The term “eczema” is derived from a Greek word meaning “to boil over,”It is also called dermatitis. Eczema is a non-contagious, inflammatory skin condition that causes the skin to become red and itchy. It may either get better or worsen over time. Though the main cause is believed to be genetic factors, pollution and increased hygiene (using too much soap, fragrances, etc.) also play a vital role.
Though eczema and psoriasis are like twins having a similar look, deep down, they are fundamentally different. There are different types of eczema, ranging from mild, moderate, to severe. It’s important to understand its type, symptoms and triggers to help you recognize and treat your condition appropriately
Atopic denotes to an allergy. This type is chronic and inflammatory. It occurs when the immune system goes into overactive in response to an irritant or allergen inside or outside the body. Research shows that people who come from families with a history of allergy, rashes, asthma and hay fever are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis themselves. It tends to begin in early childhood and it might improve or get worse in the future. Typically, rashes occur on the cheeks, neck, elbow and knee creases, and ankles.
This occurs when the skin is repeatedly exposed to environmental factors like severe heat and cold resulting in the loss of moisture in the skin.
This can occur after a person touches an allergy-triggering substance repeatedly. An example of this would be poison ivy, nickel, cosmetics. The hands are specifically vulnerable to developing this condition.
This can be developed in people who have poor circulation in the veins of the legs. It can cause weeping and crusting of the dermis. Over time, this also can cause the dermis to develop brown stains.
This affects the hands and feet by developing itchy rashes or blisters or scaly patches on the sides of the fingers or palms and toes or soles. Sometimes chronic and painful deep cracks may also appear.
This causes coin-shaped red plaques on the lower legs, back of the hands, hips, forearms, and lower backs. Men are more vulnerable to this type, though the reason is unknown. However, exposure to chemicals and metals raises the chance.
Better known as dandruff, this produces a rash on the scalp, ears, face, eyebrows and centre of the chest and causes the skin to fall off in flakes. However, in infants it can produce a weepy, oozy rash and can be quite extensive, involving the entire body. This may occur due to an overgrowth of a type of yeast that typically lives in these areas, as well as an overgrowth and rapid flaking of cells on the scalp.
The classic symptoms include:
They can be all over the body or only in a few spots. At times, the symptoms can be painful causing severe itchiness and often interrupting sleep. Scratching too much might lead to an infection.
Based on the age factors, the location may change. In babies and young children, it is usually found on the cheeks, neck and bending areas such as insides of the elbows and on the knees. In older children and adults, it appears typically on the hands and feet, the arms and on the back of knees.
The first step in treating eczema is to keep the trigger factors under control. Each type of eczema needs a specific type of therapy. Treatment will be based on the type of eczema, its severity, individual’s age, symptoms and current state of health. No one treatment is suitable for all people. The treatment aims to reduce itching and discomfort and to prevent additional flare-ups and gradually heal the affected area.
Even after the affected area is healed, it is essential to keep looking after it, as it may easily become irritated again. Having a good moisturizing procedure can help reduce the severity of your flare-ups. With the increasing number of products in the market, it’s important to narrow down your choices and find a genuine product.
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