Atopic Eczema
The term eczema refers to a
number of different skin conditions in which the skin is red and irritated and
occasionally results in small, fluid-filled bumps that become moist and ooze.
The most common cause of eczema is atopic dermatitis, sometimes called infantile
eczema. Eczema is a chronic recurring intensely itchy inflammation of the skin
usually starting in early childhood. It is known as atopic eczema as well as
atopic dermatitis.
Who Is Affected By Eczema?
Eczema affects probably 10-15% of the population and is becoming more common for reasons that are not well understood. Three quarters of the time, eczema presents itself in the first six months of life. The condition waxes and wanes over the years with frequent flare-ups. The majority of cases have an increase in the serum Ig E level which is a sign of increased immunological activity.
What Does The Word Eczema Mean?
In Greek eczema means to” boil over” and this refers to the weeping stage of acute eczema. Eczema, hay fever and asthma are grouped together in a complex known as atopy. The cause of eczema is not entirely understood. Genetic, immunological as well as skin barrier defects are important factors. External factors often influence the condition. The barrier function of the skin is less effective which allows more water loss from the skin. An increase in skin bacterial infections especially by staphylococcus aureus can be seen.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of eczema can vary widely during the early phases. Between 2 and 6 months of age (and almost always before the age of 5 years), children with eczema usually develop itchy, dry, red skin and small bumps on their cheeks, forehead, or scalp. The rash may spread to the extremities (the arms and legs) and the trunk, and red, crusted, or open lesions may appear on any area affected.
Kids with eczema may also experience circular, slightly raised, itchy, and scaly rashes in the bends of the elbows, behind the knees, or on the backs of the wrists and ankles.
As children get older, the rash is usually less oozy and scalier than it was when the eczema first began, and the skin is extremely itchy and dry. These symptoms also tend to worsen and improve over time, with flare-ups occurring periodically.
Children often try to relieve the itching by rubbing the affected areas with a hand or anything within reach. But scratching can make the rash worse and can eventually lead to thickened, brownish areas on the skin. This is why eczema is often called the "itch that rashes" rather than the "rash that itches."
How Long Does It Last?
In many cases, eczema goes into remission and symptoms may disappear altogether for months or even years.
For many children, the condition begins to improve by the age of 5 or 6; but others may experience flare-ups throughout adolescence and early adulthood.
Hand Eczema - Hand Dermatitis
This is a very common occurring in about 10% of women and 4% of men. Hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis, starts most commonly with mild dryness and some redness. Scaling can increase leading to fissuring and crusting. Initially the fingers and web spaces are involved.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis can be either irritant or allergic. Irritant dermatitis is usually mild. Micro-vesiculation of tiny blisters can be seen although this is not as prominent as an allergic dermatitis. Chronic exposure can lead to thickening of the skin with scaling and cracking.
Allergic Dermatitis
This can be mild and have features similar to irritant dermatitis. More severe reactions will produce blisters, redness and swelling. The distribution and configuration of the dermatitis may give clues to the fact that this is allergic. Straight lines, irregular shapes, sharp edges and angular configuration are all clues to aid in diagnosing contact dermatitis. The location and distribution of the dermatitis can be clue to the causative agent: Eyelids, Face, Scalp, Ears, Neck, Chest, Belt line, Axilla, Vulva, Penis, Thighs, Buttocks, Anal skin, Forearms, Legs.
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis Occurring only on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet, this common eczema typically causes a burning or itching sensation and a blistering rash.
Neurodermatitis Imagine an itch so intense that no amount of scratching brings relief and you have some idea of what it feels like to have neurodermatitis. This common eczema develops when nerve endings in the skin become irritated, triggering a severe itch-scratch-itch cycle. Common causes of nerve irritation include an insect bite and emotional stress.
Nummular Dermatitis Often appearing after a skin injury, such as a burn, abrasion, or insect bite, the hallmark of this common eczema is unique, coin-shaped (nummular) or oval lesions. One or many patches can develop that may last for weeks or months.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Usually beginning on the scalp as oily, waxy patches, this common type of eczema sometimes spreads to the face and beyond. A severe case, while rare, produces widespread lesions. Like most types of eczema, Seborrheic dermatitis tends to flare in cold, dry weather.
Stasis Dermatitis Developing in the lower legs, this common eczema occurs when circulation becomes sluggish. Poor blood flow causes fluids to build up, and the legs swell. Over time, this build up of fluids affects the skin, causing a rash that usually itches, painful sores, as well as thinning and discolored skin. Effective treatment involves treating not only the dermatitis but the circulatory problem as well.
Varicose eczema?
Varicose eczema is also sometimes called gravitational eczema. Eczema or dermatitis is a common skin disorder characterised by red, scaly and often very itchy patches of skin. Varicose eczema affects the lower legs where the skin becomes dry and itchy. Scratching the skin leads to soreness. If left untreated, the skin can break down, resulting in an ulcer in the area of the varicose eczema. The ulcer typically affects the inside of the leg, but may occur on the outside of the leg or even the foot.
