Eczema and dermatitis
Eczema is a general term referring to any type of dermatitis or “skin inflammation”. It is manifested with itching (pruritus) and chronic dry skin. Generally, symptoms appear only during certain periods, while the rest of the time the skin is normal. There are many causes that can give rise to eczema: allergy, irritants, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, etc.
Eczema symptoms include:
Constantly dry skin.
Red and itchy areas usually worsening in the winter time.
The affected area can get moist and exudate if patients scratch themselves.
CAUSES OF ECZEMA
The cause of eczema is unknown, but it appears to be associated with hereditary factors. Many people with atopic eczema also suffer from allergies (such as rhinitis or asthma) or they can develop them.
SYMPTOMS
Although each person may experience symptoms differently, these may include:
Extremely dry skin with itching.
Small lumps on the skin or erosions that exudate on scratching.
Skin reddening and inflammation.Skin thickening (in chronic eczema).
Excessive scratching and rubbing can tear the skin and cause an infection.
Types of eczema
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, also called atopic eczema, is a skin hereditary and chronic disorder usually affecting babies and small children, and may persist until the child reaches adolescence or adulthood. It causes skin itching, reddening, and desquamation. It normally affects the inner region of elbows, the area behind the knees, and face, but it can also cover most of the body surface. It is more common in babies and can even begin as soon as at 2-6 months of age.
Contact dermatitis
It is a physiologic reaction occurring after the skin gets in contact with certain substances. These substances can cause reactions on the skin. Different substances trigger an allergic response that can begin several days after the exposition. Contact dermatitis due to a substance other than an allergic reaction occurs by direct contact with such substance. In this case, the substance does not trigger an allergy, but a skin irritation. Adult people are more commonly affected by contact allergic dermatitis, but it can occur at any age.
