Eczema

Welcome to the Affordable Drugs eczema information page. Here you can learn what is eczema, the symptoms of eczema, the causes of eczema, eczema treatments and more. You can also find the best available eczema medication prices. The information contained on this page is not intended to replace the professional advice of your physician.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is an umbrella term for a number of medical conditions that cause dermatitis (skin inflammation and/or irritation). In considering what is eczema, confusion arises because the term is used to describe a group of separate and distinct skin diseases, but "eczema" is also used to refer to each individual type of dermatitis, and is used in varying contexts, such as where on the body the condition occurs, what it looks like, or what its cause might be.

So in answering the question of what is eczema, one can say definitively that all the conditions so described are characterized by itchiness, dryness, and redness. Other symptoms, such as swelling, oozing, and cracking, may be evident, depending on the type of dermatitis which is presenting itself.

In answering what is eczema, atopic dermatitis is the disease most often considered, since it is the most common form. This condition has a hereditary component and is linked to tendencies to allergies, asthma, and hay fever. Usually, atopic dermatitis begins in childhood. In some cases, symptoms ease as the child grows up, but often, it remains as a chronic condition throughout a person's life. Atopic dermatitis is usually of an episodic nature, meaning the person is prone to flare-ups. These outbreaks are sometimes accompanied by hay fever or asthma. Though this kind of dermatitis appears most frequently on the arms and behind the knees, it can show up anywhere on the body.

Another common form of eczema is contact dermatitis, which occurs when substances, acting either as allergens or irritants, come in contact with the skin. Allergens include pet dander, poison ivy, or nickel. Irritants include detergents, fabrics, tobacco smoke, citric foods, or skin care products. Sometimes an offending substance reacts to sun exposure, causing phototoxic dermatitis.

Xerotic dermatitis is more common in elderly people. It occurs when dry skin worsens in severity to the point that it becomes eczema, with the resultant cracking, tenderness, and itchiness.

Seborrheic dermatitis is similar to dandruff in that it results in peeling of the skin and tends to be localized around the face, scalp and eyebrows.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis, sometimes called housewife's eczema, affects the fingers and palms of the hands, and the toes and soles of the feet. This kind of eczema often causes blisters.

Other forms exist, though they are less common. An important question to consider when asking what is eczema is what causes various forms of dermatitis in the first place. The root cause of eczema is not known at this time, but it is thought to be linked to an overactive immune system response which is triggered by various stimuli and perhaps indicates a malfunctioning of the immune system itself. Eczema is not contagious. Lastly in asking what is eczema, one wonders if there is a cure for the condition. While there is no cure for eczema in any of its forms, it can be mitigated by avoiding allergens and irritants and by minimizing stress.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema is a type of skin condition characterized by a red inflammation of the skin with dry, itchy patches. This type of skin condition is related to a malfunctioning immune system. Eczema can flare up anywhere on the body, and can be a precursor to other health ailments. There are different causes of eczema, which require specific treatment measures. Once eczema causes are understood, the proper treatment plant can be utilized. Eczema causes further stress in an individual who cannot control the condition.

Age and Heredity

Heredity is one of the main causes of eczema. If eczema and allergies run in a person's family, there is a chance that they will develop the skin condition at some point in their lifetime. 

Eczema is common among infants, whether they are at a genetic disposition to eczema or not. What causes eczema in infants are likely the foods that they eat and how their bodies are adjusting to a diet outside of the womb. Eczema in infants and young children often disappears but can flare-up later in life.

Once a person has had eczema, there is a chance that it will develop again. Eczema is related to other genetic health diseases like asthma, but is not a direct cause of it. Determining what causes eczema in the first place can help control such flare-ups.

Lack of Moisture

Eczema causes the skin to become dry and cracked. A lack of moisture due to dry weather, time outdoors, hot water all can cause eczema breakouts. Failure to replenish dry skin with a moisturizing cream also causes eczema, especially if a person has a predisposition to the condition. Moisturizers should be used daily in individuals who have or have had eczema, not just during times of flare-ups.

