Eczema is so common nowadays that it seems almost normal to have it. Still, ask any eczema sufferer and they’ll tell you though that as common as the condition is these days among the young and old, it’s still no fun having to endure itchy, scaly skin. Read on…
Eczema generally appears in the first six months of a baby’s life and may last right up to the age of five years. Babies usually develop it on their face (especially the cheeks and chin), but it can appear anywhere on the body (like the folds of the elbows, and/or knees) and symptoms may be different from one child to the next.
More often than not, symptoms go away as a child grows older, but unfortunately, that’s not the case for some, for they will continue to battle this condition into adulthood. To make things worse, adults may also develop eczema, even if they never had symptoms as a child.
Eczema may not be a pretty sight, but is not contagious. You cannot “catch” it from another person, or give it to someone else.
There are several types of eczema that you should know about:
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Hand eczema
- Neurodermatitis
- Nummular eczema
- Stasis dermatitis
All of these cause itching and redness, but some may also cause your skin to blister, “weep,” or peel. The most common type, which can also be severe and long-lasting, is atopic dermatitis (AD). It’s important to understand which type you or your child may have and also your symptoms and triggers, so that you can best treat and manage your eczema.
The most common symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis
- Dry, scaly skin
- Redness (erythema)
- Itching
- Cracks behind the ears
- A rash on the cheeks, arms and legs
- Open, crusted or “weepy” sores (usually during flare-ups)
The safest and best way to be certain if you or your child has eczema and/or which type, is to make an appointment with your doctor for a checkup.
Atopic dermatitis (AD)
Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema that is chronic and inflammatory. Though the exact cause of AD is unknown, it happens when the immune system goes into overdrive. AD usually begins in childhood, often in the first six months of the life. When you or your child have AD, it might improve at times or it may get worse (when you may experience what’s called a “flare up”).
AD is part of what’s called the atopic triad, which includes two other allergic conditions (asthma and hay fever, which is also known as allergic rhinitis). Researchers believe that people who come from families with a history of AD, asthma and/or hay fever are more likely to develop atopic dermatitis themselves.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis happens when the skin touches certain irritants or allergens. These make the skin inflamed, causing it to burn, itch and become red. There are two kinds of contact dermatitis: irritant and allergic. Contact dermatitis usually appears on the hands, or parts of the body that touched the irritant/allergen.
The most common irritants to avoid include:
- Solvents
- Industrial chemicals
- Detergents
- Fumes
- Tobacco smoke
- Paints
- Bleach
- Wool
- Acidic Foods
- Astringents
- Skin care products that content alcohol (but not cetyl alcohol)
- Some soaps and fragrances
- Allergens (usually animal dander or pollens)
Symptoms of contact dermatitis include:
- Redness and rash
- Burning or swelling
- Blisters that may weep or crust over
Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema is a condition that produces small, itchy blisters on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet. Stress, allergies (such as hay fever), moist hands and feet, or exposure to nickel (in metal-plated jewelry), cobalt (found in metal-plated objects, and in pigments used in paints and enamels), or chromium salts (used in the manufacturing of cement, mortar, leather, paints, and anticorrosives) may be “triggers” of dyshidrotic eczema. This type of eczema is found to be twice as common in women compared to men, so ladies, do pay heed to the triggers mentioned above.
Symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema include:
- Small fluid-filled blisters (vesicles) on the fingers, hands, and feet
- Itching
- Redness
- Flaking
- Scaly, cracked skin
- Pain in the affected area
Hand eczema
Hand eczema (also known as hand dermatitis) is very common ̶ up to 10% of the population has this type of eczema. It is the result of both internal and external factors including genetics and contact with allergens or irritating substances like chemicals. A consultation with your doctor will help determine what you should avoid in terms of contact.
Some symptoms of hand eczema:
- Redness
- Itching
- Pain
- Dryness, to the point of peeling and flaking
- Cracks in the skin
- Blisters
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is also known as lichen simplex chronicus. It is an itchy skin disease that is similar to atopic dermatitis. People with neurodermatitis tend to get thick, scaly patches on their skin as a result of too much rubbing and scratching of the area.
Some symptoms of neurodermatitis:
- Thick, scaly patches on the nape of the neck, scalp, shoulders, on the bottoms of feet, on ankles, wrists and the backs of the hands
- Itching
- Discolored skin
Nummular eczema
Nummular eczema, also known as discoid eczema and nummular dermatitis, is a common type of eczema that can occur at any age. It looks very different than the usual eczema and can be much more difficult to treat. People with nummular eczema develop coin-shaped spots on their skin, which may be very itchy. It is thought to be “triggered” by things like insect bites, reactions to skin inflammation, or dry skin in the winter.
Some symptoms of nummular eczema include:
- Round, coin-shaped spots
- Itching
- Dry, scaly skin
- Wet, open sores
Stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis is sometimes called venous stasis dermatitis because it usually happens when there is a problem with blood flow in the veins and pressure develops (usually in the lower legs). This pressure can cause fluid to leak out of the veins and into the skin, resulting in stasis dermatitis.
Symptoms of stasis dermatitis include:
- Swelling around the ankles
- Redness
- Scaling
- Itching
- Pain
- And in more severe cases:
- Oozing
- Open areas (cracking or larger ulcers)
- Infection
References:
https://nationaleczema.org
www.thestar.com.my
www.allergycentre.com.my
