What Exactly is Eczema?

[Marc David]

What exactly is Eczema? Simply put, eczema refers to several different
conditions that cause skin to become irritated, scaly and rough and
itchy. There are several types of eczema, but the most common is
atopic eczema, closely associated with allergies.
The most common symptoms of eczema are scaly, dry, itchy patches of
skin. Depending on the sufferer's normal skin color, the affected area
may appear red, brown, or lighter or darker than usual. The skin
affected by eczema usually seems thicker than unaffected skin, and any
area can be affected. Upon visual examination, a doctor can often
diagnose eczema. Since the condition is often associated with
allergies, many doctors will review family history and usually request
that the patient be undergo allergy testing. Blood tests and scraping
tests are also used to diagnose eczema.
The most common types of eczema are caused by the body's overreaction
to some irritant. A reaction similar to an allergic reaction occurs,
and the body's immune system responds by fighting the irritant. Eczema
occurs when the immune system overreacts, producing irritated, itchy
skin. Eczema also reduces the skin's ability to maintain moisture.
The itching carries a risk of infection, so antihistamines are often
prescribed to control the itching and prevent infection. Topical
lotions and creams are recommended to keep the skin moist, and
hydrocortisone creams are used to reduce the inflammation. Other
treatments for more severe cases of eczema include tar treatments,
oral steroids and light treatments. Although new prescription drugs
have been developed to treat eczema, they have been linked with an
increased risk of cancer, and doctors have been warned to prescribe
cautiously.
Although it may appear so, eczema is not contagious. The disease has
no known cure, but can be managed effectively with prescription
medications and topical lotions and creams.