Allergens

Allergens such as pollen, mold and dust are one of the causes of eczema. These allergens are also related to hay fever. Allergies are the body's response to a specific type of allergen that a person is not immune to. When a person comes into contact with a specific allergen, the body releases histamine. The release of histamine then causes allergy symptoms. Eczema is one of the most common symptoms, along with sneezing, coughing, post nasal drip, headache and wheezing. 

Allergies also tend to run in families, though the types of allergies may vary. If a person suspects that allergies are what causes eczema, it is best that they obtain an allergy test from an immunologist. 

Food Allergies

Food allergies are not as common as other types of allergies as causes of eczema. This is due to the fact that food allergies are not common. In fact, less than five percent of people have food allergies. Still, food allergies can lead to eczema flare-ups as well as other skin conditions such as hives. Any type of food can cause an allergy and subsequent eczema. The most allergenic types of foods include cow's milk, wheat, egg whites and nuts. 

Food allergy symptoms are identifiable in infants once a parent starts to introduce solid foods. For this reason, parents should introduce a new food every few days. An eczema flare-up within a couple of days of introducing a new food may signify a food allergy.

Irritants

Irritants that reach a person's skin can cause eczema, whether that individual has a history of eczema or not. Irritants include detergents, scented lotions, paint, wool fabrics, perfumes, soaps, alcohol, paint, bleach and other substances that contain chemicals.

Climate

The climate a person lives in can help or worsen eczema. Generally, humidity helps eczema. Eczema is worse in dry climates because the skin cannot retain moisture. As a result, the dry patches become itchier. Scratching an eczema patch from itchiness prolongs the healing process. 

Heat incurred during exercise and hot baths can make cause eczema to flare-up as well. A person with a history of eczema should avoid hot water, or cut down their time in warm water. Exercising heats up the skin and can aggravate pre-existing eczema. Such candidates can avoid this by taking a cool shower immediately after exercising.

Stress

Stress can make pre-existing eczema reappear once again. However, stress itself is not what causes eczema in the first place. Scratching previous eczema patches in children may be a source of comfort later in life during times of stress. Scratching combined with emotional stress can cause eczema to reappear. Eczema causes even more stress in some cases, due to a person's embarrassment and frustration over their condition.

Eczema Symptoms

Eczema is a form of dermatitis that forms a patch of reddened skin that may itch and also burn. The appearance of eczema varies depending on the type of eczema a person may have. There are many symptoms of eczema but the first symptom of eczema is very intense itching. This could be accompanied by watery blisters or oozing lesions on the skins surface. Eczema skin symptoms can also be in the form of crusty, dry, scaly skin. 

People afflicted with the symptoms of eczema will find that even if the area is scratched due to itching that it doesn't bring much relief. Instead it is the opposite and makes itching more intense. It is hard to break the cycle of eczema skin symptoms because of the itching, scratching, and inflamed skin. The more a person scratches the more complications can arise and cause secondary bacterial infections or fungal infections. Eczema skin symptoms can be hard to diagnosis sometimes as over conditions carry the same symptoms. 

Other eczema skin symptoms include but not limited to:

-A red bumpy rash that appears after you have scratched an area.
-Intense itching and burning that accompanies the rash.
-Oozing appears after the rash has been scratched.
-In older people constant rubbing can cause thickened plagues of skins.
-Painful cracks developing at the site where the itching begin.
-In some cases, people may develop clear fluid filled bumps or red bumps that resemble a bubble. Once that area is scratched it cause the irritated surface to look wet.
-Itching can be so intense that a persons sleep is interrupted.
-Red skin on lower portion of the legs.
-Small red bumps that are usually clustered in a specific area. 

Areas affected in adults with eczema symptoms are typically the bends of the arms, the back of the knees, and on the neck. In infants they may have a rash on the abdomen, face, and scalp.

Atopic Eczema Symptoms In Infants Are:

-Scalp rash
-Facial rash
-Small spots
-Weeping spots
-Itchy irritated spots

Discoid Eczema Symptoms Are:

-Small round patches
-Itchy patches
-Blistered patches

It is always good to check with a physician if you are unsure if you are experiencing symptoms of eczema. They will be able to check your symptoms of eczema and the appearance of the site and can confirm and treat it properly.

Types of Eczema

There are several types of eczema, a condition which is also referred to as dermatitis. The most common forms of the disease are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic dermatitis, hand dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, occupational dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and neurodermatitis. 

