Eczema
What is Eczema?
Inflammation of the skin causing itching and scratching. It can be due to an allergic reaction, but sometimes there is no apparent cause.
What Causes Eczema?
An eczema flare-up is when one or more eczema symptoms appear on the skin. The cause of eczema is not fully understood.
It is thought to be triggered by an overactive immune system that responds aggressively to the presence of irritants.
Eczema is sometimes caused in part by an abnormal response to proteins that are part of the body. Normally, the immune system ignores proteins that are part of the human body and attacks only the proteins of invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. In eczema, the immune system loses the ability to distinguish between the two, which causes inflammation.
Common triggers of eczema flare-ups include:
What are Symptoms of Eczema?
1. Develop yellowish to light brown crust or pus-filled blisters over existing patches of eczema. This may indicate a bacterial infection that should be treated with an antibiotic.
2. Develop numerous painful, small, fluid-filled blisters in the areas of eczema.
How to treat Eczema?
A dermatologist, allergist, or primary care physician can help you identify the correct treatment for eczema.
MedicationsOral over-the-counter antihistamines may relieve itching. They work by blocking histamine, which triggers allergic reactions. Examples include:
How to diagnose Eczema?
To diagnose eczema, your doctor will first talk to you about your symptoms and medical history.
He or she will also ask about your family's history of rashes and other allergy-related medical conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
What Are the Risk Factors of Eczema?
Several factors can increase the risk of developing eczema.
Eczema is more common in children who suffer from asthma and/or hay fever or who develop these conditions later, usually before the age of 30.
People with family members who have eczema are also at higher risk of developing the disease.
Inflammation of the skin causing itching and scratching. It can be due to an allergic reaction, but sometimes there is no apparent cause.
- Patches of chronically itchy, dry, thickened skin, usually on the hands, neck, face, and legs (but it can occur anywhere). In children, the inner creases of the knees and elbows are often involved.
- If scratched, dry patches of skin and open sores with crusts may develop and may get infected.
What Causes Eczema?
An eczema flare-up is when one or more eczema symptoms appear on the skin. The cause of eczema is not fully understood.
It is thought to be triggered by an overactive immune system that responds aggressively to the presence of irritants.
Eczema is sometimes caused in part by an abnormal response to proteins that are part of the body. Normally, the immune system ignores proteins that are part of the human body and attacks only the proteins of invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. In eczema, the immune system loses the ability to distinguish between the two, which causes inflammation.
Common triggers of eczema flare-ups include:
- chemicals found in cleaners and detergents that dry out the skin
- rough scratchy material like wool
- synthetic fabrics
- raised body temperature
- sweating
- temperature changes
- a sudden drop in humidity
What are Symptoms of Eczema?
1. Develop yellowish to light brown crust or pus-filled blisters over existing patches of eczema. This may indicate a bacterial infection that should be treated with an antibiotic.
2. Develop numerous painful, small, fluid-filled blisters in the areas of eczema.
How to treat Eczema?
A dermatologist, allergist, or primary care physician can help you identify the correct treatment for eczema.
MedicationsOral over-the-counter antihistamines may relieve itching. They work by blocking histamine, which triggers allergic reactions. Examples include:
- cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- fexofendaine (Allegra)
- loratidine (Claritin)
How to diagnose Eczema?
To diagnose eczema, your doctor will first talk to you about your symptoms and medical history.
He or she will also ask about your family's history of rashes and other allergy-related medical conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
What Are the Risk Factors of Eczema?
Several factors can increase the risk of developing eczema.
Eczema is more common in children who suffer from asthma and/or hay fever or who develop these conditions later, usually before the age of 30.
People with family members who have eczema are also at higher risk of developing the disease.