It is one of the form of dermatitis. Eczema
means ' to boil out' because it seems that the skin is
boiling out or oozing out.
Cause:
Dermatologists do not know the exact cause of eczema, but an abnormal
function of the immune system is believed to be a factor. Some forms of
eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the
skin, such as soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelry, or
sweat. Environmental allergens (substances that cause allergic
reactions) may also cause outbreaks of eczema. Changes in temperature
or humidity, or even psychological stress, for some people lead to
outbreaks of eczema.
Classification:
Depending on-
1.Etiological factor:
a.Endogenous eczema- Where the constitution of the patient predisposes
the patient to developing eczema.
b.Exogenous eczema- When the patients develops an eczema as a response
to external stimuli e.g. irritants and antigens.
c.Combined eczema- When a combination of extrinsic and constitutional
factors works.
2.Morphological factor:
a.Discoid eczema- it is characterized by round or oval-shaped itchy
lesions, sometimes oozing or dry rash, with clear boundaries, often on
lower legs. It is usually worse in winter. Cause is unknown, and the
condition tends to come and go.
b.Hyperkeratotic eczema
c.Lichenified eczema
d.Seborrhoeic eczema- it is a condition sometimes classified as a form
of eczema that is closely related to dandruff. It causes dry or greasy
peeling of the scalp, eyebrows, and face, and sometimes trunk. The
condition is harmless except in severe cases of cradle cap. In newborns
it causes a thick, yellow crusty scalp rash called cradle cap, which
seems related to lack of biotin and is often curable.
Symptoms:
Eczema most commonly causes ill defined plaque, dry, reddened skin that
itches or burns, although the appearance of eczema varies from person
to person and varies according to the specific type of eczema. Intense
itching is generally the first symptom in most people with eczema.
Sometimes, eczema may lead to blisters and oozing lesions, but eczema
can also result in dry and scaly skin. Repeated scratching may lead to
thickened, crusty skin.
While any region of the body may be affected by eczema, in children and
adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of
the elbows, knees, and ankles. In infants, eczema typically occurs on
the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.
Diagnosis:
It must be based upon on the physical examination. The diagnosis of
eczema is based on the following features-
1.Itchy exudative plaque, surrounded by papulovesicles.
2.Lichenification.
Once the diagnosis is made then doctor must find the cause and type of
eczema.
In some cases, a biopsy of the skin may be taken in order to rule out
other skin diseases that may be producing signs and symptoms similar to
eczema. If a doctor suspects that a patient has allergic contact
dermatitis, allergy tests, possibly including a skin "patch test," may
be carried out in an attempt to identify the specific trigger of the
condition.
Differential Diagnosis:
1.Psoriasis- moderately itchy, well defined lesion, silvery scales,
auspitz sign positive and nail and joint changes are found.
2.Scabies- typical lesion found in other family member, present on
palmar region and genitals, burrows are present.
Treatment:
1.To avoid drying of lesion, some moisturizer must be topically
applied, One of the recommendations is that people suffering from
eczema should not use detergents of any kind on their skin unless
absolutely necessary.
2.Environmental measures- While it has been suggested that eczema may
sometimes be an allergic reaction to the excrement from house dust
mites. So precautions must be taken into consideration.
3.Diet and Nutrition- in some cases it was found that patients are
allergic to some dietary products leading to aggravation. It must also
be taken into consideration./
4.Most of the Dermatologist use corticosteroids, immunosuppressant and
itch relief to treat the cases of eczema.
5.Homeopathy offers excellent results in eczema with a very high cure
rate. The medicines first aim at first reducing the itching of the
affected parts &preventing occurence of new lesions. The
Homeopathic approach for Eczema is to treat the person as a whole
rather than treating only the disease. Eczema is simply an external
presentation of an internal disorder due to lowered vitality and
immunity. When the whole person is treated, the power of immune system
is enhanced thereby causing the disease to disappear. Homeopathy does
not believe in treating eczema or any skin diseases by simply applying
ointment or creams. A constitutional remedy (specific to the
individual) is selected by assessing the physical, mental and emotional
states, family history, and the past health history of the person. The
type of eczema, location, aggravating and relieving factors will be
taken into consideration, besides many other factors in choosing the
remedy.
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