Specialists themselves disagree on which diseases should be considered eczema. Simply put, eczema is an inflammation of the skin that’s not caused by infection. It’s also known as dermatitis. The condition may be temporary or chronic, mild or, in rare instances, life-threatening. In life-threatening cases:

* it is severe enough to cause complications, such as cellulitis; or
* an affected person also contracts the herpes simplex virus; or
* an affected person has a violent allergic reaction caused by contact dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis is the most common type of skin inflammation. It’s a temporary reaction to an irritant or an allergen. An example is poison ivy.

Atopic dermatitis is the prevalent form of chronic eczema. A genetically inherited condition, it tends to run in families who also suffer from hay fever and asthma. Atopic dermatitis will affect about 10% of Caucasians and Asians at some point in their lives.

Seborrhea is eczema of the scalp. In adults, mild seborrhea is known as dandruff. In babies, it tends to look more severe, and is called cradle cap.

Nummular eczema normally affects older adults, and its cause is unknown. Round patches of scaly, inflamed skin may appear anywhere on the body. Winter is the peak period for this condition. It tends to strike dry skin.

Varicose eczema (or gravitational eczema) affects the lower legs of older adults. It is basically a poor circulation problem, usually due to blood not being able to get out of the legs well. It is caused by varicose veins.

Lichen simplex chronicus is a non-allergic itch, which often appears in times of stress. The disease is prolonged and sometimes spreads if you scratch.
Causes

Genetic inheritance plays a major role in most forms of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is an inherited oversensitivity of the immune system. Genes play a role in allergies, too, though it usually takes prolonged exposure to a given allergen before it becomes a nuisance. There are some chemicals, of course, that will irritate any skin. Harsh irritants can give anyone a temporary bout of contact dermatitis.

Seborrhea appears to be linked to the yeast called Pityrosporum ovale, which inhabits most human scalps. It’s a mystery why some people are so much more severely affected by this organism than others.

Varicose eczema is caused by poor circulation in the lower extremities. Fluid builds up in the capillaries due to raised blood pressure. This causes inflammation of the skin.

Lichen simplex is caused by excessive scratching of minor itches.

There are also general risk factors than will aggravate any kind of eczema. These include harsh soap, rubber gloves, wool, very hot water, and emotional stress.

Symptoms and Complications

Atopic dermatitis appears as red, itchy, dry skin. It tends to first appear in childhood, and may disappear completely before adulthood. It most often affects the area behind the knees and around the elbows, as well as the face. In infants, it often appears on the chest, scalp and neck. Atopic people who contract the herpes simplex virus can be struck by eczema herpeticum, a dangerous secondary infection of the inflamed skin that causes a worsened rash and fever.

Seborrhea in adults is dandruff. In babies, it can form a thick yellow flaky rash on the scalp. In severe cases, bacteria can build up in fatty deposits, producing an unpleasant odor.

Nummular eczema appears as itchy, red, coin-shaped areas with discharge on the limbs and torso.

Contact dermatitis usually causes a dry, red rash, although there is often some discharge with the rash from poison ivy. The area involved may be a clue to the responsible allergen or irritant. The worst forms of allergic contact dermatitis, such as severe latex condom reactions, can be associated with the potentially fatal allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which is a body-wide response to the allergen.

Varicose eczema appears as inflamed, scaly skin around the lower legs and ankles. Over time, it may turn dark brown.

A rare and severe form of eczema called statis dermatitis can result in bacterial infection and chronic ulceration. If left untreated, this condition can lead to potentially dangerous complications, such as cellulitis, which can be life-threatening.
Making the Diagnosis

If you get inflamed skin, it’s important to tell your doctor about any allergies you have and any unfamiliar substances you have recently come in contact with. Looking at the skin itself will often allow a physician to distinguish particular types of eczema. In people over the age of 6, when the doctor suspects the disease is allergic, you will probably undergo a series of allergy skin tests. The physician scratches the skin with a variety of common allergens to determine which ones you’re allergic to.
Treatment and Prevention

Allergic forms of the eczema are treated with antihistamines and corticosteroids. This medical condition is treated with topical medications, both corticosteroid and non-corticosteroid. In severe cases, systemic (pill) corticosteroids may be needed to control it. In older adults, ultraviolet (UV) radiation is sometimes used against atopic dermatitis, but the skin cancer risk makes this unsuitable for younger people.

Contact dermatitis is treated by removing the irritant responsible and letting the skin heal. The only cure for lichen simplex is to stop scratching.

If you have sensitive skin, you will have to live with it. Susceptibility to most forms of eczema is genetic and unavoidable. Knowing what allergens and irritants to avoid can help you get through life without being inconvenienced by eczema.

Varicose eczema isn’t an allergic or inherited problem. You can prevent it by keeping in good physical shape so that blood flows freely through the legs. Support stockings assist in pumping the blood up out of the leg. Elevating your leg also increases circulation.

Mild seborrhea can be treated and prevented with over-the-counter dandruff shampoos.

Other tips to help you deal with eczema include:

* Bathe in cool or tepid water with gentle soap.
* Use moisturisers immediately after you bathe to keep the moisture locked in. Be cautious of perfumes in these moisturizers, as they may worsen the condition.
* Avoid scratching affected areas. Some people wear cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching in their sleep.
* Keep your fingernails short.
* Don’t let sweat stay on your skin.
* Avoid clothes that don’t let the skin breathe.