Eczema (Dermatitis)

Eczema is a condition where skin becomes inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough. Blisters may sometimes occur.

Here are some key points about eczema

• Certain foods can trigger symptoms, such as nuts and dairy.

• Symptoms vary according to the age of the person, but they often include scaly, itchy patches on skin.
• Eczema can also be triggered by environmental factors like smoke and pollen.
• Treatment focuses on healing damaged skin and alleviating symptoms.
• Eczema is not a contagious condition.

Home Remedies

There are certain things that people with eczema can do to alleviate symptoms, such as:

• taking lukewarm baths
• applying moisturizer immediately after bathing to “lock in” moisture
• moisturize daily
• wear cotton and soft fabrics, and avoid rough, scratchy fibers and tight-fitting cloths
• using a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser
• air drying or gently patting skin dry with a towel after bathing
• avoid rapid changes of temperature and activities that make you sweat

• learning and avoiding individual triggering factors causing eczema
• using a humidifier in dry or cold weather conditions
• keeping fingernails short to prevent scratching from breaking the skin and aggravating eczema

Medical Management

There are several medications that doctors prescribe to treat the symptoms of eczema, including:

• Topical creams and ointments
• Antibiotics: These are prescribed if eczema occurs alongside a bacterial skin infection.
• Antihistamines: These reduce the risk of night-time scratching as they can cause drowsiness.
• Moisturizers: These reduce water loss and work to repair the skin.
• Phototherapy

Etiology

The specific cause of eczema remains unknown

Children are more likely to develop eczema if one or both parents has had the condition or any other atopic disease.

Environmental factors can also cause eczema, such as:

• Irritants: These include soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits, vegetables, meats.
• Foods: Dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, sea food and wheat can cause eczema flare-ups.
• Allergens: Dust mites, pets, pollens, mold, dandruff.
• Microbes: These include bacteria, viruses, and certain fungi.
• Hot and cold temperatures: Extreme hot or cold weather, high or low humidity, and sweating from exercise.
• Hormones: Flares during pregnancy and at certain points in the menstrual cycle.
• Stress: This may indirectly worsen your symptoms.

Variants

There are many different types of eczema.

• Contact dermatitis (Allergic/Irritant): A skin reaction following contact with a substance/allergen that the immune system recognizes as foreign.

• Seborrheic dermatitis: This forms oily, scaly, yellowish patches of skin, usually on the scalp and face, eye brows, eye lids, ears
• Pompholyx: This is an irritation of the skin on the palms and the soles characterized by blisters.
• Neurodermatitis: This forms scaly patches of skin on the head, forearms, wrists, and lower legs. It is caused by a localized itch.
• Nummular eczema: These show as circular patches of irritated skin that can be crusted, scaly, and itchy.
• Stasis eczema: This is a skin irritation of the lower leg usually related to circulatory problems.

The clinic offers comprehensive care for conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hair loss. Providing a wide range of services demonstrates the clinic’s capability to handle all major dermatological issues effectively. Comprehensive care ensures that patients receive all necessary treatments under one roof, improving continuity and quality of care. Visit Dr. Mehul Patel Skin Clinic to know more about Eczema and its management.