What is Eczema?
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a skin condition involving itching and inflammation. Although it can occur anywhere on the skin, eczema most commonly affects the arms and knees. Eczema
What is Eczema?
Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a skin condition involving itching and inflammation. Although it can occur anywhere on the skin, eczema most commonly affects the arms and knees. Eczema is a chronic condition that flares up and subsides at random, making it difficult for those affected. At Advanced Dermatology, PC, we see many patients seeking treatment for this frustrating condition.
Eczema is a general term used to describe skin inflammation or “dermatitis.” Eczema is not contagious, but is believed to have a genetic component. It is therefore common for multiple members of the same family to have the condition. Research indicates that those with a family history of eczema or a family history of other allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever are more likely to present eczema. While eczema can affect people of any age, it is most common in infants. About 85% of people with eczema experienced its onset before the age of 5. Research shows that eczema is more common in females than males and effects people of all races.
There are several types of eczema and one can develop more than one type at the same time. Some of the most common types of eczema are Contact dermatitis, Dyshidrotic eczema, Nummular eczema, and Seborrheic dermatitis. (These different forms of eczema are discussed below under “What are some types forms Eczema?”)
What Causes Eczema?
The actual “cause” of eczema remains a mystery, although it is likely a combination of irritable skin and a malfunction within the immune system.
Doctors and researches are continuously digging deeper into this condition to uncover the roots of the disease so that a cure can be developed. What is known about eczema is that some forms of the condition are triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin. Chemicals such as cosmetics, soaps and detergents, or even sweat and clothing, have been shown to trigger an eczema outbreak.
Environment may also play a role in eczema incidences, as studies show greater rates of eczema amongst children in cold regions, urban areas, or upper-class households. Eczema is hereditary, with studies show that individuals are at a heightened risk of eczema if one or more relatives have eczema, seasonal allergies, or asthma. Other events that have been shown to exacerbate eczema are high stress and anxiety.
Signs and Symptoms of Eczema
Different types of eczema (discussed below)present with different symptoms. Dry skin, reddened skin that itches or burns are the most common signs of eczema. Each individual case of eczema has the capacity to present in a unique manner, but in the most general terms, eczema usually brings on dry and scaly skin with an intense itching sensation that may be followed by blisters and oozing lesions. Repeated scratching of affected areas can lead to thickening and crusting of the skin. These symptoms can be brief and last for only a few hours or days, or can be chronic and persist for months and years. In both children and adults, eczema has the capability of presenting anywhere on the body. However, it is more common to find eczema on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In infants, it is not uncommon to find eczema presenting on the forehead, cheeks, and forearms as well.
How to Diagnose Eczema?
Accurate diagnosis of any skin problem is the first step in treating the problem and preventing it from occurring again. Diagnosing eczema can be quite difficult, as this chronic skin condition can resemble a number of other skin problems. For this reason, it is important to consult with a dermatologist who experienced in diagnosing and treating eczema. With offices throughout NYC, Suffolk County, and Nassau County, our team of dermatologists has been helping patients manage eczema so that episodes of this painful disorder become less frequent and severe.
To diagnose eczema, our dermatologist will first talk to you about your medical history and the symptoms you have been experiencing. He will also examine your skin. Eczema is characterized by the presence of any of the following symptoms: itching and dryness, swelling, redness, discoloration, flaking, blistering or oozing, crusting, cracking, or bleeding. Itching skin is one of the most common problems associated with eczema. The need to itch may be so strong that the patients cannot control themselves or itch without conscious awareness. Scratching a lesion can result in scarring and further complications. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on an ongoing or recurrent basis, eczema could be the culprit.
Eczema can appear differently in each person and its symptoms are easily confused with other disorders, such as contact dermatitis (a reaction to a substance that irritates the skin), psoriasis, or hives. As such, your medical history and the medical history of your family may help your doctor diagnosis eczema. The exact cause of this skin disorder is not known, but it is believed that eczema is caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Eczema is c