Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a skin condition caused by inflammation of the skin making it red and itchy. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically and then subside. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a skin condition caused by inflammation of the skin making it red and itchy. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically and then subside. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.
Different types of eczema:
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It often affects people who also have asthma or hay fever. Characteristically, rashes occur on the cheeks, neck, elbow and knee creases, and ankles.
Contact Dermatitis
There are two types of contact dermatitis:
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
The first symptom may be severe itching. Blisters may then appear, which give way a few weeks later to scaly patches. Sometimes deep cracks can appear on the hands or fingers. This type of eczema may become chronic and painful.
Nummular Dermatitis
This is a nonspecific term for coin-shaped plaques of scaling skin most often on the lower legs of older individuals.
Neurodermatitis
People with this type of eczema develop skin irritation in spots that they frequently scratch out of habit.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis causes skin to fall off in flakes. The condition may be due to an overgrowth of a type of yeast that normally lives in these areas, as well as an overgrowth and rapid shedding of cells on the scalp. It may be especially hard to treat in people whose immune systems aren’t working properly, including people with AIDS .
Stasis Dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis can arise quickly, causing weeping and crusting of the skin. Over time, this type of eczema can cause the skin to develop brown stains.
Eczema comes in many forms. But the different types of eczema tend to cause these symptoms:
Depending on the cause, eczema may flare up and cause severe symptoms. But it can also become a chronic problem with less intense symptoms.
DIAGNOSIS
The best way to diagnose eczema is for a doctor to take thorough medical and family histories. The doctor can sometimes tell by looking at the rash whether or not it is eczema. It is important to rule out curable conditions caused by infectious organisms. Occasionally, a sample of skin (biopsy) may be sent for examination in a laboratory.
Although there is no test for eczema, allergy testing can help pinpoint any allergic triggers. Other common triggers include irritants, heat, or emotions.
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
It is important to recognize the condition early so you can start treatment. If regular moisturizing and other self-care steps don’t help, your doctor may suggest the following treatments and drugs:
Medications
Therapies
Infantile eczema
Treatment for infantile eczema includes:
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