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, a chronic condition, consists of irritated and dry skin which is typically diagnosed by the age of 5. Unlike other skin conditions, atopic dermatitis is not contagious and is largely genetic. This form of dermatitis is quite common with between 10% and 20% of persons being diagnosed with the condition.

Contact Dermatitis

This form of eczema results from contact with materials such as shampoo, jewelry or other objects which cause skin irritation. There are numerous potential allergens which can lead to the onset of contact dermatitis. There is no evidence that those with a family history of dermatitis are more likely to experience this form of dermatitis. Those who have previously been diagnosed with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis are more likely to experience irritation due to contact with allergens. 

Dyshidrotic Dermatitis

One of the other types of eczema, dyshidrotic dermatitis, occurs solely on the palms, feet soles, as well as the sides of fingers. This type of eczema causes a white rash which causes an itching and burning sensation. There is currently no research showing what the cause of this dermatitis could be. The current theory is that it occurs as a result of other health conditions which the individual is experiencing. 

Hand Dermatitis

Any form of dermatitis that occurs on the hand goes under the name of hand dermatitis. There are several possible causes for hand dermatitis which include a genetic predisposition for skin irritations, excessive hand washing with detergents, allergic reactions to various materials and substances, as well as frequent use of gloves. 

Nummular Dermatitis

This form of eczema is typically caused as a result to injuries such as burns or insect bites. The dermatitis affects the skin by creating oval marks for up to several months. The average age of onset is older than other forms of dermatitis with the average patient being men over the age of 65. There are several potential causes for this form of dermatitis including mercury exposure.

Occupational Dermatitis

Occupational dermatitis, similar to hand dermatitis, is a general form of eczema which consists of all types of eczema which are contracted due to an individual's place of employment. The employees who are most at risk are those who work as housekeepers, in metallurgy, workers in health care, hairdressers, and bricklayers. In addition, persons with other types of eczema such as atopic dermatitis, are more likely to develop this skin condition. 

Seborrheic Dermatitis

One of the other types of eczema is seborrheic dermatitis which occurs on the scalp of the head. The onset of seborrheic dermatitis usually occurs during infancy in the form of cradle cap. There are several potential causes for this form of dermatitis such as genetics, stress, and climate although there is yet no definitive proof regarding any of these. 

Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis occurs when the circulation in the legs decreases. The buildup of fluid leads to a swelling of the legs which eventually affects the skin. Patients with varicose veins as well as other heath conditions such as high blood pressure are known to exacerbate the occurrence of stasis dermatitis.

Neurodermatitis

One of the other types of eczema is neurodermatitis, which occurs because of affected skin nerve endings. Usually caused by stress on an emotional level, this type of dermatitis causes severe itching that is hard to sate. Females with other skin conditions such as psoriasis appear to be the most subject to the condition.

What Does Eczema Look Like?

Many people may ask the question "what does eczema look like?" or "how does eczema look?"

Well let's answer that question:

What does eczema look like: In several cases, eczema looks like cracked, dry skin; the skin can then start to itch and turn red. One way to keep these kinds of eczema flare-ups from happening is to make sure that your skin is well moisturized. When you trace your hand over your skin you may also feel small white bumps or see dry patches of white on your flesh that also indicated the skin condition. Some parts of the skin my be more irritated than others. Flare ups occur in the form of red, raised, and pustule-filled patches near creases of skin like behind the knees and the bend of the elbow. Flare ups are also known to occur on the feet, neck, and hands as well as the wrists. 

What does eczema look like: Sebhorrhea eczema can appear as a yellow, scaly patch that usually crops up around the head and face. This kind might be caused by coming in contact with certain allergens that cause the body's immune system to react in an adverse way. 

What does eczema look like: Another well-known form of the skin condition is Dishidrotic eczema that flares up on the hands and feet and is detected by itchy blisters in most cases. This type can be rather bothersome as the sores are particularly irritating and deep. 

People with children that have this skin condition should be aware that their child may suffer more than others from a bacterial skin infection called impetigo. Symptoms of impetigo are more than usual redness around the rash and a pale yellow fluid coming from the rash.