ECZEMA/ DERMATITIS

Eczema is also known as Atopic Dermatitis and a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. The term eczema is also commonly used to describe atopic dermatitis also known as atopic eczema. In some languages, dermatitis and eczema are synonyms, while in other languages dermatitis implies an acute condition and eczema a chronic one. The cause of dermatitis is unclear. One possibility is a dysfunctional interplay between the immune system and skin.

Signs and Symptoms

Common Eczema signs include:

• Blisters with oozing and crusting
• Ear discharge or bleeding
• Dry skin all over the body
• Skin coloring changes
• Skin redness and inflammation

Causes

Its major causes are:

• Personal and family history
• Skin allergy
• Cold weather conditions, like dryness
• Contact with chemicals
• Emotion and stress
• Flu
• Exposure to water

Treatment

There are several treatment options available to treat eczema. Taking care of your skin at home may reduce the need for medications.

• Avoid scratching the rash or skin area
• Avoid using strong soaps or detergents, as well as chemicals and solvents
• Your doctor may suggest you some antihistamines that may help with itching or if you have allergies
• Phototherapy, a medical treatment in which your skin is carefully exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light