Dr Astha Sharma
MBBS, MD(Skin & VD)
Senior Consultant Dermatologist,Cosmetologist & Hair Specialist

Eczema is a skin disorder. The features include rashes with itching and scaly appearance of the skin. Most commonly occurring eczema is known as atopic eczema. People who are suffering from asthma or hay fever are highly susceptible. The atopic condition refers to the group of disorders which originate from the hypersensitive reaction to various agents.

There are evidences that, Eczema is seen in people with poor immunity. The Children, who receive breast feeding till 4 to 6 months of their life, are at lower risk of getting eczema.

 

Causes

• Hypersensitivity reaction: it’s a type of an allergic reaction in the skin. It is commonly seen in young infants and growing kids. The hypersensitivity of the skin to the various allergic agents generally disappears with the age In most of the cases.

• Known cases of asthma, Hay fever: They are highly susceptible.

 

Risk factors

• Family history of Eczema

• Hypersensitivity reactions secondary to the contact with dust, smoke, fumes, pollen, mold, animal dander

• Recurrent Colds

• Exposure to water and cold environments

• Exposure to environmental pollutants

• Stress

• Food items such as milk, eggs, fish, wheat, peanuts, pulses, soy etc.

• Deodorants, sprays

• Dry skin, excessive sweating

 

Symptoms

• The person suffering from Eczema generally presents rashes as below mentioned depending upon the age.

• In younger children the skin lesions or rashes generally appear on scalp, hands, face, and feet. The rashes are oozing with the fluid.

• Common areas of rashes in the adolescent or adult population are the back of the knees, elbows and also hands, feet and neck.

 

Overall the presentation has following notable symptoms.

• Rashes on the skin

• Pruritis or itching sensation

• Localized redness, with elevated skin patches

• Blister formation with fluid buildup inside

• Rough skin resulting from scratching

• Ear discharges

• Skin pigmentation

 

Diagnosis

The Physician will ask the detailed medical history of the patient and family history of similar problems. The physical examination for location of lesions and severity of the condition plays a vital role to confirm the diagnosis.

The following sets of tests are ordered before concluding the diagnosis.

• Allergy Skin Testing: It is done primarily to find out the allergens troubling the skin.

• A biopsy skin: Rarely done as it does not help much