Eczema (Dermatitis)
What is it?
Eczema or dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition. Red raised lesions, oozing, and crusting may be seen in the acute phase; the chronic stage, often brought on by rubbing or scratching, is characterized by scaly, red, darkened, thickened patches of skin. The various types of eczema are grouped by cause or appearance, but all types are very itchy and red, and may worsen and spread if scratched. Eczema is generally not a serious health risk, and in many cases, symptoms may be eased with over-the-counter creams and ointments. However, in severe cases, secondary bacterial and viral infections may develop at the irritated site.
What Causes It?
- Atopic eczema is usually associated with a personal or family history of allergies.
- Contact eczema may be caused by contact with a variety of substances, including poison ivy; metals, especially nickel; rubber or latex; dyes; cosmetics; fragrances; topical medications; and cleaning agents.
- Some drugs, such as penicillin, may cause eczema when taken internally by people allergic to them.
- Poor circulation in the legs may lead to stasis eczema.
- In some cases, the cause of eczema is unknown.
Prevention
- Avoid direct contact with poison ivy, sumac, or oak.
- Stay away from allergenic substances.
- Use a cool-mist humidifier to moisten indoor air.
- Apply unscented moisturizer to dry skin as needed.
- For baths or showers, use cool or lukewarm (not hot) water. Avoid soaps with perfumes or deodorants. Apply moisturizer while the skin is still wet.
- Wear cotton gloves under rubber gloves to prevent irritation when washing dishes or handling substances containing chemical irritants.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis may be made upon visual inspection.
- Allergy patch tests, blood tests, or a skin biopsy may be taken.
How to Treat It
- Scratching the affected area should be avoided. Scratching makes eczema worse and can spread the irritation. Covering the affected area with clothing or a sterile bandage may help prevent scratching.
- If you come in contact with poison ivy, sumac, or oak, immediately washing the affected area with soap and water can remove the irritating plant chemicals.
- Open, wet, cracked, fissured patches may improve with cool tap water compresses followed by the application of fragrance-free lubricants.
- Over-the-counter corticosteroid creams/ointments (hydrocortisone) may be used to soothe skin. Oral antihistamines may also help to relieve itching.
- Your doctor may prescribe stronger corticosteroid ointments to soothe inflammation.
- Oral corticosteroid medications may be prescribed for extensive or severe cases that do not respond to topical treatments.
- Special support stockings may improve circulation in the legs to treat stasis dermatitis.
- Wearing cotton clothes next to the skin can be beneficial. Cotton is less irritating than wool, silk, or synthetics.
- Antibiotics may be needed to treat a secondary bacterial infection.
When to Call a Doctor
- Call a doctor if eczema does not respond to self- treatment, is widespread, infected, or recurrent.
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Copyright © 2008 Medletter Associates, LLC
Content excerpted from Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies: The Complete Home Medical Reference.