What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a general term for dermatitis, which means inflammation of the skin. Eczema usually causes areas of a person’s skin to become inflamed, itchy, and reddened.
There are several different types of eczema, including atopic and discoid eczema and contact dermatitis, but absolutely all types of eczema cause itching, redness, peeling, and in severe cases, even blister.
World statistics indicate that the prevalence of eczema is about 1–2% among the adult population of the planet. The disease affects all races and age categories, and both women and men. It has been found that women suffer from eczema more often than men.
In general, eczema can affect the skin, causing:
- Dark spots
- Rough, scaly or leathery patches
- Swelling
- Crusting and getting wet
Eczema is not contagious, which means that a person cannot get it on their own and/or infect another person.
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What Is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a severe, chronic form of eczema. The term “eczema” is often used synonymously with atopic dermatitis. However, each type of eczema has its own triggers, symptoms, and treatments. That is why it is important to know which type you have in order to choose the right treatment tactics and specialists to correct the condition. Because regardless of the type, eczema is a multifactorial disease.
Causes Of Eczema
Various factors can provoke the development of eczema – from nervous tension to contact with chemistry. But the basis is always a decrease in the body’s immune defense. To establish the reasons, complex examinations are carried out, allergens and immunological status are identified.
There are many provoking factors. Among them:
- Hereditary predisposition
- Hormonal imbalance
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver
- Stress, nervous shock
- Taking medications
- Contact with household chemicals or chemicals at work
The reaction may not occur immediately but gradually becomes stable. By the way, eczema also appears against the background of other diseases, such as diathesis or atopic dermatitis.
The most common cause of occurrence is sensitivity to various allergens: drugs, preservatives in personal hygiene products and household chemicals, additives in food, etc.
Are There Available Treatments For Eczema?
There are various treatment techniques for different types of eczema. However, it important to know that, while eczema cannot be completely cured, it can be greatly reduced and managed.
After all, this is a skin reaction in response to a disease in the body. But it is possible to normalize the patient’s condition by managing the symptoms. After the diagnosis is made, it is necessary to find out the provoking factor. The treatment will consist precisely of its exclusion.
Antihistamines, sedatives, vitamins, antibiotics, steroid creams and ointments, medicinal cosmetics, calcineurin inhibitors (anti-inflammatory drugs) can be used. And if the cause of eczema is gastrointestinal problems, it will be important to normalize nutrition and adhere to an individual diet.
What To Do If Eczema Persists
If eczema does not go away for a long time, it is possible that the disease has become chronic, or the factors that led to the development of the disease (for example, allergens, chemicals, etc.) have not been eliminated. In any case, you need to consult a doctor who will identify the causes and, most likely, correct the treatment.
At deRMA Skin Institute, we provide you the solution to the different types of eczema based on our personalized treatment plan after you have been examined by our experienced and specialized dermatologist, Dr. Sajic.
We are concerned about your skin problem and strive to provide you with the best care at deRMA Skin Institute. Please request a consultation online or call (519) 836-8558 to schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists today.