Description

Eczema is a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). The term is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions. Can affect any region of the body, but most often impacts the inside of the forearms, as well as the hands and feet.

Appearance

• Depending on the type of eczema and the individual’s reaction, the disorder manifests itself in a variety of ways,
  at times appearing red, dry or scaly and at times appearing as a blistering lesion
• Areas of temporary skin discoloration may appear and are sometimes due to healed injuries
• Scratching open a healing lesion may result in scarring and may enlarge the rash

Symptoms

• Eczematic symptoms commonly include itchy, reddened, and dry skin; skin edema (swelling); crusting, flaking,
  and cracking; blistering, oozing and bleeding
• Cracking and weeping of the skin may also occur and open sores may become infected
• Environmental causes of the condition may include exposure to dryness, soaps and detergents, cleaning products,
  rubber gloves and even cosmetic lotions and creams
• Itchiness often encourages prolonged scratching which in turn leads to reddened, irritated, scaling skin or even
  a leathery thickening of the skin

Treatment

• Recommended treatments are always based upon an individual's age, overall health status, and the type and
  severity of the condition
• Keeping the skin well hydrated through the application of creams or ointments (with a low water and high oil content)
  as well as avoiding over-bathing is an important step in treatment
• Corticosteroid creams are sometimes prescribed to decrease the inflammatory reaction in the skin, prescribed
  according to severity of the symptoms
• For severe itching, oral antihistamines may be prescribed
• In order to control an acute outbreak of eczema, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed, although their long-term use
  is discouraged
• Ultraviolet light therapy

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