Eczema, or dermatitis, is a group of conditions
characterized by inflammation of the skin.
Among the many types of dermatitis, the most
common is atopic dermatitis, also known as
atopic eczema.
Very often, when not specified otherwise,
the term “eczema” is used to describe
the atopic type.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include rashes,
redness, scaling, and occasionally small blisters.
Depending on the patient’s age, these patches
may appear on the face, scalp, neck, inside
the elbows, behind the knees, on the buttocks,
hands and feet.
The condition evolves in the form of recurrent
inflammatory flare-ups followed by periods
of remission.
Flare ups can be triggered upon contact with
irritants such as soap, detergents, rough
fabric or certain foods.
A dry atmosphere, changes in temperature,
dental eruptions and stress are also common
triggers.
Over time, the skin can become thickened,
bumpy and constantly itch, even when the inflammation
is not flaring up.
Atopic eczema usually starts in early childhood
and MAY last into adult life.
Most children outgrow the disease with age
but their skin may remain dry and easily irritable.
Atopic dermatitis is an allergic disease.
The cause is unknown but it is likely to involve
genetic and environmental factors.
Atopic eczema often runs in families whose
members also tend to develop hay fever, asthma
and certain food allergies.
Most notable is the gene that encodes for
filaggrin, a protein involved in water retention
and is responsible for the skin barrier function.
Mutations in the filaggrin gene cause dry
skin and, as a result, a strong susceptibility
to the disease.
Eczema is NOT contagious.
There is no cure for atopic dermatitis.
Treatments aim to relieve symptoms, reduce
frequency of flare ups and prevent skin infection.
A treatment plan may include:
- Lifestyle changes: bathe at least once a
day but avoid soaps; wear silk clothing and
avoid wool; avoid allergy triggers.
- Skincare: use oil-based, fragrance-free
moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated during
remissions.
- Medications: anti-inflammatory drugs such
as steroid creams can be used during flare-ups.
Antibiotics may be required if skin infection
occurs.
