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Eczema
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that may
cause dryness, flaking, and itching. Dermatitis is a term that is
often used interchangeably with eczema. Eczema usually appears
during infancy but effects all age groups. Atopic eczema is the most
common form of eczema and is closely linked with asthma and
hay-fever. It usually runs in families with a history of
allergies. People who may be genetically predisposed and then
exposed to environmental triggers may develop eczema.
Causes of Eczema
There are many causes of eczema, but the most
common cause of eczema is a general allergic sensitivity.
Another possible cause of eczema is contact with substances that
irritate the skin chemically, called irritant contact dermatitis.
This is caused by direct contact between the skin and the substance.
Eczema can also be caused by contact with substances that the body
has become allergic to, called allergic contact dermatitis. This
type commonly involves nickel, poison ivy, cosmetics, and rubber
products. Infantile eczema often affects young babies, and is caused
by moisture from drool or inflammation of the scalp (cradle cap).
Varicose veins can lead to a form of eczema affecting the lower
legs, called stasis dermatitis. This is also known as varicose or
gravitational eczema.
Eczema Symptoms
Whatever the cause, eczema leads to itching and
redness, and may make the skin dry and flaky. Sometimes itchy
blisters form. The surface of the skin may become moist and crusty
if these blisters burst, or when scratching damages the skin. Atopic
eczema is often worse in the folds of the skin where the limbs bend.
The itch is intense, but scratching only makes the symptoms worse.
Eczema makes the skin more sensitive, so you may notice that you are
more irritated by cosmetics, soaps, detergents, etc. Eczema in
infants is most commonly seen as a patch below the chin or cradle
cap.
Eczema Diagnosis
Eczema is usually diagnosed through a physical
examination. If in doubt, or your doctor feels that you need further
tests, you may be referred to a dermatologist.
Eczema News:
FDA cautions use of Elidel and Protopic
Links about Eczema:
The American Academy of Dermatology -
http://www.aad.org/default.htm
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