What is Eczema?


Eczema is a general term encompassing various inflamed skin conditions. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis (or "atopic eczema"). In people with eczema, the inflammatory response to irritating substances overacts, causing itching and scratching. Eczema is not contagious and, like many diseases, currently cannot be cured.


How eczema looks?


Eczema may look different from person to person; it is most often characterized by dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin. Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In some people, eczema may "bubble up" and ooze. In others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry, and red. Chronic scratching causes the skin to take on a leathery texture because the skin thickens (lichenification).


Who gets eczema?


Eczema occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy. Although there is no known cause for the disease, it often affects people with a family history of allergies.

Those who are genetically predisposed and then exposed to environmental triggers may develop eczema. Many people who have eczema also suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do.


How can eczema be prevented?


Eczema outbreaks can usually be avoided with some simple precautions. The following suggestions may help to reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups:

Reduce stress
Moisturize frequently
Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
Avoid sweating or overheating
Avoid scratchy materials.
Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents
Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies
Be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods



Medical Treatment :


An eczema treatment routine is to prevent scratching, eczema is usually dry and itchy, and the most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin moist. These treatments are generally most effective when applied directly after bathing so that the moisture from the bath is saved. Cold compresses applied directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itching. If the condition persists, worsens, or does not improve satisfactorily, another effective treatment is the application of nonprescription corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce inflammation.

To prevent side effects such as skin thinning, your doctor may limit the length of treatment time and locations where you can apply treatment. For severe flare-ups, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids, but be aware that side effects including new flare-ups can develop when treatment is discontinued (this treatment is not recommended for long-term use).

Skin affected by eczema may frequently become infected, for those, topical or oral antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria causing the infection. For severe itching, sedative antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the itch and are available. Drowsiness is a common side effect; antihistamines are often used in the evening to help a person restless from eczema get to sleep.

Tar treatments and phototherapy are also used and can have positive effects; however, tar can be messy. Phototherapy requires special equipment (lights). Finally, in cases where eczema is resistant to therapy, patient may be suggested for drug cyclosporine , which modifies immune response; however, this is used only in extreme cases because of its association with serious side effects.

Two topical medications, tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, have now been approved to treat atopic dermatitis. These medications belong to a class of drugs called calcineurin inhibitors and work by modulating the immune response. Pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are a much-welcomed addition because they have not produced some of the side effects associated with long-term topical corticosteroid use, such as thinning skin and loss of effectiveness.


How children are treated to avoid eczema?


For mild to moderate cases, the application of moisturizer on a regular basis can be very helpful. Keep your child’s skin moist. After bathing, apply moisturizer within three minutes to retain the moisture in the skin. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Use mild soaps – both on your child’s skin and on your child’s clothing. Dress your child in breathable, preferably cotton, and clothing. Using over-the-counter cream, a prescription cream, ointment, antihistamines, or antibiotics are helpful.