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What is eczema?
"Eczema"
is used to describe a variety of conditions where the
skin becomes red, dry and itchy.
What
is the difference between eczema and dermatitis?
At
one time "dermatitis" was used to describe a
skin condition brought on by external factors such as
contact with an irritant whereas "eczema" was
used to describe a skin condition whose cause was thought
to be internal.
However,
it is not always possible to make such a distinction and
the two terms are now used interchangeably. One doctor
may refer to eczema and another to dermatitis; what is
more important is what type of eczema or dermatitis is
involved.
In
this file the term "eczema" is used in most
places but you may substitute the word "dermatitis".
What
different sorts of eczema are there?
The
most common types of eczema are:
Atopic
eczema
This is related to hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma.
People who have one of these three complaints will often
have two or more.
It
is thought to be hereditary in nature. If you have a family
history of atopia (hay fever, asthma or eczema) then there
is an increased risk of you or your children developing
one or more of these complaints.
This
is sometimes referred to as "AD" for "Atopic
Dermatitis".
Adult
seborrhoeic eczema
This
occurs in adults and usually affects the scalp and head.
The skin becomes very dry, red and flaky.
Infantile
seborrhoeic eczema
This
occurs in infants and usually clears up with a few months.
It is not hereditary.
Allergic
contact dermatitis
This
occurs when the skin comes in contact to a substance to
which the subject is allergic.
Irritant
contact dermatitis
This
occurs when the skin comes in contact with an irritant,
such as detergent.
Is
eczema contagious or infectious?
No.
What
causes eczema? Is it an allergy?
The
causes of all types of eczema are not fully understood.
Some types of eczema are thought by some to be as a result
of a disorder of the immune system.
If
I have eczema will my children get it also?
If
you have a family history of atopia (hay fever, asthma
or eczema) then there is an increased risk of your children
developing one or more of these complaints.
Do
people grow out of eczema or get cured?
This
depends on the type of eczema. Babies grow out of infantile
seborrhoeic eczema. Irritant eczema will usually subside
when exposure to the irritant is discontinued.
Other
types of eczema can last for many years, or for life,
and there is no cure although there is much that can be
done to manage the condition. Each person has to find
the treatment and lifestyle which work best for them.
What
complications can arise?
The
most common complication is infection of the affected
areas. Treatment is by application of antibiotic cream
or lotion or by oral antibiotic.
The
risk of infection can be reduced by keeping the skin and
hands clean, by preventing the skin from drying out so
as to avoid itching and scratching, and by bathing with
a medicated bath oil.
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