Eczema
is a general term for any type of dermatitis
(inflammation of the skin). Skin diseases
that are “eczemas”
include atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema, dyshidrotic
eczema, contact dermatitis and hypersensitivity
dermatitis. Hypersensitivity
dermatitis may be caused by medications,
infections/infestations and/or allergies.
| • |
When people with atopic
and dyshidrotic dermatitis are exposed to
an irritant or allergen to which they are
sensitive, their immune system is stimulated
to produce inflammatory cells that enter the
skin and release chemicals that cause itching
and redness. |
| • |
All types of eczema
can be itchy and red; some types may weep,
crack, peel or blister. |
| • |
Irritants are substances
that cause burning, itch and redness. Astringents
and toners, alcohol or acid-containing skin
products, acidic foods, detergents, fumes
and industrial chemicals are a few examples
of skin irritants. |
| • |
Scratching eczema
can lead to hyperpigmentation (skin darkening),
nodules (raised bumps on the skin) and scars. |
| • |
Atopic dermatitis very
often occurs together with other atopic
diseases like hay fever, seasonal or pet
allergies, dust mite allergy, asthma and
conjunctivitis. It is a chronic condition
that can worsen or disappear over time. Atopic
dermatitis may sometimes be mistaken for
psoriasis. |
| • |
Medical moisturizers
(also known as barrier repair creams or
emollients) are now available to improve
skin barrier function in people with eczema
and atopic dermatitis. A few of these are
Biafine, CeraVe, Ceratopic and Mimyx. |
| • |
Along with moisturizers,
eczema can be treated with topical corticosteroids,
topical calcineurin inhibitors, ultraviolet
light therapy, and immunosuppressant drugs
in severe cases. |
|
