WHAT IS ECZEMA (ATOPIC DERMATITIS) – A COMPLETE OVERVIEW

Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis, is an ailment where patches of skin developed reddened, itchy, inflamed, cracked, and rough. Blisters may occasionally follow. Here are some significant points about eczema:

• Some foods can activate symptoms, like nuts and dairy.
• Indicators differ conferring to the age of the person with it, but they frequently comprise scaly, prickly areas of skin.
• It is activated by environmental factors like smoke and pollen. But, it is not a treatable condition.
• Handling efforts on curing damaged skin and relieving symptoms.
• There is not thus far a full cure for eczema, but indications can be accomplished.
• Eczema is not a transmittable condition.

Here’s what you need to know about eczema types, symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention:

What are the types of eczema?

There are certain different types of eczema. Here are some:

Allergic contact dermatitis: A skin response succeeding contact with a material or allergen that the immune system identifies as extraneous.

Dyshidrotic eczema: Mainly characterized by blisters that irritate the skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

Neurodermatitis: This type forms flaking patches of skin on the head, forearms, wrists, and inferior legs. This is caused by a confined itch, like an insect bite.

Nummular eczema: It shows as spherical patches of exasperated skin that can be thick, scaly, and itchy.

Seborrheic eczema: It forms oily, scaly, yellowish areas of skin, typically on the scalp and face.

Stasis dermatitis: A skin irritation of the inferior leg regularly related to vascular complications.

What are the signs & symptoms of eczema?

Whatever art of the skin is afflicted, one of the most common signs of eczema is nearly continuously itchy. From time to time the itching will begin before the rash appears, but when it does, the most general impression of rash is on the face, back of the knees, wrists, hands, or feet. Thus may also affect other parts of the body as well.

Affected areas usually appear very parched, thickened, or scaly. In light-skinned individuals, these extents may originally appear reddish and then go brown. Between darker-skinned persons, atopic dermatitis can disturb pigmentation, creating the affected range lighter or darker.

What causes eczema?

The particular cause of eczema is unidentified, but it’s assumed to be associated to an overcharged reaction by the body’s immune system to an irritant. It is this response that bases the symptoms of it.

Moreover, the condition is usually found in families with a history of other allergies or asthma. Likewise, imperfections in the skin barrier might permit moisture out and microbes in.

What are the risk factors for eczema?

• Age – Being younger has been perceived to be a factor for atopic dermatitis as babies and young children are most regularly affected by the condition with approximately 65% of cases up before the age of one and approximately 90% happening before the age of five.
• Harsh cleansers and soaps – These products exasperate the skin and may cause outbreaks.
• Low humidity – The lack of wetness in low humidity parts may activate the skin to react unfavorably.
• Over washing of skin and numerous hand washing – It can dry out and disturb the skin.
• Perspiring – The sodium found in perspiration can dry the skin and lead to exasperation.
• Staphylococcus microorganisms – This type of bacteria effects skin infections.

Are there any complications of eczema?

Yes, the atopic dermatitis complications include:

1) Bacterial infection – When the skin turns dry and cracked from atopic dermatitis, the danger of infection transitory into your body over the broken skin is augmented.

2) Viral infection – It is also conceivable for the affected zone to become ill with the virus which causes cold sores, branded as the herpes simplex virus. This infection can evolve into a grave condition termed eczema herpeticum, which is categorized by fever and itchy blisters.

3) Eye complications – Harsh condition around the eyes may lead to severe eyelid itching, drenching eyes, irritation of the eyelid or eyelid lining. If gone untreated, these difficulties can lead to enduring eye injury.

4) Psychological effects – Youngsters with atopic dermatitis are more likely to experience social problems than kids without the condition. This may be due to psychological effects ascending from bullying, sleep disturbances or self-assurance matters.

How to diagnose eczema?

The greatest way to diagnose atopic dermatitis is for a doctor to get your complete medical and family histories and may ask about:

• If you have asthma or allergic responses, like as to pollen, pets, or foods
• Materials that incline to irritate your skin, such as soaps or cosmetics
• Any current extra stress
• Where and when your symptoms started
• Some treatment you’ve had for other skin conditions

The specialist can occasionally tell by observing at a rash whether or not it’s atopic dermatitis. But it may take more than one visit to rule out further problems. The doctor might also talk about you to a specialist, such as a dermatologist or an allergist. There’s no test for this condition, but allergy testing can help identify any allergic triggers.

What is the treatment for eczema?

The acute eczema treatment where there are substantial weeping and oozing necessitates repeated cycles of application of dilute solutions of vinegar or tap water habitually in the form of a compress shadowed by evaporation. This is greatest often expediently performed by employing the affected body portion in front of a fan later the compress. Once the critical weeping has lessened, then topical steroid applications can be an actual treatment. In wide-ranging disease, systemic steroids may need to be used either orally or by an injection.

How to prevent eczema?

The succeeding tips may help avert bouts of flares and minimalize the drying effects of bathing:

• Moisturize the skin at slightest twice a day.
• Try to recognize and avoid causes that aggravate the condition.
• Take shorter baths or showers.
• Get a bleach bath.
• Use only mild soaps.
• Dry your body carefully.

Consult Dr. Marie Hayag for best eczema treatment in NYC:

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of eczema or atopic dermatitis, you can consult Dr. Marie Hayag an American board-certified dermatologist who is offering the customized treatment for eczema in NYC that gives you best results. For more information or for an appointment, just call 212-722-2055 or contact us by applying the form on our website. 

***The material presented on this page is solely for informational and educational purposes. Always consult the doctor for any professional medical advice***