Eczema
Eczema is the common term used to describe a variety of
inflammation conditions that affect the skin. The
technical term is dermatitis and it is estimated that
between 10-20% of the world’s population suffer from a
form of the disease at some point during their childhood
years. Luckily however, around 70% of children grow out
of eczema before they reach their teens.
The condition is
characterised by dry, red, itchy patches on the skin that can become cracked and
broken in severe cases. If left untreated the skin may bleed or small blisters
may form that have a habit of becoming infected.
There are a number of
different types of eczema that affect specific areas of the body, the most
common of which are described below. It is important that the doctor or
dermatologist diagnoses the condition quickly and effectively so that treatment
and preventive measures can be implemented early.
Atopic eczema
This is by far the most
common form of the disease and is often found in children and adults who also
suffer with hay fever or asthma. The main symptom associated with atopic eczema
is itchiness which can often be so severe that the skin becomes broken and
highly inflamed by constant scratching. Other symptoms include an overall
dryness of the skin and red patches, particularly around the face, neck, elbows,
knees and ankles. Babies can also show a rash on their scalp, forearms, legs,
cheeks and chest.
Irritant dermatitis
This form of eczema arises
when an individual’s skin is sensitive to a particular substance, such as
household detergents or bleach. When the chemicals in the household products
come into contact with the skin an irritant rash develops which can become sore
and cracked if not treated.
Allergic dermatitis
This is quite a common
form of eczema and can be so mild that many people don’t realise they are
suffering with it. It develops much like irritant dermatitis except that in this
case it is the body’s immune system that causes the skin reaction. An example of
a substance that causes many cases of allergic dermatitis is nickel. This is
found in cheap earrings, watch straps and the buttons on jeans.
Seborrhoeic eczema
Commonly known as dandruff
in adults and cradle cap in infants, this type of eczema looks unpleasant but is
not in itself sore. In adults, it can spread to the ears, neck and face area and
may need treatment to clear it totally. In babies however it is often a short
term condition that normally disappears in 2-3 months.
Varicose eczema
This condition is more
frequently found in adults over the age of 40 and is often classed as a
secondary symptom of a more serious disease, such as those that affect the blood
circulation. It commonly affects the lower legs, especially around the ankles
where the skin can become red, itchy, inflamed and often broken. If left, this
type of eczema can develop into nasty ulcers that are potentially very
dangerous.
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