Eczema

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin, usually causing itching and sometimes scaling or blisters (Peters 2007).

There are several different types of eczema (ibid.).

Atopic eczema is a chronic (on-going), superficial inflammation that occurs in people with an inherited tendency towards allergy (ibid.).
This condition is common in babies (ibid.). It is characterised by:

• An intensely itchy rash occurs, usually on the face, in the elbow creases, and behind the knees
• The skin often scales
• Small red pimples may appear (ibid.)

For mild cases, emollients help keep the skin soft (ibid.). In severe cases, corticosteroid ointments may be used (ibid.). Antihistamine drugs may also be used to reduce itching (ibid.). Excluding certain foods from the diet may be helpful (ibid.). Atopic eczema often clears up on its own as a child grows older (ibid.).


Nummular eczema usually occurs in adults (ibid.). The cause is unknown (ibid.).

It produces circular, itchy, scaling patches anywhere on the skin, similar to those of tinea (ringworm) (ibid.).

Topical corticosteroids may reduce the inflammation, but the disorder is often persistent (ibid.).


Hand eczema is usually caused by irritant substances such as detergents, but may also occur for no apparent reason (ibid.). Itchy blisters develop, usually on the palms, and the skin may become scaly and cracked (ibid.).

The condition usually improves if emollients are used and cotton gloves with rubber gloves over them are worn when coming into contact with irritants (ibid.). If the eczema is severe, corticosteroids may be prescribed (ibid.).

Stasis eczema occurs in people with varicose veins, where the skin on the legs may become irritated, inflamed, and discoloured (ibid.).

The most important factor is swelling of the legs, which may be controlled with compression bandages or stockings (ibid.). Ointments containing corticosteroids may give temporary relief (ibid.).


How to care for Dry Skin and Eczema:

• Resist the temptation to scratch itchy skin. This will only aggravate the condition.

• Keep an emollient cream with you throughout the day to relieve irritation and itching.

• Do not wear wool or synthetic materials next to the skin. Wear cotton underclothes and use cotton bed linen.

• Avoid biological detergents. Use a mild soap product, and rinse everything thoroughly.

• Avoid anything which seems to irritate your skin, such as grass pollen, animal fur, etc.

• Keep the house dust mite population down. Wash bedclothes frequently, vacuum your mattress and carpets, and damp wipe surfaces.

• Do not use soap. Even the mildest soap cancause dryness and worsen the condition. Use a bath emollient or an emollient cleansing bar instead.


References

Peters, M. 2007. The British Medical Association: Illustrated Medical Dictionary. London: Dorling Kindersley Limited.