Eczema....

Eczema is the name given to a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the skin. It is also referred to as Dermatitis.

Inflamed or eczematous skin is red, itchy and swollen sometimes with fluid-filled bumps that ooze and crust.

Common causes of eczema include an allergic reaction to something touching the skin, such as poison ivy or nickel, or contact with chemicals that damage the outer skin, such as strong soaps and substances that dry or irritate the skin.

Eczema is a common problem, but it is not contagious. Some types are hereditary. While some children outgrow the condition, eczema cannot be cured. A dermatologist can provide a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan to manage eczema and control flare-ups.

Treatment is important because it can prevent eczema from getting worse and relieve the pain and itching. The proper treatment can also reduce stress, prevent infections, and prevent skin thickening, which can lead to constant itching.

What is Eczema?

Common Types of Eczema

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is hereditary and the most common type of eczema. It is estimated that up to 17 per cent of Canadians will suffer from AD at some point in their lives.

AD almost always starts in infancy or before age 5. It is characterized by itchy, inflamed skin, usually behind the knees, the inside of the elbows, and on the face, neck and hands. Children with eczema often develop asthma and/or hay fever and have family members who also have these problems.

Flare-ups of eczema are common, and while attempts should be made to identify and avoid the triggers that cause these flares, they can occur despite strict trigger avoidance and diligent skin care.

Failure to follow treatment recommendations are the most significant barrier to successful management of eczema, and only an estimated 24% of patients with eczema do properly follow recommended treatments.

Contact Dermatitis: There are two types of contact dermatitis: allergic and irritant.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) is caused by a delayed immune reaction following skin contact with an allergenic substance. Poison ivy is the most common cause of ACD. Other common causes include metals, dyes, perfumes, and preservatives in cosmetics.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis is more common than ACD and is caused by repeated exposure to substances that chemically damage the skin, such as harsh soaps, detergents, and cleaning products. These irritants remove oil and moisture from the outer layer of the skin, damaging the protective layer and triggering inflammation. Beauticians, nurses, bartenders, and others who spent lots of time with wet hands often develop this form of dermatitis.

Damage from contact dermatitis can be:

• Acute (sudden and quick) after contact with a high concentration of a chemical that sets off a reaction such as a burn
• Chronic (persistent) or delayed (when it occurs after months or years of contact with an irritant)

Eczema FACTS

• Eczema is not contagious
• Eczema is most common in children
• Baths are good—apply a moisturizer right after
• Wear and sleep on soft natural fabrics
• Avoid harsh soaps, scented products and perfumes
• Without a proper diagnosis and adequate treatment, eczema can become chronic and disabling

Types of Eczema

Atopic Dermatitis and Contact Dermatitis are the most common types of eczema. Below is a list of some other types of eczema.

Dyshidrotic Eczema	An acute recurrent eruption of multiple tiny, intensely itchy water blisters on the palms, sides of fingers and soles of the feet.
Lichen Simplex Chronicus	Localized, chronic thick itchy plaques that commonly occur on the sides or back of the neck, wrists, ankles, lower legs and inner area of the thighs.
Nummular Eczema	Multiple, round plaques of eczema that are usually associated with dry skin and occur on the outer surfaces of the hands, arms and legs.
Seborrheic Eczema	Yellowish-brown, greasy, scaly patches on the scalp, eyebrows, nose and chest.
Stasis Dermatitis	A chronic eczema on the inner area of the lower legs and associated with varicose veins.