Introduction:
Eczema is a disease characterized by chronic and itchy inflammation of the upper layers of the skin, which often occurs in people who have high fever or asthma. Or it occurs in people who have had or have a family member suffering from such conditions. This is a kind of skin disease in which swelling, itching, cracks, roughness and dryness are seen at various places on the skin. Sometimes eczema can also cause blisters. Eczema is not contagious. Sometimes foods like nuts and dairy, smoke, pollen, soap, scented products aggravate it. Although eczema resolves on its own with age, some people may have it throughout their lives.
Types of eczema:
There are many types of eczema including atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, eczema on the hands, Neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis, contact dermatitis etc. are included.
Symptoms of eczema:
- Frequent and severe itching
- Red or brownish gray patches appear itchy, dry, rough, and flaky skin
- Small bumps on the skin that ooze fluid when scratched thick, granular, and scaly skin darkening of the skin around the eyes dry yellow discharge due to infection.
- Easy removal of upper layer of skin due to itching
- Skin feeling thicker than usual at times
What happens because of eczema:
1. An overactive immune system that reacts aggressively when exposed to a trigger.
2. Sometimes eczema is also caused by an abnormal reaction against proteins naturally present in the body.
3. In eczema the immune system loses the ability to tell the difference between the two, which causes inflammation.
4. Use of irritating chemical cleaners, soaps, shampoos, bubble baths and detergents which make the skin dry.
5. Rough scratchy materials like wool, synthetic fabrics.
6. Infection in the upper respiratory system.
7. Changes in temperature, sudden drop in humidity.
8. Stress and food allergies.
9. Due to coming in contact with dust, dirt, fungus, pet dander.
10. Increase in body temperature, sweating.
Preventions:
So protect yourself if you want to avoid eczema, make changes in your lifestyle. These include reducing stress, being happy, getting enough sleep etc. Apart from this, avoid using soap, detergent, shampoo containing irritating chemicals.
Avoid wearing loose clothes. The skin becomes dry even in cold weather, so protect the skin from becoming dry. Patients suffering from atopic dermatitis should avoid itching and scratching the skin repeatedly. Protect the skin from cuts and tears. Keep the skin moisturized by using ointment or cream as directed by the dermatologist.
Author is senior doctor Kanwatiya Hospital, Jaipur
