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Eczema
Atopic dermatitis, infantile eczema, atopic eczema - you might be familiar with these terms. Eczema, however you name it, is a general term. It is a chronic skin disorder / allergy usually characterized by scaly and itchy rashes.
Eczema is a very common disorder, children being very prone to it. Although it can occur just once, it generally keeps coming back or lasts the entire lifetime.In children, mostly the disease clears up and disappears with age.
Causes -
What causes eczema is unknown till date. It can be triggered by just about anything that comes in contact with the skin.
Some possible factors that worsen the condition -
- Exposure to water, temperature changes.
- Stress
- Rough or coarse material coming in contact with skin.
- Upper respiratory tract infections.
- Certain soaps, detergents.
- Contact with juices from fresh fruits.
The list is endless!!!!
The "itch" triggers are not the same for every person and it is very difficult to find out the exact cause of a flare-up.
Symptoms -
- The first symptom is intense itching followed by appearance of rashes. This causes a burning, tingling sensation. In children, rashes appear on cheeks, elbows, knees, whereas in adults, it commonly involves the inside surfaces of the knees and elbows.
- Blisters; if scratched, the blisters may ooze and become crusty and scaly.
- Infected skin area becomes abnormally dark or light in colour.
- Painful cracks may develop followed by bleeding.
- In some cases, there might be ear discharge
Treatment -
Effective treatment requires a correct diagnosis of the allergen. Eczema cannot be cured in most cases, but it can be managed well and controlled.
Self care at home -
The simplest treatment is to remove the allergy causing agent. You can do that either at home by keeping a track on your habits or go for a laboratory allergy testing.
- Prevent dry skin. Use a mild soap while bathing and follow it up with a moisturizer. Take notice of irritating substances.
- Avoid scratching the rash, for it will only increase the irritation .
- Avoid stress. Undertake light activity, eat good healthy food - this might help prevent flare-ups.
Do not expect a quick response.
Medication:
If unable to control the situation, go for medical treatment which involves anti-inflammatory medication.
- Main aim of treatment is to relieve discomfort.
It depends on
- age, health and medical history of patient.
- type and severity of eczema present.
- Since eczema is a dry, itchy and flaky disease, treatment involves applying lotions, creams to keep the skin moist.
- The doctor may also prescribe a change in lifestyle diet along with medication.
- Chemical skin drying agents may be used, but the result is not proven.
- In very severe cases, alternate treatments such as chemotherapy, phototherapy may also be given.
Follow up steps and prevention -
- Keep the allergic area clean, dry to avoid further breakdown. Avoid scratching.
- Avoid whatever causes a flare up of your eczema.
- Reduce stress.
- Keep children's bedrooms, play areas free of dust mites (a common eczema causing agent ).
- Children should be dressed in comfortable, loose cotton clothing.
Eczema is not contagious. It is often hereditary. If you avoid certain allergic irritants in your lifestyle and carefully follow medical treatment, you'll definitely see improvement as time goes by.