Eczemas

Eczemas (dermatitis)
Eczemas or Dermatitis mean the same. An eczema is a skin problem caused by inflammation of the skin.

There are two basic types:

Exogenous eczemas – Caused by an external insult to the skin.
Endogens eczema – Caused by constitutional or hereditary factors.

Types of exogenous eczema: Can occur with irritants or allergens – For eg. soap dermatitis, Nickel dermatitis, bind dermatitis.
Types of endogens eczema: Atopic dermatitis, Seborrhea dermatitis, varicose dermatitis are important endogens eczemas.

Eczemas can be hereditary
Atopic Dermatitises is the most important hereditary eczema. It appears in children and adults who have a family history of Bronchial or Allergic Rhinitis. (Allergic Sneezing)

Treatment of exogenous eczemas
Irritant eczema can be treated by avoiding contact with the irritant. However, in case of allergic eczema it may be quite difficult to find the allergen. A certain test known as the patch test can be done to find out the allergens.

Drugs used in the treatment of eczema
The most important drugs are steroid drugs. Steroids are available as creams, ointments or lotions to be applied on the eczemas. Steroids act by reducing the inflammation of the skin.

Side effects of steroids
Unfortunately Yes: Indiscriminate use of steroids can cause thinning and whitening of the skin. It may also cause ulcers which refuse to heal. Oral steroids can be addictive and may precipitate diabetes and blood pressure. Thus steroids are never to be used without a doctors advise.

Prognosis of eczema
Exogenous eczema can be cured completely whereas endogens eczema tend to be chronic and keep on re–appearing in times of stress or changes in weather.

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