What is Eczema?
Inflammation of the skin is known as dermatitis. Common symptoms of eczema include itchiness, dryness, and inflammation of the skin. Eczema and dermatitis are often used as synonyms. However, “dermatitis” is a more general word that includes more than only eczema rashes.
Types of Eczema
There are different types of eczema: atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic, hand, neurodermatitis, nummular, and stasis dermatitis.
- Atopic dermatitis is a common form of eczema caused by inflammation, dryness, and itching of the skin. Although common in young children, it may occur at any age.
- Contact dermatitis, commonly known as allergic contact dermatitis, is eczema caused by environmental factors.
- Neurodermatitis, also known as discoid eczema is caused by tiny skin patches. It makes their skin scaly and irritated.
- Dyshidrotic eczema may cause a burning feeling, rashes, and blisters by dehydrating the skin.
- Seborrheic eczema affects the scalp and is an inflammatory type of eczema.
- Stasis dermatitis is a skin discolouration that resembles varicose veins on the legs.
- Discoid eczema, also known as nummular dermatitis, is identified by the development of tiny, spherical lesions over the body, particularly on the arms and legs.
Eczema Causes
Individuals with a family history of eczema have a higher chance of having the ailment themselves, even if the exact cause of the eczema is still unknown. Eczema is caused by a genetic defect in the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer.
The epidermis acts as the skin’s outermost protective layer. When the epidermis remains undamaged, the skin is protected from water loss and environmental irritants like pollen and dust mites. Eczema sufferers have a less robust and more porous barrier.
Dermatitis Cause
Dermatitis is often caused by coming into touch with anything that irritates or stimulates an allergic response in the skin, such as poison ivy, perfume, lotion, or nickel-based jewellery. Dermatitis may also be caused by factors such as dry skin, an infection (viral or bacterial), stress, a faulty immune system, or even just your genetic makeup.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will do a complete diagnosis of your skin very carefully. They will be on the lookout for the evident redness and dryness that characterise eczema. Doctors will inquire as to your current state of health.
Your doctor can usually tell whether you have eczema just by looking at your skin. But if they are unsure, they may do these tests:
- Testing the skin for allergens.
- Testing the blood for any underlying conditions that might be causing the rash.
- Differentiating between different forms of dermatitis requires a skin biopsy.
Risk Factors
These are common risk factors for eczema & dermatitis:
- Age
Dermatitis may occur at any age, however atopic dermatitis (eczema) is more prevalent in children than in adults and often starts during infancy.
- Allergic Reactions and Asthma
Individuals with a personal or familial history of eczema, allergies, hay fever, or asthma have a higher risk of developing atopic dermatitis.
- Occupation
Contact with some metals, solvents, or cleaning agents increases the chance of developing contact dermatitis. Hand eczema is associated with working in healthcare.
- Medical Conditions
Congestive heart failure, Parkinson’s disease, and HIV/AIDS are all conditions that enhance the likelihood of developing seborrheic dermatitis.
- Chronic Dry, Itchy Skin.
Neurodermatitis starts first as an itchy skin area. You scratch the affected region, providing only short relief. Scratching increases itching because it stimulates the nerve fibres in the skin. Over time, you may develop a habit of scratching. This disorder may cause the skin to darken, thicken, and become leathery.
Treatment
It might be challenging to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis) when the underlying cause is intrinsic and out of your control, such as in heredity. Fortunately, you may be able to control both your immediate surroundings and your stress levels. Get to the bottom of what makes your eczema flare up or worse and stay away from it. The purpose is to alleviate irritation and pain, as well as to stop any further infection or flare-ups.
Try some of these treatment suggestions:
- If dry air is causing your skin to dry out, try using a humidifier.
- Apply a lotion or ointment to your skin to keep it hydrated. Use often throughout the day, especially after taking a shower or bath. If you need to take a bath or a shower, use lukewarm water rather than hot.
- You should only use fragrance- and alcohol-free, gentle soaps and other personal care items.
- Ceramide-containing skin care products are highly recommended. These moisturisers make up for part of the barrier function that your skin is lacking.
- Use topical cortisone products. Hydrocortisone (Cortisone 10®) and hydrocortisone acetate (Cort-Aid®) both contain the steroid cortisone. However, these are available only by prescription. You may try these out to see if they assist to reduce the irritation.
- If the itching is extreme, use an over-the-counter antihistamine.
- Just do as the doctor says and take the medication. Your doctor may recommend steroid creams, tablets, or injections.
- Effects including hypertension, obesity, and skin thinning are all possible down the road.
- Sunlight’s UV rays have been used as a treatment for eczema and other skin conditions via phototherapy. Unique lamps emitting ultraviolet light, often ultraviolet B (UVB), are used in phototherapy.
Infantile eczema may be treated using the following measures:
- Recognizing and avoiding skin-irritating substances
- Staying out of the heat
- Shortly after a warm bath, apply a lotion or ointment to your baby’s skin while it is still moist.
If the rash does not clear up or if it seems infectious, you should take your child to the doctor. If your infant has developed an illness or rash, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. In order to alleviate the itching and discomfort at night, your doctor may prescribe an oral antihistamine.
Prevention
Dermatitis and eczema are often long-term diseases. However, contact dermatitis is an exception. Finding the irritant that first triggered the skin problem and avoiding it might help prevent further outbreaks.
If you suffer from eczema or dermatitis, the first step is to consult a doctor to get a diagnosis. Furthermore, attempt to avoid whatever causes your specific condition.
Self-care measures that help in the prevention or alleviation of dermatitis include:
- Long showers or baths may dry your skin and should be avoided.
- Apply oils, lotions, or creams to your dry skin.
- Don’t use scented products or anything else that can aggravate your skin and cause outbreaks.
- Scrubbing too vigorously might cause skin irritation.
- You may relieve the itchiness by using topical steroid cream.
- If you have a scratching tendency, keep your fingernails short.
- Get out of any stressful circumstances that might trigger an attack.
Whether you suffer from eczema or atopic dermatitis, establishing a skincare regimen may help you control your symptoms. A medical professional can help you tailor a plan to your specific needs. You should also write down any potential triggers for your acne.
Final Takeaway
The terms “eczema” and “dermatitis” are sometimes used interchangeably since they both refer to inflammation of the skin.
Eczema is only one kind of dermatitis that may have a wide range of root causes and manifestations. The word “eczema” refers to a range of skin diseases or rashes characterised by itchiness, dryness, and inflammation of the skin.
In most cases, a proper skincare routine and avoiding triggers can help you control your condition.
See a dermatologist if you have itchy, uncomfortable skin and can’t figure out what’s causing it or if online pharmacy medicines aren’t helping. You may have a skin infection or something more serious going on within.
