What you need to know about eczema

The term eczema covers many different skin conditions which result in inflammation, rashes and itchy skin. Atopic dermatitis refers to one kind of eczema, although the two terms are often used interchangeably. "Atopic" health conditions are those that involve hypersensitivity reactions and have hereditary causes; these health conditions run in families. The term "dermatitis" refers to skin inflammation.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is non-contagious. The skin of a person with this type of eczema is chronically inflamed. It is also itchy, sometimes intolerably so. This disease commonly affects infants, children and young adults. It often disappears before age 25. Atopic dermatitis usually does not affect overall health.

Infantile Eczema

Many babies develop infantile eczema, which is a kind of atopic dermatitis. Their skin becomes encrusted and fluid may ooze out of it. The face and scalp are the areas most often affected by infantile eczema. The right medical attention can control symptoms. Typically, the eczema goes away before the child turns two.

Atopic dermatitis can develop after infancy as well. However, the skin crusting, inflammation, oozing and blistering are significantly less severe in such cases. The skin may develop dry sores, become thickened and scaly.

Eczema Symptoms

Eczema can cause a change in skin complexion; dark skinned individuals often find that their skin becomes either darker or lighter. The chronic itching may worsen at night. Itching may be so severe that the person is forced to scratch continually, which results in bleeding and subsequent infection and / or scars.

According to some estimates, approximately 3% of the US population has eczema. Fully 80% of those who have this disease have relatives with the same disease. This underscores the hereditary nature of this condition. Females tend to be much more affected than males.

Eczema Research

Researchers think that an overactive immune system is one of the causes of eczema. It is also thought to be caused by genetic condition that makes the skin lose moisture at abnormally high rates.

When a patient scratches the itchy skin, the itching actually worsens because the condition of the skin deteriorates. This in turn results in a greater tendency to scratch, thus setting up a vicious cycle. Medication that relieves itching can break this cycle by allowing enough time for the skin to heal. Continual scratching can result in broken skin and infections - this is another reason to relieve itching.

Some of the common symptoms of eczema include thickening of the skin, itchy rashes as well as chronic fatigue. The itching sensations interfere with sleep and cause fatigue.

Eczema in the Family

Persons who have a family history of eczema or other allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever are much more likely to develop atopic dermatitis. Such persons may find that exposure to fabric softeners, detergents, chemicals, synthetic fabrics, wool, etc, can cause a flare up of the disease. Exposure to hot and cold temperatures can cause the disease too. Some drugs that have the affect of suppressing the immune system are known to trigger eczema. Certain kinds of foods like cow's milk, fish, eggs and peanuts can cause a flare up as well.

There are no reliable tests that can provide useful information to assist diagnosis of eczema. Diagnosis is usually done by examining the patient's symptoms and family history.

At present there is no cure for eczema. Dermatologists recommend treatments aimed at managing symptoms. The good news is that symptoms recede with age and may even disappear completely.