Eczema

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic that affects the skin. It is not contagious; it cannot be passed from one person to another. With eczema, the skin becomes extremely itchy. Scratching often leads to redness, swelling, cracking, "weeping" clear fluid, and finally, crusting and scaling. There are typically periods of flares and remissions in most people. Although Eczema can occur at any age, it most often begins in childhood. In many children with eczema, the skin disease improves or disappears altogether as they grow older, although their skin often remains dry and easily irritated. In others, eczema continues to be a significant problem in adulthood. While the cause of eczema is unknown, it is thought to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.

Eczema is actually a general term for several types of disorder which cause irritation and inflammation of the skin. The most common of the many types of eczema is Atopic dermatitis. Other types include: Allergic contact eczema (dermatitis), Dyshidrotic eczema, Neurodermatitis, Nummular eczema, Seborrheic eczema, and Stasis dermatitis.

Treatment of Eczema

There are two goals in the treatment of eczema. The first is to prevent flares of the disease, which can be accomplished by using medications known as immuno-modulators and reducing skin irritants. The second treatment goal is to protect the skin during flares to reduce the discomfort and problems associated with scratching. This is often accomplished by using cortisone creams and other lotions to protect the skin.

Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis

Discusses the diagnosis and treatment of Atopic Dermatitis.

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Atopic Dermatitis

Find out more information about the features of atopic dermatitis including what causes the rash, what it looks like, and how it is diagnosed.

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National Eczema Association for Science and Education

NEASE works to improve the health and the quality of life of persons living with atopic dermatitis/eczema, including those who have the disease as well as their loved ones.

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The Atopic Dermatitis Information Server

...the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Atopic Dermatitis....The AD Information.....to the prevention and treatment..of Atopic Dermatitis.. SCORAD index..

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Handout on Health: Atopic Dermatitis

This booklet is for people who have atopic dermatitis (often called "eczema"), parents and caregivers of children with atopic dermatitis, and others

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ATOPIC DERMATITIS

ATOPIC DERMATITIS / ECZEMA RESOURSES. ABC of allergies: Allergy and the skin. IIContact and atopic eczema P S Friedmann BMJ 1998; 316: 1226. About Atopic Dermatitis. About Eczema

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