What is eczema?

What is eczema or dermatitis?
The term “eczema” and “dermatitis” is used interchangeably, it refers to inflammation of the skin.
Eczema is one of the most common causes of dry, sensitive skin. This is an itchy and inflamed rash that the affected person scratches persistently.

Atopic Eczema: It is the most common type of eczema. There are many other type of eczema as well. Almost everyone who has eczema experience similar symptoms. The following are some of the other types of eczema.

Contact Dermatitis: There are two main types of Contact dermatitis – allergic and irritant type. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by a specific hypersensitivity to a material such as rubber, fragrance, cement, parthenium (plant), nickel, glue, etc. Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to irritating substances such as soap, detergent, bleach, insect secretion, etc. Avoidance of the allergen or irritant is the first step required in the treatment.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis: This is the most commonly seen in babies and young adults. It is seen on oily areas of body like the scalp, face, upper chest, and back. It appears as yellow scaly rash on the affected areas, on scalp it appears as dandruff.

Discoid Eczema: It presents with coin shaped, itchy and scaly patches which tends to ooze.

Asteototic eczema: It appears in the form of extreme dryness of the skin. The rash looks like “cracked titles on the floor”, especially seen over the forearm and legs of elderly individuals.
Stasis eczema: It is commonly seen in elderly and people with varicose veins on the legs. The pooling of blood in the leg veins due to gravity leads to formation of this type of eczema.

How do I care for the skin?

• Moisturise the skin frequently. The best time to moisturise is immediately after bath.
• Avoid scratching, rubbing and picking the skin. These may lead to aggravation of the eczema and may also cause wound, pigmentation and scars over the affected area.
• Avoid using harsh soaps, detergents and antiseptic solutions over the affected area. These may irritate the affected area.
• Use comfortable cotton clothing. Certain material such as wool may irritate the skin.
• Consult a dermatologist, your dermatologist may prescribe you topical and oral medication depending on the severity of your eczema.