Eczema (Atopic Eczema)What is atopic eczema? Atopic eczema is an inflammatory condition of the skin. Atopic is the term used to describe conditions such as eczema, asthma, seasonal rhinitis and hay fever, which often have a genetic basis. Eczema is the term used to describe changes in the upper layer of the skin that include redness, blistering, oozing, crusting, scaling, thickening and sometimes pigmentation (although not all of these changes will necessarily occur together). The words eczema and dermatitis are interchangeable and mean the same thing: thus atopic eczema is the same as atopic dermatitis. For simplicity we shall use atopic eczema in this leaflet. Atopic eczema affects both sexes equally and usually starts in the first weeks or months of life. It is most common in children, affecting at least 10% of infants at some stage. It usually disappears during childhood, although it can carry on into adult life or come back in the teenage or early adult years. It may occasionally develop for the first time in adulthood. What causes atopic eczema? This is still not fully understood. A tendency to atopic conditions often runs in families (see below) and is part of your genetic make-up. In people … Continue reading →

Summary Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin disorder that causes inflammation and red, dry, rough, and itchy skin. Eczemais most common in infants and young children, but you can also develop the disorder as an adult and continue to have it as an adult. Scientists are not sure what exactly causes eczema, but they think its a combination of genetics and the environment. People with eczemahave immune systems and skin barriers that dont work properly. Some studies have found that both children and adults with eczemaare more likely to have low levels of vitamin D. Lower vitamin D levels are also linked to more severe skin symptoms. Research has found that people who have eczemaand low levels of vitamin D are more likely to get infections on their skin. More experiments need to be done to determine if vitamin D is an effective treatment for people with eczema. Doctors dont know yet whether taking a vitamin D supplement, or getting more sun exposure, can help to prevent or treat eczema. If you have eczemaand want to take vitamin D, it is unlikely to make your eczemaworse or cause you any harm, as long as you take … Continue reading →

Dyshidrotic eczema appears as intensely itchy blisters on the hands, fingers and soles of the feet. When it affects the hands its called cheiropompholyx and pedopompholyx when it affects the feet. It is also known as pompholyx, keratolysis exfoliativa, or vesicular eczema of the hands and/or feet. The term pompholyx (Greek "bubble") is generally reserved for the cases of deep-seated itching blisters. Generally associated with, but not caused by, excessive sweating (hyperhydrosis). The cause of this pattern of eczema is not fully understood but in some cases there is a history of allergic contact dermatitis especially to nickel. Very often no specific allergen is found despite extensive patch testing. This form of eczema is aggravated by stress. Oral antihistamines help to alleviate the intense itch. Frequently applied calamine lotion helps to cool the affected skin. For the best treatment for dyshidrotic eczemawe recommend using Eczema-Ltd III The condition is characterized by the sudden onset (1-3 days) of deep-seated, clear blisters. In the later stages, scaling, thickening, and painful fissuring typically occur. Secondary bacterial infection is very often a complication with dyshidrotic eczema. In many patients, the condition worsens during the summer months. Hand eczema occurs most frequently in persons who … Continue reading →

Eczema is a dry skin condition which becomes red and itchy when inflamed known as active eczema. It is also known as atopic dermatitis, and is a common condition, particularly in childhood but in some cases can persist, present or reoccur in adulthood. Eczema has a high impact on health and quality of life for patients and their families but good management and support can reduce the impact. The skin has an important role as a barrier and has been described as being like bricks and mortar. In eczema, there is a problem with the mortar and this allows the skin to leak losing moisture and allow irritants in which inflame the skin. Because the skin is not able to maintain its barrier function it is also very prone to infections from bacteria on the skin and/or through contact. The main symptom of eczema that patients experience is itch. The response to this is to scratch the affected area which might provide temporary relief,however scratching damages the skin even further and increases the risk of infections. It is a difficult condition to manage with flare-ups often happening for no known reason., There is no cure, although most children (and adults) … Continue reading →

Home Topics AZ Dermatitis Author: DrAmanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand,1997. Dermatitis refers to a group of inflammatory conditions. It affects the outer layer of the skin, the epidermis. Dermatitis affects about one in every five people at some time in their lives. It results from a variety of different causes and has various patterns. The terms dermatitis and eczema are often used interchangeably. In some cases the term eczematous dermatitis is used. Dermatitis can be acute or chronic or both. An in-between state is known as subacute eczema. Psychological stresses can provoke or aggravate dermatitis, presumably by suppressing normal immune mechanisms. Treatment of dermatitis An important aspect of treatment is to identify and tackle any contributing factors (see above). Dermatitis is often a long-term problem. When you notice your skin getting dry, moisturise your skin again and carefully avoid the use of soap. If the itchy rash returns, use both the moisturiser and the steroid cream or ointment. If it fails to improve within two weeks, see your doctor for further advice. Would you like to receive our dermatology updates by email? SIGN UP We're seeking high-quality photos of skin diseases. SUBMIT A PHOTO Watch DermNet's proposal to create … Continue reading →