What is Eczema?

Eczema Symptoms and Causes

Eczema is a common condition of the skin and a particular inflammatory condition that is the end result of a number of different stimuli. The term Eczema is interchangeable with Dermatitis. It can be due to ingested substances causing food intolerance, due to contact with an irritant, contact dermatitis, or an allergy to the surface contacted. The condition causes a dry skin with reddening and scaling of the skin that can progress to painful cracking and may become infected. This leads to pus filled blisters, ulcers and splits in the skin. Itching is often severe.

It can occur symmetrically especially in children affecting the face and trunk or in the folds of armpits and elbows or behind the knees.

The appearances of eczema/dermatitis are widely variable and can have many causes. It is important that any skin problem that lasts over four weeks, or is associated with pus or blistering is seen by a doctor for diagnosis.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic Dermatitis occurs when there are thick, scaly layers of eczematous skin on the head. In it's mild form it is called "scurf".

Cradle Cap

Cradle Cap is a form of seborrheic dermatitis on the heads of infants that spend their time on their backs with their heads in contact with cot sheets and so on. It usually improves once they sit up and start moving about.

Scabies

Scabies should always be considered when the rash affects the hand, especially around the wrist. It which is caused by a small burrowing mite and needs adequate medical treatment. Scabies treatments involve painting on a locally active insecticide. It is not related to eczema although often similar in appearance.

Also helpful may be other allergy linked diseases allergies, hayfever, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, food intolerance and migraine.