What is Eczema?

I've managed with eczema all my life, It has always been manageable and effectively dormant until now. It resurfaced about 12 months ago, and has progressively worsened to the point of becoming unbearable. Its like having a 1000's of small itchy spikes stuck in my skin.

The incessant itching, peeling and inflammation is exhausting and agonizing. This is my guide to help me understand and eradicate the disease.


What is Eczema?

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin condition causing inflammation of the skin.

It is characterised by redness, itching, papules (small bumps), scaling, dryness and cracked skin.

The most common type of eczema is Atopic Dermatitis, a chronic skin disease marked by itchy, red and dry skin.

What causes eczema?

It's a condition caused by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.

Certain genes are known to cause inflammations of the skin. They cause an over-reactive immune system and a defective skin barrier, allowing moisture to escape and germs to enter.

Irritants such as soaps and detergents (including shampoos, bubble baths, shower gels and washing-up liquids)

Extremes of temperature and humidity.

Contact and Inhaled allergens such as house dust mites, pollens, pet dander and moulds.

Food allergies

Psychological factors - stress

Treatments for eczema

Whilst there is no known cure for eczema, treatments can ease the symptoms.

Emollients (moisturizer) Applied 3-4 times a day every 4 hours.

Topical Corticosteroids can be used 1-2 daily for no more than a 7 day period. They reduce redness and swelling during flare-ups.

Antihistamines - A medicine used to treat allergic health conditions such as hay fever, eczema, inflammation of nose and eyes.

For example I've tried Loratadine and Cetirizine, both second generation, non-drowsy anti-histamine drugs. They have no discernible impact on myself.

Prescription Medicines

Immunosupressants - Drugs that suppress the immune system may also be an option. Oral medicines include cyclosporine, azathioprine, or methotrexate.

And topical immunosupressants include tacrolimus and pimecrolimus.

Side effects: increased susceptibility to diseases.

Oral steroids - Such as prednisolone tablets can be a very effective treatment for severe eczema, but are not recommended for most people. You will be prescribed these for as short a time as possible, but they should only be used as a last resort.

Side effects can include acne, muscle weakness, diabetes, high blood pressure, weakness of the bone, mood swings and increased risk of infection. 

                                 Dr. Claudia Aguirre - Eczema: Scratching the Surface

Interesting reads: http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/e/eczema
And: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Eczema-%28atopic%29/Pages/Treatment.aspx