Atopic dermatitis or Eczema

Eczemaor atopic dermatitisis a skin condition with the main symptoms being redness and often intense itching.

Eczema manifests itself in different forms, depending on the way and the place of the body where it appears. This is how we can distinguish:

1. Atopic dermatitis

The most common form of eczema that occurs most often in childhood, while in adulthood usually becomes milder or disappears.

2. Contact dermatitis

In this form of eczema the skin shows signs of inflammation (redness, itching, burning sensation) when it comes in contact with substances that cause an allergic reaction. Such substances can be latex, jewelry, detergents, soaps and cosmetics, and even cigarette smoke.

3. Dehydrating eczema

It is characterized by blistering lesions of the limbs and feet. It occurs with ups and downs, while in the majority of cases there is an atopic background.

4. Coin eczema

It is characterized by round, coin-shaped, red plaques mainly on the upper extremities and chest, which are accompanied by intense itching. It usually occurs in people with atopic dermatitis or dry skin.

5. Seborrheic dermatitis

It is characterized by scaly plates mainly on the scalp, face (eyebrows, eyelashes), chest and forehead, ie areas where the activity of the sebaceous glands is high. These plaques cause intense itching, which is aggravated by sweating.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the patient with Eczema are very specific. Mainly the intense itching (itching)but also utopian irritation of the areathat appears.

On darker skin, the skin tone may change in the affected area.

In adults, the most common symptoms of Eczema are:

The red scaly areas (as if there were scales),

Small rough, or large bumps,

The Swelling of the affected area

Often there is a leak of clear liquid in the swelling.

Eczema in babies, looks like a yellow, oily patch on the scalp or, it can also appear on the cheeks.

It usually disappears without treatment within 8-12 months.

It is almost certain that those who developed Eczema as children will experience it again as adults.

Causes

When the skin is constantly exposed to substances that react with its natural oils, we result in contact eczema. Detergents, shampoos, industrial chemicals, sunscreens, constant washing and drying, cold or dry conditions are all dangerous factors. The lesion accumulates and causes the inflammatory reaction of eczema. The skin becomes hypersensitive and short exposure to it is enough to cause a wide reaction even in areas that have not been affected. Contact eczema can occur when a person is sensitive to the touch of certain objects. Repeated exposure may increase sensitivity and lead to asthma or other severe allergic conditions.

Treatment

Steroid creams can reduce inflammation and provide immediate relief from itching. If the itching gets to the point of disturbing sleep, soothing pills can be a temporary treatment.

It is important to keep your skin hydrated. Taking antihistamine pills or other antipruritic medications usually soothes the itching.

In severe cases, coordinated treatment with steroids or active immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine may be given with a prescription and with the knowledge of possible side effects.