Eczema

Skin rash

Also see Allergy page 197

Eczema is a skin rash or inflammation characterised by blistering, cracking, itching, oozing, redness, or scaling. The skin often becomes thick and discolored due to constant scratching. Eczema is common, recurrent, and sometimes persistent, but it is not contagious. Most affected children outgrow the condition by puberty.

Symptoms

• Swelling and redness.
• Itchy rash, which is sometimes intense.
• Blisters (small bumps filled with fluid) that may ooze due to scratching.
• Crusty, dry and cracked, leathery, scaly, thickened, or weeping areas of skin.
• Pain, soreness, discomfort.

Complications

• Secondary bacterial infection.

Cause
There are many types of eczema. They are due to combination of endogenous (internal) and external factors.

• Allergy - allergic contact eczema.
• Skin irritation - irritant contact eczema.
• Photosensitive eczema - sunlight-induced.

What you can do

• Seek treatment early.
• Avoid scratching as much as possible, as it can lead to bacterial infection.
• Apply cream, lotion, or moisturizer to prevent dryness.
• Apply soothing ointment on the affected area to ease irritation and cover with dressing to prevent scratching.
• Wear cotton clothes. Do not use wool and synthetic fabrics as this tend to irritate the skin.
• Take antihistamine (anti-allergy medicine). Take sedative antihistamines at night and non-sedative in the day or at work.
• Consult a doctor if the condition shows signs of spreading or is distressful, or if there is an infection.

What your doctor can do for you

• Conduct skin allergy tests.
• Prescribe hydrocortisone (anti inflammatory cream) or other creams.
• Prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infection.
• Diagnose the type of eczema, help to identify the cause.
• Prescribe oral histamines.

Prevention tips

• Try to determine the substances that cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in you and avoid them as best as you can.

For products see Skin antiseptics & disinfectants page 498, Skin anti-itch agents & antihistamines page 491

This article is reffered to Malaysia Healthcare Guide - The family health guide, MIMS, 2nd edition, 1997, page 342-343