Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling. Eczema is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis (or “atopic eczema”). Atopic refers to a lifelong tendency to allergic conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Eczema can affect people of any age, although the condition is most common in infants. Eczema will permanently resolve by age three in about half of affected infants. In others, the condition tends to recur throughout life. Atopic eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition, being genetically linked. It is an allergic condition that makes your skin dry and itchy. It is most common in babies and children. It is proposed that people with atopic eczema are sensitive to allergens in the environment which are harmless to others. In atopy there is an excessive reaction by the immune system producing inflamed, irritated and sore skin.
Eczema is characterized by redness, skin edema, itching and dryness, with possible crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. As many as 15 million people in the United States have some form of eczema. Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened or scaly. In fair-skinned people, these areas may initially appear reddish and then turn brown. Many people who have eczema also suffer from allergic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do. People with eczema often have a family history of the condition or a family history of other allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever. Up to 20% of children and 1-2% of adults are believed to have eczema.Some forms of eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin, such as soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelry, or sweat. Environmental allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions) may also cause outbreaks of eczema. Changes in the weather, or even psychological stress for some people lead to outbreaks of eczema. Intense itching is generally the first symptom in most persons with eczema.
Eczema may lead to blisters and oozing lesions, but eczema can also result in dry and scaly skin.  the most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible. Steroid nasal sprays are one of the strongest allergy medications. Light therapy using ultraviolet light can help control eczema. Topical Immunomodulators drugs available for use in the treatment of atopic eczema. Some things that may irritate your skin include household cleansers, detergents, aftershave lotions, soap, gasoline, turpentine and other solvents. Try to avoid contact with things that make you break out with eczema. Dietary elements reported to trigger Eczema by sufferers include dairy products and coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), soya, eggs, nuts and wheat. Emollients are necessary to reduce water loss from the skin, preventing the dryness normally associated with eczema. By providing a seal or barrier, the skin is less dry, itchy and more comfortable. Emollients are safe to use as often as is necessary and are available in various forms: ointments for very dry skin, creams and lotions for mild to moderate or ‘wet’ eczema. Some are applied directly to the skin, whilst others are used as soap substitutes or can be added to the bath.
Treatment Tips of Eczema
1. Moistened can promote healing and retain natural moisture. Moistening agents are called ‘emollients’. The rule for use is this: match the thicker ointments to the driest, flakiest skin. Light emollients like aqueous cream may dry the skin if it is very flaky, so heavier ointment should be used.
2. Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage & irritation to the skin (the Itch cycle).
3. Capsaicin applied to the skin acts as a counter irritant (see Gate control theory of nerve signal transmission). Other agents that act on nerve transmissions, like menthol, also have been found to mitigate the body’s itch signals, providing some relief.Â
4. Corticosteroids must be used sparingly to avoid possible side effects, the most common of which is that their prolonged use can cause the skin to thin and become fragile (atrophy).
5. Topical immunomodulators like pimecrolimus and tacrolimus were developed after corticosteroid treatments, effectively suppressing the immune system in the affected area, and appear to yield better results in some populations.
6. Light therapy using ultraviolet light can help control eczema. UVA is mostly used, but UVB and Narrow Band UVB are also used.
7. Non-conventional medical approaches include traditional herbal medicine and others. Patients should inform their doctor/allergist/dermatologist if they are pursuing one of these treatment routes.
8. Avoid harsh detergents or drying soaps.
9. Use a non-soap based cleanser.
10. Diet restrictions and chemical skin-drying agents may also be offered, but their success is controversial.