Eczema and Dermatitis

The term eczema commonly implies dry, sensitive, itchy skin and is used for many chronic skin conditions. Eczema may be described by its appearance, cause or location.
Common Types:
  1. Atopic – typically inherited, often related to asthma and allergies. Usually starts in infants or childhood.
  2. Contact – generally related to contact with allergic substances or an irritant. Can generally be cured with avoidance, if possible.
  3. Xerotic/Asteatotic – eczema from dry skin, usually worse in winter and in older individuals.
  4. Seborrheic – generally on the scalp, face or ears and consists of red, scaly skin that is sometimes itchy (similar to dandruff or cradle cap)
  5. Dyshidrosis – generally on hands and feet, consists of small clear bumps, usually itchy and then dries out and cracks.
  6. Nummular (Discoid) – round, “coin-shaped”, red, dry patches. Often itchy and commonly on the lower legs
  7. Venous (Stasis) – associated with leg swelling and varicose veins, affects the lower legs and ankles with skin darkening, scaling, itching and can form ulcers
  8. Neurodermatitis (LSC) – itchy, thickened patch of skin that results from repeated scratching of rubbing of the skin
Diagnosis is usually based on appearance and other evaluations such as lifestyle habits, allergies, family history, medication use, and chemical exposure. Patch testing is done in the office when a certain irritant or allergen is suspected. Several small patches are applied to the back for 48 hours, removed, and evaluated. www.truetest.com Common treatments include: prescription moisturizers and medicated topical cream, lotions, etc., anti-itch topical and oral medications, and in more severe cases light treatments/Phototherapy.

Talk to your doctor about Eczema/Dermatitis.

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