Eczema: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a condition where skin becomes inflamed or irritated. The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema. Eczema is a term applied to range of skin diseases; it affects any part of the body. The condition is not contagious and not be spread from person to person.

Eczema overview

Recovery Time

  • Eczema symptoms tend to become less severe over time.
  • Natural healing is also possible but it takes time to heal.
  • It takes a day or two up to several weeks to cure by treatment.
  • For some people it is lifelong condition where the medication or treatment will control the symptoms.

Diagnosis

  • Medical history and physical examination
  • Skin biopsy
  • Itching is an important clue to diagnosing eczema. 
  • Allergy tests based on type of allergy.
  • Scales are tested to find the micro organism cause.
Eczema Diagnosis

FAQs prepared by doctor

Q1.  Is eczema contagious?
No, you cannot contract eczema from coming into contact with someone who has it. Eczema has been shown to be hereditary, and is more commonly found in families with a history of allergies or asthma.

Q2.  Why is my eczema worse at certain times?
This is what is known as an eczema ?flare.? Flares are generally caused by triggers, which can be substances or conditions that worsen dry skin, such as dry skin, irritants, rough fabrics such as wool, emotional stress, heat and sweating. Once you know what they are, you should do your best to avoid them.

Q3.  I work using gloves, am I prone for having eczema?
Yes. The use of rubber gloves (latex) to protect dermatitic skin is sometimes associated with the development of hypersensitivity reactions to components of the gloves. Whenever possible, the hands should be protected by gloves, preferably vinyl.
Therapy of hand eczema is directed toward avoidance of irritants, identification of possible contact allergens, treatment of coexistent infection, and application of topical glucocorticoids. As with atopic dermatitis, treatment of secondary infection is essential for good control. In addition, patients with hand eczema should be examined for fungal dermatophyte infection by KOH preparation and culture.

Q4.  Is eczema genetic?
There is a clear genetic predisposition. When both parents are affected >80% of their children manifest the disease. When only one parent is affected, the prevalence drops to slightly over 50%. Patients with eczema may display a variety of immunoregulatory abnormalities including increased IgE synthesis; increased serum IgE; and impaired, delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions.



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