Table of Content

1. Introduction

2. Types, Causes and Symptoms
   2.1 Atopic dermatitis
   2.2 Contact dermatitis
   2.3 Dyshidrotic eczema
   2.4 Hand eczema
   2.5 Neurodermatitis
   2.6 Nummular eczema
   2.7 Statis dermatitis

3. How to identify eczema?

4. Treatments and precautions to take

5. Conclusion

 

Introduction

When you hear the word Eczema or dermatitis, the thing that comes to mind is red, dry, itchy, scaly skin. Eczema is a disease which damages the skin barrier and makes the skin more prone to infections and dryness which results in blisters and patches on the skin which are rough and itchy. It doesn’t harm your body and is a noncontagious disease. This can affect anywhere on the skin and any age group. Typically visible on ankles, neck, hands, feet, knees, around eyes and inner elbow.

Types, Causes and Symptoms-

Atopic dermatitis

This condition occurs when the skin’s natural barrier fails to protect you from allergens and irritants. Causes can be genes, problems in the immune system, dry skin etc. the affected area can get darker, lighter or thicker. Rashes often appear in the creases of the elbow and knees. Small bumps may appear and fluid will leak out if you scratch them. Skin can get infected if you scratch them.

Contact dermatitis

It is caused by the reaction of a substance you come in contact with like latex, metal or chemical which results in irritated, thick scaly skin. Affected areas may result in fluid-filled blisters, red itchy areas that burn, stings, and bumps called hives that are itchy and thick scaly skin.

Dyshidrotic eczema

It is caused by smoking tobacco products, damp hands and feet or exposure to chemicals like nickel and cobalt or chromium salt. Commonly found in women than in men and small blisters can appear on hands and feet. Those fluid-filled blisters may hurt and can appear on hands, feet, soles of your feet, fingers etc., skin can become flaky and can crack.

Hand eczema

It is caused by exposure to chemicals often while on a job like hairdressing, health care, laundry and dry cleaning or while doing household chores. Hand me appear blistered and cracked which will result in itchiness and redness.

Neurodermatitis

It is similar to atopic dermatitis, generally seen in people who have other types of eczema or psoriasis. Patches can be very itchy when your body is relaxed and can bleed and get infected on scratching them, thick, scaly patches can be seen on arms, legs, bottoms of your feet, back of your neck, genitals, scalp, or backs of your hands.

Nummular eczema

It is caused by an allergic reaction to metals or insect bites. Coin shaped spot appears on the skin. can itch a lot and can become scaly.

Stasis dermatitis

The cause of it is the fluid which breaks out of weak veins into the skin. People who have blood flow problems in their lower body can suffer from that. If the blood which pushes up through your legs towards the heart malfunctions, blood can pool in your legs. This fluid can cause brown, purple, grey or ashen colour in darker skin tones, pain and swelling.

How to Identify Eczema?

There are some common symptoms for all of these and here is how a person can identify them-

• Hyperpigmentation, redness.
• Itching can be intense.
• Dry, scaly skin.
• Small bump. 

Treatment and Precautions to take-

Eczema treatment can be difficult if the cause is something you can’t control, like genetics. Fortunately, you can control factors like environment and stress level. Do figure out what worsens or triggers your eczema, and consequently avoid it. The goal is to reduce itching and discomfort and prevent infections.

• Use mild soaps and fragrance-free products, dyes and alcohol. Go for products which are labelled as “sensitive skin” and “fragrance free,”
• Antibiotics treat skin infections.
• Antihistamines like diphenhydramine can control the itch.
• Calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel), minimise the immune response that causes itchiness.
• Use ceramide products. These moisturizers help in restoring the skin barrier.
• Phototherapy uses UV light, usually ultraviolet B (UVB), from special lamps. The ultraviolet light waves found in sunlight help in certain skin disorders, including eczema.
• It’ll be best to keep room temperature regular as changes in room temperature and humidity can dry the skin.
• Avoid rubbing or scratching.
• Use moisturizer multiple times a day.
• Moisturize your skin using a cream or ointment after you bathe or shower. Use lukewarm water to bathe.

Conclusion

Arranging eczema treatment in Delhi is a complex and challenging task, but avoiding allergens and irritants and taking precautions timely, using topical treatments as directed by physicians are found to be effective in the majority of cases.