continues well into puberty and adolescence. No two people suffering from Eczema have the same symptoms.
Lab tests aren’t necessary to diagnose Eczema. Health practitioners most likely identify Eczema by examining the patient’s skin and reviewing their medical history. They may also make use of a method called patch testing or conduct other tests to make sure the patient isn’t suffering from any other skin disease.
Across the globe, currently available medicines do not offer a cure to Eczema. However, there are various remedies/medications which can be used to control and manage the symptoms of Eczema.
Eczema treatment plans are usually based on a patient’s age, symptoms and current health conditions. For some people, the condition goes away with time and Eczema treatment isn’t necessary. Unfortunately, for some others it may last lifelong.
Here are a few home care Eczema treatment options -
Antibiotics prescribed by doctors can also help with Eczema treatment. Phototherapy, which involves exposure to UVA or UVB waves, can also help with Eczema treatment.
Patients need to bear in mind that even after an area of skin has healed, it is important to keep looking after it as it is likely to get irritated again.
Atopic Eczema:
Atopic Eczema usually gets detected in childhood, and often goes
away by the time the patient enters adulthood. Atopic Eczema
occurs when your skin's natural barriers are weakened.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis:
This is an immune system reaction to an irritant like metal or
latex. Other common causes of allergic contact dermatitis are
bleach, jewellery, paint and soaps.
Dyshidrotic Eczema:
This type causes hey blisters to form on your feet and hands.
Discoid Eczema:
This type of Eczema is also known as nummular Eczema. It appears
as circular patches of inflamed skin that can be scaly, itchy
and crusted.
Stasis Dermatitis:
This type refers to skin irritation of the lower legs. Stasis
dermatitis is commonly caused because of circulatory problems.
Genetics and environmental factors are the main cause of Eczema.
No, Eczema is not contagious.
The most common type of Eczema is Atopic Dermatitis. It is caused by an overactive immune system.
Avoiding scratching, taking a bleach bath and moisturizing skin daily are a few ways in which you can curb the spread of Eczema.
Irritants such as wool, soaps, detergents, low humidity and emotional stress trigger Eczema in adults.