Eczema

What is Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis?

The term “eczema” or “dermatitis” describes certain kinds of inflamed skin conditions. Eczema can be red, blistering, oozing, scaly, brownish or thickened and usually itches. It can be widespread or limited to only a few areas on the body. A special type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis. It is very common, affecting 10% of infants and 3% of persons in the U.S.

What causes it?

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is usually a genetic condition of the skin, and often runs in families with allergies, hay fever, asthma, sensitive, or a history of eczema; however, up to 20% of patients are the only ones affected in the family. Rarely (10% of the time or less), certain foods can make eczema worse, particularly in children. Eliminating these foods is rarely a cure. Environmental causes (feather pillows, down comforters, pet dander, carpeting, etc.) are rarely important and elimination of thse causes usually does not bring lasting relief. Skin tests are rarely any help in finding the cause, and shots (such as those for hay fever or other allergies) are not usually helpful.

How does eczema appear in children?

Called “infantile eczema,” the disease is an itchy, oozing, crusting rash occurring mainly on the face and scalp. Because of the itch, children may rub their head, cheeks and other patches with a hand, pillow or anything within reach. Many babies improve before two years of age.

If an adult has it, what are the symptoms?

Eczema can appear at any age. In teens and adults, the patches can occur on the hands, feet, bends of the elbows, backs of the knees, ankles, wrists, face, neck, and upper chest. When it appears on the palms, backs of hands, fingers or feet, there can be episodes of crusting and oozing. Patches of eczema are typically dry, red, scaly, or thickened, and usually itchy. The thickened areas may last for years without treatment. The intense, almost unbearable itching may be most noticeable at night. Some patients scratch the skin until it bleeds, leaving the skin open to infection.

How is eczema treated?

Although incurable, it can be treated and controlled using:

Moisturizers
Topical steroids and similar medications
Ultraviolet light treatments (severe cases)
Oral medications

Here are a few “Do’s and Don’ts” in controlling Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis:

Wear 100% cotton clothing. Avoid polyester or other synthetic fabrics.
When bathing or showering, use lukewarm water. Moisturize immediately afterwards.
Use a mild soap for bathing and washing hands, including Dove, Cetaphil and Neutrogena. Avoid Ivory and all scented soaps.
Wash clothing in an unscented powder detergent. Avoid all fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
Avoid scratching. Keep fingernails cut short and filed smooth.
Use a humidifier.

For more information about eczema or atopic dermatitis, go to The American Academy of Dermatology or The National Eczema Association.