|
Would you like to ask us a medical question?
|
Eczema

What Is Eczema ? Eczema is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Eczema may occur to the people at any age. Eczema is a specific type of allergic cutaneous manifestation of antigen-antibody reaction. It is characterized by superficial inflammatory oedema of the epidermis associated with vesicle formation. Eczema is characterized by itching, scaling and burning of the skin. Although eczema can sometimes look unpleasant, it is not contagious. With treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced. However, the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care. The term 'Eczema' is a Greek word (Ee means out, and Zeo means boil). The whole word implies 'boil out'. The Hindustani name for eczema is Chambal. Types of Eczema (Dermatitis) Allergic contact eczema (dermatitis): a red, itchy, weepy reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign, such as poison ivy or certain preservatives in creams and lotions Contact eczema: a localized reaction that includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen (an allergy-causing substance) or with an irritant such as an acid, a cleaning agent, or other chemical Dyshidrotic eczema: irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn Neurodermatitis: scaly patches of the skin on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms caused by a localized itch (such as an insect bite) that become intensely irritated when scratched Nummular eczema: coin-shaped patches of irritated skin-most common on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs-that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy Causes of Eczema The cause of the Eczema is unknown. Exciting causes are varied, viz., chemicals, plants, clothing, cosmetics, medicaments, infections, drugs, diet, focal sepsis etc. This is caused by direct contact between the skin and the substance, which might be adetergent, soap, diesel or engine oil, strong chemical, cleaner, etc. Eczema can also be caused by contact with substances that the body has become allergic to, called allergic contact dermatitis. This type commonly involves nickel, poison ivy, cosmetics, and rubber products. Infantile eczema often affects young babies, and is caused by moisture from drool or inflammation of the scalp (cradle cap).
Eczema Cure There are two ways to treat eczema Either natural remedies or going to a skin specialist There are two ways to treat eczema. Either natural remedies or going to a skin specialist. Medical science has various remedies for eczema cures. They both qualify as an eczema cure. The difference between the two methods is the time it takes to alleviate the condition. In a large majority of cases, the eczema cure prescribed by a skin specialist will work faster.
When people go to a skin specialist, the specialist will determine the treatment essentially by elimination. They start out with basic aetioligical (causes of diseases and the factors underlying their spread) causes. They involve various types of allergens, responsible for allergic dermatitis. When the cause is determined, it is a simple matter of eliminating it from the sufferer?s life.
The second treatment is Symptomatic treatment that looks at topical and systemic course of therapy. The localization of the eczema helps in determining the type of eczema and therefore the potential treatment. Basic guidelines for avoiding substances and situations follow:
Water can be a major contributor to eczema. Bathing too frequently in hot water will dry out the skin and that is what we are trying to get rid of. Just sit in a tub for more than 20 minutes and check your pruny fingers. That pruning effect happens because the skin is releasing moisture. If you have eczema, then avoid irritants to the skin like the plague. Materials like alkali, detergents, and soaps and topical solutions or creams that contain alcohol. There are gentle and non-alkali soaps available everywhere.
If you are seeing a skin specialist, then bathing is an important consideration in your treatment. The patient should take short baths of 10 to 15 minutes in warm, not hot, water. Some of the substances they should avoid or at least lessen up on are permanganate tar, colloid (salts) and bath oil. Also when you are drying after a bath or a shower, use a patting motion instead of rubbing. It will irritate the eczema area if you rub it. To help the eczema cure along you should apply moisturizers after taking a bath. Moisturizers with non distracted emollient are the only ones you should consider. If your eczema is on the scalp, then you can protect it with the use of tar or mild shampoos.
Eczema cures can by hastened by wearing relevant clothing. Eliminate all woolen and synthetic fabrics. Instead use cotton wears. In addition the patient should avoid heat, both air temperature and hot foods or liquids. Using these heightens circulation of the blood which leads to increased itch. Another cause that most people don?t consider is their lifestyle. Too much stress and anxiety isn?t good for anyone but it really affects people with eczema.
The selection of emollients relies upon the skin condition of the patient. The doctor will check frequently with the patient to make sure that the treatment is progressing at it should. A typical eczema cure involves rich emollients to be applied in the night time and creams to be applied during the day. The emollients used will not stain clothing and makes sleep more comfortable by eliminating some of the itch of eczema.
Emollients are a substitute for the natural oils and act to closing or wrapping small fractures in the skin. It also renovates the protecting film over the skin. Rigorous pruritus (intense itching) can be reduced with tolerable, recognizable methods. Stopping the itching and scratching spans is the most important function of these emollients. The patient can help the emollients by applying a cold cloth with gentle pressure. For patients that suffer from atopic dermatitis, the goal should be to avoid the allergens such as house dust and dust mites. Dry and scaly skin must go. Ken
|