Eczema A general term for all types of dermatitis, it is a common skin condition characterized by inflammation, swelling, or irritation of the skin. It often begins in infancy or early childhood, but can also begin in youth, or even later in life.
What is eczema disease?
Eczema is one of the most common skin diseases, and it generally begins in childhood (before the age of five), but some people develop it later in life, and research indicates that eczema develops due to genetic and environmental factors that make it difficult for the skin to maintain a barrier healthy. When this happens, allergens and bacteria can enter and cause inflammation, leading to this disease.
Eczema types and symptoms
There are several types of eczema, where you can have more than one type of eczema at one time, and they are:
- atopic dermatitis It's a chronic condition that often begins in childhood. If you have asthma, hay fever or a family history of atopic dermatitis, you're at greater risk. Many children outgrow this skin disease, although it can sometimes continue into adulthood.
- Contact dermatitis It is a rash that develops when your skin touches something you are allergic to. This can include detergents, tobacco smoke, paint, wool, acidic foods, some soaps, perfumes and skin care products, as well as animal dander or pollen.
- dyshidrosisEczema that causes itchy blisters on the tips of the fingers, toes, and soles of the feet. It's often a response to stress, allergies, wet hands and feet, or exposure to metals, such as nickel, cobalt and chromium salts.
- seborrheic eczema disease It is a disease that causes the appearance of circular, dry patches on the skin that can itch intensely. Researchers also think it may be linked to bug bites, dermatitis, or dry skin in winter.
- seborrheic dermatitisIt may cause redness and flaking of the skin that tends to appear on the scalp, face, and upper chest. In children, this condition is called cradle cap, although it occurs in people of all ages.
- stasis dermatitis It is a skin disease that appears in the form of redness, scaling, itching and pain. You are more likely to develop this condition if you suffer from chronic swelling of the ankle or leg. It usually occurs is poor blood flow in the veins of the legs, and some fluid leaks from the veins and irritates the skin. But in more severe cases, you can get open sores and infections.
Causes of Eczema
Researchers don't know the ultimate cause of eczema, but it's thought to develop from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Children are more likely to develop eczema if one parent has eczema or another atopic condition. If both parents have atopic, the risk is higher.
Certain environmental factors may also trigger eczema symptoms, including:
- Irritants: Eczema irritants include soaps, disinfectants, detergents, shampoos, meats, vegetables, and fresh fruit juices.
- Allergens: Dust mites, pollen, mold and pets can cause eczema, which is called allergic eczema.
- Microbes: for example, Staphylococcus aureus, viruses and some fungi.
- Hot and cold temperatures: Extremely hot and cold weather, high and low humidity, and sweating from exercise may result in eczema.
- Foods: Nuts, seeds, dairy products, eggs, wheat and soy products can cause eczema.
- Stress: Stress is not a direct cause of eczema, but it can make symptoms worse.
- Hormones: Females may experience increased eczema symptoms when their hormone levels change, such as during pregnancy and at certain points in the menstrual cycle.
Diagnosis of eczema
An accurate diagnosis requires examining the entire surface of the skin and a careful health history. It is important for the doctor to rule out treatable conditions caused by infectious organisms. Sometimes, a skin sample (biopsy) may be sent for laboratory examination.
Eczema treatment
Our skin, laser and beauty center in Hurghada offers a variety of eczema treatments, and we work with you to develop treatment plans that meet your needs. If you have mild disease, we usually recommend topical treatments, such as moisturizers, or topical anti-inflammatory medications, such as steroids or calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus).
For more severe illnesses, we may choose from a variety of other treatments:
Narrowband UVB therapy
This treatment uses a specific type of ultraviolet light to reduce inflammation. This works best if you have a flexible schedule; Because you will need to come to the Dermatology, Laser and Aesthetic Rejuvenation Center in Hurghada two to three times a week.
cyclosporine drug
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that rapidly improves symptoms of eczema in acutely ill people. If you are taking this medication, our dermatologist will need to monitor you regularly for changes in your blood and side effects.
dupilumab
Dupilumab is a biologic drug, and it is a new injectable drug. It works so well for moderate to severe eczema that we'll give you injections every two weeks.
Excimer laser treatment
Excimer laser treatment uses high-intensity ultraviolet rays on a small area of skin. It works well for hand and foot eczema.
You can also read: excimer laser"
Eczema home care
There are many things that people with eczema can do to support healthy skin and relieve symptoms, and they can stick to the following:
- Take lukewarm baths.
- Apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes of showering to lock in moisture.
- Moisturize every day.
- Wear soft, cotton fabrics.
- Avoid coarse fibers and tight clothing.
- Use a humidifier in dry or cold weather.
- Use a gentle soap when washing.
- Take extra precautions to prevent flare-ups of eczema in the winter.
- Air-dry or gently pat the skin with a towel, rather than rubbing the skin to dry after showering.
- Where possible, watch for rapid changes in temperature as well as activities that cause sweating.
- Knowing and avoiding eczema triggers.
- Keep fingernails short to prevent scratching the skin.
Furthermore, people can also try several natural treatments for eczema, including aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil.
You can also read: Mesotherapy for skin problems"
Why choose freshness center for dermatology, laser and beauty in Hurghada?
At our Center of Excellence in Eczema Treatment managed by Dr. Amani Al-Tawabti, we treat Eczema patients from all over the world, and thanks to our research efforts, we are able to offer the most advanced treatments for this condition. We can also do a test to see if you have an allergy that exacerbates or causes eczema Contact dermatitis.
Additionally, studies have found that food allergies can make eczema symptoms worse in some children. So when appropriate, we may refer you to food allergy experts.
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Prepare Eczema A chronic skin disease, and it may lead to serious complications if left untreated, but do not worry, the Freshness Center for Dermatology, Laser and Cosmetic in Hurghada is trusted by its patients, as it offers the best and most appropriate treatment methods for each patient individually.