Eczema: Eczema or dermatitis is a condition of the skin in which patches of skin become rough, scaly or bumpy and are accompanied by varying degrees if itchiness. Eczema is estimated to afflict up to 30% of the US population. This skin condition is thought to be genetic and cannot be cured. Some cases of eczema disappear after childhood while others remain throughout life.
Itching is the first sign of an eczema outbreak. It is often followed by bumps that appear on various parts of the body, with hands, face, knees and feet being the most common although other parts of the body may be affected. There are varying degrees of eczema that range from itchy bumps to weeping patches, where the skin oozes.
Eczema commonly is the result of an allergic reaction. Someone may have an allergic reaction to a change in temperature or chemicals and dyes that some soaps, shampoos, or detergents are made with. Eczema can also be triggered by harsh fabrics, such as wool, rubbing on the skin. It can also be caused by food allergies or stress reactions.
Treatment: Flare-ups may be minimized or prevented through the avoidance of certain triggers. Preventative measures include using a daily moisturizing lotion on areas that are prone to inflammation. Cool, damp cloths may be used to help relieve the itch.
Doctors often prescribe hydrocortisone creams or corticosteroids. Hydrocortisone creams are available over the counter. Corticosteroids are available by prescription. Depending on the severity of the condition, corticosteroids may be prescribed in a cream for topical use, or orally for more severe cases. Oral doses may produce side effects especially when used over a long period of time. Therefore, oral doses should be prescribed for short doses only.
Topical immunomodulators (TIMs) should be prescribed exclusively for the most severe cases and only after other methods of treatment have been tried. TIMs, Elidel and Protopic, have been linked to cancer and should be prescribed sparingly when all else fails.
Brief Summary of Eczema: Eczema is a condition of the skin that results in itchy, scaly bumps on the skin. All parts of the human body can be affected by this condition. Eczema does not have a cure and is thought of to be hereditary. Some triggers that cause an outbreak are stress, foods, rough fabrics, climate/temperature changes, and some dyes and chemicals found in items such as soap, shampoo, or detergent.
A daily use of moisturizers can help prevent a breakout. If a breakout does occur, over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams are suggested. A doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid or TIMs, but only in extreme cases.
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