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Understanding Eczema:

Itchy skin is a common enough occurrence, that most of us have suffered at some point in time of the other. One of the most prominent forms of this disorder is Eczema, which is a condition characterised by skin that turns red, itchy, dry and scaly. There are many different types of eczema that a person can suffer from. This includes:

1. Atopic Eczema
2. Contact Dermatitis
3. Dyshidrotic Eczema
4. Hand Eczema
5. Neurodermatitis

Let’s look at each of these in a little more detail.

Atopic Dermatitis:

This type of Eczema is chronic and inflammatory. While the exact cause of this disorder is unknown, Atopic Dermatitis occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive. Some of the common symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis includes:

1. Dry, scaly skin
2. Redness
3. Itching
4. Cracks behind the ears
5. Rashes on the cheeks, arms & legs
6. Open, crusted or weepy sores

Contact Dermatitis:

This particular disorder occurs when the skin comes in contact with irritating substances or allergens. These then cause the skin to become inflamed, causing it to burn, itch and become red. There are two forms of contact dermatitis. This includes:

• Irritant Dermatitis
• Allergic dermatitis

The most common forms of irritants include solvents, detergents, fumes, tobacco smoke, paints, bleach, wool, acidic food, skin care products that contain alcohol and certain soaps and fragrances.

Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis include:

• Redness and rashes
• Burning or swelling
• Blisters that may weep or crust over

Dyshidrotic Eczema:

This condition results in small, itchy blisters on the edges of the patient’s fingers, toes, palms and the soles of the feet. this type of itching disorder can be triggered by stress, allergies, moist hands and feet, exposure to metals like nickel, cobalt or chromium salts. This type of Eczema is far more common in women.

Symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema include:

1. Small fluid-filled blisters on the fingers, hands or feet
2. Itching
3. Redness
4. Flaking skin
5. Scaly, cracked skin
6. Pain

Hand Eczema:

This form of eczema is very common, and is a combination of both internal and external factors, which will include genetics as well as contact with allergens or irritating substances like chemicals.

Some of the symptoms of hand eczema include:

1. Redness
2. Itching
3. Pain
4. Dryness to the point of peeling and flaking
5. Cracks in the skin
6. Blisters

Neurodermatitis:

Also known as Lichen Simplex Chronicus, this condition is a itchy skin disease that is similar to Atopic Dermatitis. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from thick, scaly patches on their skin, which arise as a result of excessive rubbing and scratching of the area.

Symptoms of Neurodermatitis includes:

1. Thick, scaly patches on the back of the neck, on the scalp, the back of the shoulders, on the bottoms of feet as well as the ankles, wrists and the back of the hands.
2. Itching
3. Discoloured skin

Diagnosis & Treatment of the different forms of Eczema:

Most forms of Eczema are diagnosed by a doctor through a detailed analysis of the patient’s case history and symptoms, as well as an exam of the skin. Your doctor may also test an area of the scaly or crusted skin to ensure that no other skin disease or infection has arisen.

The different forms of Eczema can be treated with medication, which can include over-the-counter variations, as well as prescription medication that contains the steroid Hydrocortisone. These products can help control the itching, swelling and redness caused by the condition.

In severe cases, prescription-strength cortisone creams, pills and shots may also be used. Other drugs that may be suggest to patients include antibiotics, to help treat infected skin as well as antihistamines, to help with the itching.

The Apollo Clinic Experience:

Eczema is a disorder that can have potentially scarring effects on your emotional and physical psyche. Understanding the potential impacts of this disorder, our expert dermatologists at Apollo Clinic are here to make sure that you get the best treatment.

With the assurance of an accurate diagnosis, timely advice on the kind of treatment procedure that may be needed, our specialists are here to help you in arresting and treating any skin disorder. if you, or anyone that you may know, are suffering from a skin disorder that requires help, immediately get in touch with one of our experts today!