Eczema

Eczema is skin condition that requires a diagnosis by a healthcare practitioner. There is often much confusion and debate as to the difference between eczema and dermatitis. Dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin that is typically caused by a allergies. Eczema refers to a more chronic and serious form of skin inflammation, and includes a chronic form of dermatitis known as contact dermatitis.The more common forms of eczema are contact dermatitis, atopic eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory reaction of the skin to an irritant, such as the chemicals found in strong soaps or detergents, or an allergen, such as poison ivy or certain skin cream products. The affected area may become red, painful and itchy. Large blisters, known as bulla, and small blisters, known as vesicles, may form. These vesicles may pop and an oozing, moist discharge is often present over the area. Symptoms of contact dermatitis are restricted to the area that has come into contact with the irritant.

Another form of eczema is atopic eczema. This is a chronic inflammation of the skin, the causes of which are unclear. There are strong genetic and familial links which affect a person’s susceptibility to atopic eczema. The symptoms are similar to contact dermatitis and they usually begin to show at a young age and often disappear as the child reaches the age of three or four. During their adult life, people with this form of eczema may have long periods of healing followed by periods of aggravation. It commonly occurs in the folds and skin creases (like your elbow crease and behind your knees) but may also occur on the scalp, face, neck, and various other parts of the body. The constant itching may result in scratching and scar formation in the area. There may also be weeping of the wounds and a crust-like formation on and around the wounds with flaking of the skin. Areas that are repetitively affected often thicken and the skin whitens.

Seborrheic dermatitis affects specifically oily areas of the skin such as the scalp and face. The symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are similar to those of atopic eczema; however they are seldom as severe.

All forms of eczema are extremely unpleasant and many people who suffer from eczema become withdrawn, shy and self-consciousness of their appearance. This physical discomfort can cause anxiety, irritability, hopelessness and even depression. Thick, heavy moisturising oils usually help alleviate the itching and dryness associated with eczema and certain dietary and lifestyle changes can often help reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms. Dairy products, eggs, caffeine, soya, nuts, wheat and maize are the most common aggravating food substances for people with eczema. Strong, scented soaps and chemicals should be avoided as they may worsen symptoms. Treatment by a healthcare practitioner is recommended with all forms of eczema and our recommended treatment should be taken in conjunction with and not in place of any treatment recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

Treatment

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