Eczema

Eczema - Symptoms and Treatment - Facts & Advice | Recetas Medicas

Eczema is a common skin condition caused by an inflammation of the skin. There are different types of eczema and the symptoms vary, but the most common are dry skin, itching and rashes. Eczema can affect both children and adults, and most people get eczema at some point in their lives. Eczema is not contagious and the problems can be alleviated with the right treatment.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a collective name for various skin conditions caused by an inflammation of the skin. In eczema, the outermost layer of the skin has been damaged, which leads to a number of different problems. The skin becomes dry and scaly because it cannot retain moisture in the same way. The skin also becomes more sensitive and can easily be irritated by things like chemicals, soaps and perfumes. When the skin barrier does not work as it should, the risk of getting infections also increases, because bacteria and viruses can penetrate more easily.

Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema can occur anywhere on the body, and symptoms can vary in severity. Here are some of the most common symptoms of eczema:

• Itching: The most prominent and often the first symptom of eczema is intense itching which can be very bothersome. Scratching the inflamed area can lead to further skin irritation or infection.
• Dry and scaly skin: Eczema often leads to dry skin that flakes or feels rough and rough. Cracks can form in the skin that sting and hurt.
• Redness and rash: The inflamed skin area becomes red and sometimes swollen. You may also develop a rash that can vary in appearance and be red, brown, purple or gray depending on your skin tone.
• Fluid-filled blisters: In certain forms of eczema, spots and small blisters may appear. The blisters may burst and ooze. Then small wounds and scabs form on the inflamed area.
• Periodic outbreaks: Eczema can be more or less bothersome in periods. Some may have prolonged symptom-free periods while others have more frequent outbreaks.

Other causes of skin rashes

It can be difficult to differentiate between eczema and other skin rashes. Rashes can be caused by many different things, such as allergic reactions, infections, medications or stress, and they can manifest in different ways. Contact healthcare if you do not know what caused a rash or if you are worried. A doctor can make a correct diagnosis and suggest appropriate treatment.

Different types of eczema

There are several types of eczema. They can occur in different places on the body and the symptoms can differ between the different variants.

• Atopic eczema: Also called flexure eczema because it often occurs in the folds where the joints bend. Atopic eczema is characterized by dry, itchy and reddened skin. The cause of atopic eczema is inflammation of the skin which is partly hereditary. The problems often begin before the age of two and usually remain throughout life in varying degrees.
• Contact eczema: Contact eczema occurs when the skin reacts to a specific substance, such as soap, perfume, rubber or nickel. Contact dermatitis can be due to allergy, but there is also non-allergic contact dermatitis. Symptoms include redness, itching and sometimes blisters where the skin has come into contact with the allergen or irritant.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by a fungus. It often affects the scalp, but can also occur on the face and other areas with many sebaceous glands. The skin becomes red and scaly. Stress can make the symptoms worse.
• Dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx): This condition is characterized by small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, or soles of the feet. When the blisters heal, the skin scales. The symptoms often appear suddenly and may recur in spasms, usually in the summer or when the climate is hot and humid.
• Nummular Eczema: Also called coin eczema because it produces distinct, coin-shaped patches on the skin. Coin eczema most often occurs on the arms and legs and is most common in older men.
• Solar eczema: Solar eczema is a skin reaction that occurs as a result of exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. It is characterized by small red bumps or blisters that itch a lot. They appear on areas that have been exposed to the sun, often within a few hours of sunbathing. Solar eczema is more common in fair-skinned people and can recur every year, especially in the spring and early summer.
• Eczema under the legs: Eczema under the legs is common in older people and occurs due to impaired blood circulation in the legs. It is characterized by red and slightly scaly rashes on the lower legs, and often occurs in connection with varicose veins or leg ulcers.

Treatment of eczema

The treatment of eczema focuses mainly on reducing inflammation, relieving itching and preventing future outbreaks. There are different types of medication that can help relieve symptoms:

• Emollient creams: When you have eczema, it's important to keep your skin soft and moisturized. Lubricate often and a lot, even during periods when the eczema is better to prevent new outbreaks.
• Cortisone ointments or creams: Cortisone is a substance that helps reduce inflammation and reduce itching in the skin. Cortisone is available in different strengths, and the milder varieties can be bought without a prescription at the pharmacy. Doctors can prescribe stronger variants.
• Immune-suppressing creams and tablets: Immune-suppressing drugs work by calming the skin's immune system. Creams can be a good option for people who can't or don't want to use cortisone ointments, especially on sensitive skin areas like the face. If you have severe eczema and no other treatment works, you can get tablets prescribed by skin specialists.
• Light therapy: Sunlight can ease the symptoms of eczema. Medical light therapy can be performed in some hospitals to help calm the eczema.

Each person's eczema is different, so it's important to consult with a doctor to find the best treatment.

Self-care and preventive measures

There are several things you can do yourself to relieve the symptoms of eczema. Here are some tips:

• Keep skin hydrated: Use emollient creams regularly, preferably right after you shower or bathe to lock moisture into the skin. Choose a thick, unscented cream or ointment.
• Use mild skin care products: Choose mild, unscented soaps and skin care products. Avoid products that contain alcohol, perfume or dyes that can irritate the skin.
• Try not to scratch: Itching can worsen eczema and lead to infections. Keep your nails short and consider wearing cotton gloves at night if you scratch in your sleep.
• Dress loosely: Wear loose-fitting clothes made of soft fabrics such as cotton. Avoid rough materials such as wool and synthetic materials, especially close to the skin.
• Cool indoor environment: The air becomes dry from being heated, and dry air can worsen the symptoms. Try to keep an even and cool temperature indoors.
• Avoid substances that cause discomfort: Use unscented detergent and wash new clothes before use to get rid of any chemicals. If a certain substance triggers your eczema, such as nickel or dish soap, you should avoid it completely.
• Water dries out: The skin becomes dry from water. Take short, cool showers or baths and don't wash every day unless you have to.

Remember that this is general advice and what works may vary from person to person. If your eczema is severe or does not improve, it is important to contact a doctor for advice and treatment.