What is Eczema?
Eczema is an inflammatory condition of the skin, it is not contagious but often led by genetics, Also called dermatitis, eczema can result in skin bleeding and crusting over in the folds of the arms, back of the knees, wrists, and hands.
Eczema is a term used to describe changes in the upper layer of the skin such as redness, blistering, oozing, crusting, scaling and thickening of the skin.
This skin condition is often linked to hayfever, asthma and seasonal irritants, it can also be influenced through diet.
Many environmental factors can make it worse such as Heat, dusk, contact with irritants, being unwell, infections, dryness of the skin and stress.
There are 7 different types of Dermatitis but here are the two most popular ones relating to eczema:
1. Atopic dermatitis Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common form of eczema. AD is chronic that can last throughout an entire person’s life. AD is caused by the mutation of the gene that creates filaggrin. Filaggrin is a protein found in the body that creates a protective barrier on the top layer of skin. Without filaggrin, AD is more likely to develop as moisture more easily leaves the skin without its protective barrier. There are many root causes of any skin condition, however, it’s good to be aware that stress is a common trigger resulting in stress related eczema.
How to know if you have atopic eczema:
Rash forms in elbow and knee creases
Skin where the rash is may be discolored, red, or thick
Small bumps can appear and leak fluid
2. Contact Dermatitis Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or foreign substance that triggers a reaction in the skin. There are two types of contact dermatitis: irritant dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis is a type of dermatitis that occurs when the skin is injured by one of the following: chemicals (acids, alkalis, detergents, and solvents), cold/dry environments, friction (handwashing), or over-exposure to water. Allergic dermatitis is an allergic reaction that is delayed and develops one to two days after skin has been in contact with the allergen. Rashes and swelling occurs when skin comes into contact with an allergen (typically makeup, hair dye, and poison ivy)
Symptoms of irritant dermatitis include:
Rash and bumpy skin in the exposed area
Burning, stinging, or itching in the affected area
Dry patches, resembling a burn
Symptoms of allergic dermatitis include:
Flaky, scaly, red skin
Hives
Oozing blisters
Burning or itching
Sun sensitivity
The remaining include:
Neurodermatitis- Normally only one or two recurring patches but EXTREMLEY itchy.
Dyshidrotic Eczema- Itchy blisters normally found on the hands and feet.
Nummular eczema- Normally found when the skin experiences trauma where it has damage the cellular function of the skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis- Normally seen like dandruff in the hair line and scalp.
Stasis dermatitis- Stasis dermatitis, also known as gravitation dermatitis, occurs when a person has weak circulation in their lower legs. When the veins in the leg are too weak to push blood back to the heart, the veins leak fluid. This results in swelling, redness, and itchiness in the area where fluid is leaking.
What can help Eczema?
Light therapy (LED)
Diet
Lifestyle
Keeping the skin hydrated
Plenty of water
Reducing dairy
Balanced diet
Over the counter products
Prescription products
Bathing
