Eczema |
OverviewEczema is a group of conditions that cause recurring long-term inflammation of the skin. There are many forms of eczema but atopic eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is the most common. It affects an estimated 1.8 million Canadians including up to 25 per cent of all children and 10-15 per cent of adults. SymptomsEczema makes your skin dry red and itchy. It usually breaks out where the elbow bends; on the backs of the knees ankles and wrists; and on the face neck and upper chest - although any part of the body can be affected. It frequently begins in childhood appearing within the first 6 months and can come and go through adolescence into adulthood. Although some children with eczema eventually outgrow it some will have dry irritable skin their entire lives. CausesDoctors don't know exactly what causes atopic eczema but they think it's related to a difference in the way a person's immune system reacts to certain things. Skin allergies may be involved in some forms of eczema. Because most people with eczema have family members with the same condition researchers believe it is inherited. People with eczema also may have asthma and certain allergies such as hay fever. In some people with eczema food allergies (such as allergies to cow's milk soy eggs fish or wheat) may trigger or worsen eczema. Allergies to animal dander rough fabrics and dust may also trigger the condition in some people. TreatmentIf you think you have eczema see your doctor. There is no cure for eczema but it can be treated. Diagnosing atopic eczema isn't always easy because symptoms can be confused with those of other skin conditions such as contact dermatitis which occurs when your skin comes in contact with an irritating substance like the perfume in a certain detergent. You may be referred to a dermatologist who specializes in this area. Emotional stress can lead to eczema flare ups so your doctor might also ask you about any stress you're feeling at home school or work. Once your doctor has diagnosed the condition he will recommend that you avoid the things that may trigger your eczema. He'll likely also tell you about medications that can be used to soothe the redness and irritation of eczema. External creams or ointments that contain corticosteroids are frequently prescribed to help control itching. Your doctor might also recommend medications you take internally such as antihistamines or corticosteroids. In teens with severe eczema ultraviolet light therapy may help clear up the condition. Newer medications that change the way the skin's immune system reacts are also prescribed in some cases. Allergy testing is sometimes used to help people who have eczema which doesn't respond to normal treatment especially in those with asthma or seasonal allergies. If you are tested for food allergies you may be given certain foods (such as eggs milk soy or nuts) and observed to see which cause an eczema flare. Food allergy testing can also be done by pricking the skin with an extract of the food substance and observing the reaction. But sometimes allergy testing can be misleading because the person may have an allergic reaction to a food that is not causing the eczema flare. If you are tested for an allergy to dyes or fragrances a patch of the substance will be placed against your skin to see if irritation develops. Prevention
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