Atopic dermatitis (ECZEMA) IN PERUMBAKAM

Your Trusted Partner in Atopic dermatitis

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry and itchy patches of skin. It’s a common condition that isn’t contagious. We are here to provide you with top-notch care and guidance to tackle your problems.

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Atopic dermatitis (ECZEMA) Hospital in Perumbakkam, Chennai

Understanding ECZEMA

What is ECZEMA?

Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy and bumpy. This condition weakens your skin’s barrier function, which is responsible for helping your skin retain moisture and protecting your body from outside elements. Eczema is a type of dermatitis. Dermatitis is a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation.

What are the types of ECZEMA?

There are several types of eczema. Each type has unique triggers that can affect your skin’s barrier function, including:

  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Dyshidrotic eczema
  • Neurodermatitis
  • Nummular eczema
  • Seborrheic dermatitis

It’s possible to have more than one type of eczema at the same time.

What are the symptoms of ECZEMA?

Symptoms of eczema include:

  • Dry skin
  • Itchy skin
  • Skin rash
  • Bumps on your skin.
  • Thick, leathery patches of skin.
  • Flaky, scaly or crusty skin.
  • Swelling.

What causes ECZEMA?

Several factors cause eczema, including:

  • Your immune system: If you have eczema, your immune system overreacts to small irritants or allergens (triggers) in your environment. When you contact a trigger, your immune system assumes that these small irritants are foreign invaders, like bacteria or viruses, that can harm your body. As a result, the triggers activate your body’s natural defense system. Your immune system’s defense is to create inflammation. Inflammation causes symptoms of eczema on your skin.
  • Your genes: You’re more likely to have eczema if there’s a history of eczema or dermatitis in your family. You’re also at a higher risk if there’s a history of asthma, hay fever and/or allergies. Common allergies include pollen, pet hair or foods that trigger an allergic reaction. You could also have a genetic mutation that causes your skin’s barrier function to not work as it should.
  • Your environment: There’s a lot in your environment that can irritate your skin. Some examples include exposure to smoke, air pollutants, harsh soaps, fabrics such as wool, and some skin care products. Low humidity (dry air) can cause your skin to become dry and itchy. Heat and high humidity can cause sweating and that can make your itchiness even worse.
  • Emotional triggers: Your mental health could affect the health of your skin, which can cause a flare-up of eczema symptoms. If you have high levels of stress, anxiety or depression, you may have more frequent flare-ups of eczema symptoms.

What triggers ECZEMA to flare up?

Eczema affects each person diagnosed with the condition differently. What causes your symptoms to flare up might not trigger someone else with the condition. Common triggers that cause eczema include:

  • Dry weather (low humidity).
  • Fabrics or clothing material.
  • Makeup or skin care products.
  • Smoke and pollutants.
  • Soaps and detergents.
  • Stress or your emotional well being.
  • Touching something you’re allergic to.

Do certain foods trigger ECZEMA?

The connection between eczema and food allergies is unclear. If you have food allergies, then one of the reasons why you must avoid that food is that it may cause or worsen your eczema symptoms. Examples of common allergies include:

  • Peanuts.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.

Pay attention to what you eat. If your eczema flares up after you eat a certain food, then you might have an allergy to it. If you don’t have a food allergy, then there are no foods that will cause or worsen your eczema.

How is ECZEMA diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will diagnose eczema after a physical exam, where they can take a close look at your skin. Most often, people receive an eczema diagnosis as a child, as it’s common among children, but a diagnosis can happen at any age when symptoms arise.

Symptoms of eczema can look similar to other conditions. Your provider might offer tests to rule out other conditions and confirm your diagnosis. Tests could include:

  • An allergy test.
  • Blood tests to check for causes of the rash that might be unrelated to dermatitis.
  • A skin biopsy to distinguish one type of dermatitis from another.

What questions might my healthcare provider ask to diagnose ECZEMA?

Your healthcare provider might ask the following questions to learn more about your symptoms, including:

  • Where do you have symptoms on your body?
  • Did you use any products to try to treat your skin?
  • Do you have any medical conditions like allergies or asthma?
  • Do you have a history of eczema in your family?
  • How long have you had symptoms?
  • Do you take hot showers?
  • Is there anything that makes your symptoms worse?
  • Have you noticed something triggers or worsens your symptoms like certain soaps or detergents?
  • Do your symptoms affect your ability to sleep or perform your daily activities?

How do I get rid of ECZEMA?

Your treatment for eczema is unique to you and what caused your symptoms to flare up. Treatment for eczema could include:

  • Using gentle or sensitive skin moisturizers throughout the day when you have dry skin. Apply moisturizer when your skin is damp after a bath or shower.
  • Apply topical medications to your skin as advised by your provider, like topical steroids.
  • Take oral medications like anti-inflammatory medicines, antihistamines or corticosteroids to reduce itchiness and swelling.
  • Immunosuppressant drugs help regulate how your immune system functions.
  • Light therapy to improve the appearance of your skin and remove blemishes.
  • Avoid triggers that cause symptoms of eczema to flare up.

How do you treat childhood ECZEMA?

If your child has skin issues, such as eczema, you can:

  • Give your child a short, warm bath instead of a long, hot bath, which can dry out their skin.
  • Use moisturizers several times daily. In infants with eczema, moisturizing on a regular basis, like with each diaper change, is extremely helpful.
  • Keep the room temperature as regular as possible. Changes in room temperature and humidity can dry your child’s skin.
  • Keep your child dressed in cotton. Wool, silk and synthetic fabrics such as polyester can irritate their skin.
  • Use sensitive skin or unscented laundry detergent.
  • Help your child avoid rubbing or scratching at their skin.
Frequently Asked Question on ECZEMA
At what age does eczema usually start?
Eczema often begins in infancy or early childhood, but it can develop at any age. In some cases, symptoms may improve or resolve as a child grows older, while others may continue to experience eczema into adulthood.
Can eczema be triggered by certain factors?
Yes, eczema can be triggered or exacerbated by various factors, including allergens (such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods), irritants (like harsh soaps or detergents), stress, changes in weather, and hormonal fluctuations.
Is eczema contagious?
No, eczema is not contagious. It is a chronic skin condition related to immune system and genetic factors.
What is the treatment for eczema?
Treatment for eczema aims to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. It often involves the use of moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, antihistamines to relieve itching, and, in some cases, immune-modulating medications. Identifying and avoiding triggers is also an important part of management.
How can I care for my skin if I have eczema?
Individuals with eczema should practice good skincare, including using gentle cleansers, moisturizing regularly, and avoiding harsh irritants. It’s important to identify and avoid triggers that may worsen symptoms.
Can food allergies contribute to eczema?
In some cases, certain foods may trigger or exacerbate eczema symptoms, especially in children. However, food allergies are just one potential factor, and not everyone with eczema has food allergies.
Can stress worsen eczema?

Yes, stress is known to be a common trigger for eczema flare-ups. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and other stress-reducing activities may help in controlling symptoms.