Why is Eczema?
Eczema is a recurring, non-contagious, chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting approximately 10 - 20 percent of the world population. It is characterized by red, dry and/or itchy rash in mild forms; and cracked, bleeding and oozing skin in severe forms. The condition usually flares and subsides for no apparent cause.
This affects almost 20% of children and 1-2 % of adults worldwide. Eczema can affect people belonging to any age group though it's more commonly seen in infants. In case of infants, the condition usually resolves by the age of 3 years but may continue into adulthood in few cases. This is no particular gender predilection seen.
Eczema is not a life-threatening disease but it can have a significant impact on the life of the patient. The discomfort caused by the condition, an altered self image that the patient develops, anxiety about the nature of the disease, etc. are additional issues that the treating physician has to tackle besides the condition itself.
The disease itself has phases during which the symptoms get worse, then get better or resolve by themselves - thus it runs an unpredictable course in many people. However, timely detection and treatment can save a lot of trouble for the patients rather than ignoring the initial presenting symptoms.
Types of Eczema:
There are different kinds of presentations of eczema and it is important to know your type to understand the treatability of the same. Discussed here are some common types:
1) Atopic dermatitis:
This is one of the most common types of eczema. About 90% of atopic dermatitis patients develop symptoms before the age of five.
Symptoms largely include reddish, dry or oozing scaly eruptions at the bend of elbows, back of knees, neck, face, etc. The skin is extremely dry and very itchy. Infants usually find it very difficult to control the itching and excessive scratching may lead to secondary infection. The condition tends to be hereditary & often family history of some allergy, asthma, hay fever, etc. is seen in such cases.
2) Contact dermatitis:
As the name itself suggests, this eczema develop in localized regions where the skin comes into direct contact with an allergen (allergic contact dermatitis) or an irritant (irritant contact dermatitis).
One of the commonest forms of Contact dermatitis is the allergy caused by contact with nickel which is a component of artificial jewellery such as watches, ear rings, rings, chains etc...
3) Seborrheic dermatitis:
Commonly seen to affect the scalp, margins of the head and area behind the ears, this condition is characterized by reddish rashes with yellowish, oily scales. This is common in people who have an oily skin and scalp and it varies according to seasons.
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4) Exfoliative dermatitis:
A great amount of scaling and flaking is typically seen in this type of eczema. This is very disturbing and may cause bleeding.
5) Stasis dermatitis:
This type of eczema occurs in the portions of the body where the blood circulation is poor (like the area around the ankles) and it has a tendency to form ulcers. It is often associated with some circulatory disorder like varicose veins, etc.
6) Neuro-dermatitis:
This is characterized by eruptions which show close relation to psycho-somatic stress. It usually develops at the nerve endings. The patient usually develops an intensively itchy skin especially when the person is resting or relaxed.
7) Dyshidrotic dermatitis or vesicular dermatitis:
Affects the palms, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet. Burning, itching and a blistering rash appear.
Eruptions appear as deep blisters with intense itching and burning. The skin may peel and crack. Secondary infection may cause the blisters to ooze and form crusts. The skin may completely clear with the immediate reappearance of new blisters.
8.) Nummular Dermatitis:
This form of eczema has a unique, coin shaped appearance, and often results after some form of skin injury (burns, insect bites etc).
The patches may begin as group of tiny reddish spots which enlarge over time and form coin shaped patches. Initially the patches may ooze and over time become red-brownish, well defines patches which as clear in the centre. They may closely resemble ringworm infection due to their oval nature.