Patient Info

Eczema

Eczema is a general term used to describe a group of skin diseases in which skin becomes swollen, irritated, and itchy as in a rash. Eczema affects both adults and children, but is most common in babies.

The most common type of eczema is caused by allergy and is called atopic dermatitis. Eczema is not contagious; therefore it does not spread from one person to another. You are more prone to have eczema if your parents or family has a history of eczema and allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever.

Eczema can be triggered by certain substances such as soaps, detergents, cosmetics, jewelry, or sweat. Humidity and psychological stress may also cause eczema.

Eczema causes dry, scaly, red skin that itches or burns. It occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In babies, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.

Treatment of eczema aims at keeping the skin moist by applying creams or ointments. Corticosteroid creams are applied to decrease the inflammation. If itching is severe, oral antihistamines are prescribed.
In some cases, a short course of oral corticosteroids (prednisolone) is given to control an outbreak of eczema. Cyclosporine is also used in certain cases. Ultraviolet light therapy is another treatment option for eczema. Tacrolimus (Protopic®) and pimecrolimus (Elidel®) are approved as second-line drugs by U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of eczema unresponsive to other treatments.

Eczema cannot be cured completely, but you can follow these measures in order to relieve your symptoms and lessen the flare–ups. Such measures include:

• Avoiding taking long, hot baths. Try to limit bathing to 5 minutes with warm water and a mild soap.
• Apply a good moisturizer every day right after bathing.
• Avoid contact with soaps, perfumes, detergents, or jewelry which irritates your skin.
• Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes.
• Wash your new clothes before you wear them.
• Use cool compresses to help control itching.
• Keep your fingernails short to prevent scratching.
• Exercise and meditation can help those for whom stress triggers an outbreak.
• Avoid physical activities that promote excess sweating if this triggers an outbreak.
• Practice good skin hygiene habits.

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See complete Wikipedia article here.

For more information from the American Academy of Dermatology click here.