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Who Is Affected By Eczema?
Eczema affects probably 10-15% of the population and is becoming more common for reasons that are not well understood. Three quarters of the time, eczema presents itself in the first six months of life. The condition waxes and wanes over the years with frequent flare-ups. The majority of cases have an increase in the serum Ig E level which is a sign of increased immunological activity.
What Does The Word Eczema Mean?
In Greek eczema means to” boil over” and this refers to the weeping stage of acute eczema. Eczema, hay fever and asthma are grouped together in a complex known as atopy. The cause of eczema is not entirely understood. Genetic, immunological as well as skin barrier defects are important factors. External factors often influence the condition. The barrier function of the skin is less effective which allows more water loss from the skin. An increase in skin bacterial infections especially by staphylococcus aureus can be seen.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of eczema can vary widely during the early phases. Between 2 and 6 months of age (and almost always before the age of 5 years), children with eczema usually develop itchy, dry, red skin and small bumps on their cheeks, forehead, or scalp. The rash may spread to the extremities (the arms and legs) and the trunk, and red, crusted, or open lesions may appear on any area affected.
Kids with eczema may also experience circular, slightly raised, itchy, and scaly rashes in the bends of the elbows, behind the knees, or on the backs of the wrists and ankles.
As children get older, the rash is usually less oozy and scalier than it was when the eczema first began, and the skin is extremely itchy and dry. These symptoms also tend to worsen and improve over time, with flare-ups occurring periodically.
Children often try to relieve the itching by rubbing the affected areas with a hand or anything within reach. But scratching can make the rash worse and can eventually lead to thickened, brownish areas on the skin. This is why eczema is often called the "itch that rashes" rather than the "rash that itches."
How Long Does It Last?
In many cases, eczema goes into remission and symptoms may disappear altogether for months or even years.
For many children, the condition begins to improve by the age of 5 or 6; but others may experience flare-ups throughout adolescence and early adulthood.
Hand Eczema - Hand Dermatitis
This is a very common occurring in about 10% of women and 4% of men. Hand eczema, also known as hand dermatitis, starts most commonly with mild dryness and some redness. Scaling can increase leading to fissuring and crusting. Initially the fingers and web spaces are involved.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis can be either irritant or allergic. Irritant dermatitis is usually mild. Micro-vesiculation of tiny blisters can be seen although this is not as prominent as an allergic dermatitis. Chronic exposure can lead to thickening of the skin with scaling and cracking.
Allergic Dermatitis
This can be mild and have features similar to irritant dermatitis. More severe reactions will produce blisters, redness and swelling. The distribution and configuration of the dermatitis may give clues to the fact that this is allergic. Straight lines, irregular shapes, sharp edges and angular configuration are all clues to aid in diagnosing contact dermatitis. The location and distribution of the dermatitis can be clue to the causative agent: Eyelids, Face, Scalp, Ears, Neck, Chest, Belt line, Axilla, Vulva, Penis, Thighs, Buttocks, Anal skin, Forearms, Legs.
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis Occurring only on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet, this common eczema typically causes a burning or itching sensation and a blistering rash.
Neurodermatitis Imagine an itch so intense that no amount of scratching brings relief and you have some idea of what it feels like to have neurodermatitis. This common eczema develops when nerve endings in the skin become irritated, triggering a severe itch-scratch-itch cycle. Common causes of nerve irritation include an insect bite and emotional stress.
Nummular Dermatitis Often appearing after a skin injury, such as a burn, abrasion, or insect bite, the hallmark of this common eczema is unique, coin-shaped (nummular) or oval lesions. One or many patches can develop that may last for weeks or months.
Seborrheic Dermatitis Usually beginning on the scalp as oily, waxy patches, this common type of eczema sometimes spreads to the face and beyond. A severe case, while rare, produces widespread lesions. Like most types of eczema, Seborrheic dermatitis tends to flare in cold, dry weather.
Stasis Dermatitis Developing in the lower legs, this common eczema occurs when circulation becomes sluggish. Poor blood flow causes fluids to build up, and the legs swell. Over time, this build up of fluids affects the skin, causing a rash that usually itches, painful sores, as well as thinning and discolored skin. Effective treatment involves treating not only the dermatitis but the circulatory problem as well.
Varicose eczema?
Varicose eczema is also sometimes called gravitational eczema. Eczema or dermatitis is a common skin disorder characterised by red, scaly and often very itchy patches of skin. Varicose eczema affects the lower legs where the skin becomes dry and itchy. Scratching the skin leads to soreness. If left untreated, the skin can break down, resulting in an ulcer in the area of the varicose eczema. The ulcer typically affects the inside of the leg, but may occur on the outside of the leg or even the foot.
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