Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory reaction of the skin caused by physical, chemical or biologic agents. The epidermis is inflammed or damaged by the repeated chemical or physical irritations. It falls under the classification of dermatitis that may be of irritant, non-irritant, allergic, phototoxic and photoallergic types. The type of eczema that arises after exposing to some kind of allergen is called as allergic eczema which is the most common type of eczema.

Eczema results from exposing to contact allergens or irritants.The common causes of irritant eczema are soaps, detergents, scouring compounds, and industrial chemicals. Pre-existing skin disease is the cause of non-irritant eczema. The predisposing factors of eczema include exposing to extremes of heat and cold, frequent contact with soap and water and the presence of any other skin conditions.

Eczema can affect anybody both adult and children alike. They also affect men and women equally since anybody can be allergic or sensitive to anything. It all depends on their own skin conditions. Men are more prone to produce eczematous reaction from the industrial chemicals because men tend to work in industries, while women are exposed to eczematous reaction when they come in contact with laundry or dish washing soaps and detergents.

Eczema begins when the causitive agent contacts the skin. The symptoms of eczema varies from person to person extending from itching to bleeding. The first reaction to eczema includes itching, redness, and burning, followed by edema, papules, vesicles, and oozing. Sooner the vesicles dries up, forms crust and finally peels. If the reaction occurs repeatedly, the person tends to scratch the skin which may lead to thickening of the skin and pigmentation. In course of time it may lead to bacterial infection.

The main aim of treating eczema is to rest the involved skin and protect it from further damage. Treatment for eczema includes,

* Application of bland, unmedicated creams or lotion over the inflammed skin to prevent them from further dryness.

* Application of a cool, wet dressing or Burow's solution over the vesicles to reduce itching and promote soothing.

* Applying a thin layer of topical corticosteroid in the form of cream or lotion.

* Medicated baths at room temperature may be prescribed for eczema which is over larger area of the body.

* A short course of systemic corticosteroids like prednisone may be advised for 7-10 days for those with severe conditions.

* Antibiotics may be prescribed if secondary infection occurs.

* Oral antihistamines may also be prescribed by certain doctors to control itching.

* Finely cracked ice added to the water can be applied over the affected area and also the fore head as a compress if fever occurs.

Tips to prevent eczema: It takes at least 4 months for an eczema to heal completely. Here are some of the tips that can prevent and as well as help in complete healing of eczema.

* Always keep your skin moist. Apply hydrophilic creams or petroleum jelly if you have a dry skin.

* Study the pattern and location of eczema and think over the things you touched that may have caused the problem.

* Try to avoid contact with those materials again.

* Avoid all kinds of external irritants like heat, soap, and rubbing.

* Avoid cosmetic creams or any topical lotion except the ones specifically prescribed for you.

* Wash your skin thoroughly immediately when you come in contact with any suspected irritants.

* Wear gloves while washing dishes or doing general cleaning. If you are using a rubber gloves make sure they are cotton-lined and don't wear them for more than 15 or 20 minutes at a time.

Since eczema is not a disease in itself, but body's reaction to certain stimulants, prevention is always better than cure. Always remember to avoid anything that causes a reaction to your body and take suitable precautions when you have to handle agents that might have adverse reactions on your body.