What is Eczema?

Most of us have heard of a medical condition called eczema, but are confused about what it actually means. This confusion stems from the disorganized nomenclature of the various abnormal skin conditions that are clubbed under the broad title ‘eczema’. It relates to swollen and itchy skin conditions, and is commonly synonymous with dermatitis. But to be medically precise, eczema is a chronic condition that is long-lasting, while dermatitis is the acute version. It is ‘atopic’ dermatitis because the cause is excessive sensitivity to allergic triggers.

The name eczema has an interesting origin; it is derived from a Greek word which means “to boil”. This is a reference to its symptoms which can be easily seen on the surface of the skin. There will be redness, which may be itchy or sore. Often, this itch comes before the rash, which is why eczema is called ‘itch that rashes’ rather than ‘rash that itches’. After scratching or even if not treated, it could lead to blisters and then, lesions. If these erupt, they will ooze pus. As the damaged skin cells heal, they will show cracks. If they are accompanied by an itchy feeling, one should resist this as it will lead to bleeding and will hamper the healing process.

What is Eczema – Common locations

While this can occur anywhere on the body, eczema is most common on the face, the inner part of the elbow where the hand folds, behind the knees where the legs fold, on the hands and feet and around the eyes. The redness is more prominent with fair skinned people. Those having dark skin color get fair patches as eczema affects their pigmentation. Excessive scratching that causes the skin to bleed and ooze pus is not a pleasing sight. Further, the body’s response to untreated eczema is to thicken the skin as a protection from further damage. These portions can be rough and scaly to the touch, making its appearance even worse. Hence people having eczema are usually shy of showing the affected skin areas and make every effort to hide it. This condition affects the patient’s confidence and general social interaction as well.

Eczema is not contagious, so one should not keep distance from a person suffering from eczema. It is usually hereditary and is more probable if the person also suffers from the respiratory condition of asthma or hay fever. It is not a permanent condition; it will pass off with proper treatment, but can surface again in the future if the stimulating factors are present. Remission is the term to describe the temporary state of eczema symptoms clearing up, and the resurfacing at a later stage of life is called flare-up.

What is Eczema – Causes

There are different triggers and causes for eczema; these could be irritants, food and dust allergies inherent in the person’s genes and other diseases when the body’s immunity is low. There is the ‘barrier defect’ where a person’s skin has gaps that prevents water retention and allows entry to germs and other microscopic objects. Less common triggers include sudden drastic weather changes, new soap used on the body, itchy fabric of the clothing, jewelry and perfumes. Breathing polluted air and undergoing stress are known to worsen the eczema already present. Each patient should find out which are the trigger(s) in their case, and should eliminate contact with them as far as possible.

It is found occurring most in babies and young children. In fact, 20 percent of all people contract eczema, and 90 percent of these people do so within their first 5 years. A baby whose mother delivered it at a later age is more likely to have eczema. The most common body areas to be affected as children are the scalp, cheeks and other parts of the face. 50 percent of children affected by eczema will have a phase of remission, which will become active as teenagers, due to exposure to perfumes, soaps and stress. The symptoms experienced at this stage are usually much less severe than as children, and may appear only on the hands. Eczema is a universal skin abnormality and not prominent with any special race or skin type, though it is observed to a slightly larger extent in females as compared to males.

Because the symptoms of eczema are so similar to a normal allergic rash, it is often mistaken for the latter and is ignored until it worsens. Even before visiting a doctor, a simple home remedy to stop the uncontrollable itching sensation is the application of a cold compress.

Eczema – Treatments

This condition does not have a permanent cure but it can be treated. In children, it passes off on its own but adults need to consult a dermatologist, who is a specialist physician for skin problems like eczema. He or she will investigate the patient’s entire medical history and that of the immediate family, and will note down all symptoms. Some of these may be mentioned by the patient during their discussion, while others were not previously noticed, but are brought to light by the physician’s questions. Patch tests can be run to find out which allergens are causing eczema in a particular person. This allergy test is more useful to detect allergic contact dermatitis, which is a common form of eczema.

Once the type of eczema has been diagnosed, appropriate treatment is given to stop the itching, provide relief from the soreness and prevent further infection. The medication is usually some lotion or cream that moisturizes the affected skin surface. Its recommended usage is after a shower while the skin is still slightly wet, so that the moisture is trapped. A corticosteroid may be prescribed to bring down the inflammation on the skin. If the itching and pain is too much to bear, the patient may be given antihistamine sedatives to get good rest.

With increased awareness about eczema, affected patients can get timely and suitable care for themselves. They will be able to lead normal lives in the professional, family and romantic spheres since the other people coming in contact with them know that it they are not in any danger. These people will understand the patient’s plight and will treat them in a better way.