What is Eczema?

Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a group of conditions in which the skin is hot, dry, itchy and scaly. In severe outbreaks the skin may become raw, red and bleeding. Eczema is thought to be a reaction to environmental irritants or allergies, and symptoms are worsened by stress and hormonal fluctuations.

Eczema cure

Although there is no such thing as an eczema or psoriasis cure, symptoms can be relieved by topical application of moisturizers and corticosteroid creams, sometimes in combination with antihistamines and immunomodulators.

Types of eczema

There are several types of eczema in infants and adults:

• Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is the most common and tends to run in families. It is an allergic reaction triggered by environmental substances, such as pollen, dust, or air pollution. Afflicted persons have irritated, sore and itchy skin, as shown in the eczema photo above. Those who suffer from atopic eczema often suffer from asthma and hay fever, as well.
  
  Atopic eczema symptoms include intense, almost unbearably itchy skin that is dry and inflamed. Scratching can lead to infections, which will cause the skin to crack and weep. Atopic eczema treatment starts with topical corticosteroids and emollients.
  
  Irritants such as detergents, latex, nickel and chemicals may cause other types of eczema, other than infant eczema.

• Allergic contact dermatitis develops when the body's immune system overreacts to an irritant. Common forms include nickel allergy, often caused by costume jewelry, and latex allergy, a hand rash caused by examination gloves.

• Irritant contact dermatitis is a rash on the hands, caused by detergents, perfumes, hair colorants, cleaning fluids and other chemicals

• An itchy, blistery rash that appears periodically on the hands and feet is called pompholyx, dyshydrotic eczema or vesicular eczema. This eczema's cause is often contacted with nickel or with nickel-containing foods. Like all forms of eczema, this rash on the hand or foot is worsened by stress.

• Eczema herpeticum occurs when herpes infects a pre-existing eczema outbreak. This eczema in infants is potentially fatal. This eczema's symptoms include fever and painful, blood-filled lesions with a punched-out appearance

• Adult seborrhoeic eczema symptoms resemble a case of dandruff with a red, itchy scalp, but it can spread to the face, ears and chest. Many dermatologists believe a fungus causes eczema of the scalp. Seborrhoeic eczema treatment starts with anti-fungal creams applied to the itchy scalp and other affected areas.

• Discoid eczema, also called nummular eczema appears as reddened circles on the legs. It may be initiated by insect bites or other insults. Outbreaks can include intensely itchy skin or be barely noticeable.

• Poor circulation causes varicose eczema. It is usually seen in older adults. The skin around the ankles becomes speckled and inflamed. Failure to treat varicose eczema can result in ulcers and serious infection.