Eczema

Eczema or dermatitis often mean the same thing. It refers to inflammation or irritation of the skin.

There are many types of eczema :-

Eczema can be endogenous which means that it is produced by the body itself.
Eczemas can also be exogenous.
Eczemas which are exogenous in origin are secondary to many irritants or environmental agent.

What are the common external agents that can cause eczema?

• Hair dye
• Dye in clothes
• Cosmetics ( Lipsticks, kajals, creams)
• Fragrances and fragrance containing body care products
• Cement dust
• Wood dust
• Pollen grains
• Footwear
• Parthenium (also known as gajjar buti grass in hindi, often a very common cause of allergy in India)

What is endogenous or atopic eczema?

The word atopic describes people with certain allergic tendencies. However, atopic eczema is not just a simple allergic condition. People with atopic eczema have an increased chance of developing other atopic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever. They often have personal or family history of rhinitis, asthma or skin allergy. They have dry skin and are prone to frequent squeezing.

What are the symptoms of allergy?

• Itching
• Wet and oozing areas on skin
• Redness of skin
• Crusts may develop in areas of chronic itching.
• Thickening of skin at areas of skin creases.

How to take care of eczematous skin?

• Apply plenty of moisturisers.
• Oil and moisturising creams are extremely beneficial.
• Use mild soap.
• After bathing, pad dry and apply moisturisers.
• Always wear first layer cotton clothes beneath all layer of clothes
• Avoid applying cosmetics with fragrance.

What are treatments available for eczematous skin?

• Moisturisers
• Topical medications
• Oral anti-itch medications
• Oral steroids
• Oral steroid sparing agents