Home |

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by reddened, dry, itchy, scaly skin. Several types of eczema are known, the most common being atopic dermatitis, hand eczema, and nummular eczema. These may result from hypersensitive skin or chronic irritation.
The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis although there are many types of dermatitis, each with different causes or conditions. Atopic eczema usually appears before the age of 5 often between the ages of 2 to 6 months. While it occurs more often in infants and children it can affect people of all ages.

Its causes include -
- Changes in temperature or humidity
- Chemical irritants, such as pesticides, paint strippers, alcohol, astringents, perfumes, harsh soaps, detergents, and household cleaners
- Physical irritants, such as clothes made of rough or scratchy fabrics, like wool
- Allergies (to dust, pollen, mold, animal dander, etc.)
- Intense emotion or stress
- Infections of any kind

Symptoms of eczema may include:

- Itching (most common symptom)
- Dry skin
- Rash, usually consisting of red or scaly areas of skin .Rash may develop oozing or crusting
- Areas commonly affected by eczema are:
- Infants: face, neck, extensor surfaces, trunk, groin
- Children: front of elbows, behind knees
- Adults: face, neck, upper chest, genital area
- Thickening and leathery quality of skin with chronic eczema
- Paleness around the mouth
- Extra fold of skin beneath lower eyelid (Dennie?s or Morgan?s line)
- Increased number of skin creases on the palms

Eczema is usually diagnosed through a physical examination. . Further tests may include :
- A skin biopsy
- Allergy Skin Test (Skin Scratch/Patch Test)
- Blood Tests