Eczema
Eczema is a form of dermatitis, a skin irritation characterized by red, flaky skin, sometimes with cracks or tiny blisters. It is extremely itchy and in some cases the affected areas of the skin can split and ooze clear fluid. The severity of eczema may vary from person to person.
Types of Eczema
Contact eczema is a localized reaction and manifests as redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen or irritant.
Allergic contact eczema is a type of eczema with red, itchy reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign. This can be caused by poison ivy or certain preservatives in creams and lotions.
Seborrheic eczema refers to a form of skin inflammation of unknown cause that appears as yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and occasionally other parts of the body.
Nummular eczema refers to a type of coin-shaped patches of irritated skin-most commonly on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs-that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy.
Dyshidrotic eczema appears as irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn.
Eczema treatment
There are various options for treating eczema though it can be completely cured. Antihistamines and topical immuno-suppressants help clear the affected area. Oral antibiotics may be used for skin infections that arise at the site of an eczema flare-up.
Topical steroids: The type and potency of topical steroid creams is prescribed on the age of the patient and severity of the condition. A thin layer of such creams is applied to affected parts of the skin.
Emollients: They reduce water loss from the skin and reduce dryness. Creams, ointments, lotions and bath oils help in re hydrating dry and cracked areas.
Oral steroids: Oral steroids are generally reserved for eczema that is resistant to all other treatments because this class of drugs is much more likely to cause side effects.
Phototherapy: UV A and B light therapy controls cells in the skin and thereby reduces scaling and sloughing of skin. Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by inflammation or localized rash. This is usually caused due to an allergy or irritant. The affected area becomes red and tender and develops crusts, blisters or crusts. The affected skin may develop fluid-filled bumps or fissures. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance that triggers off an allergy or irritation. Substances that typically cause dermatitis are gragrances in detergents, laundry soap, industrial chemicals, perfumes, hair dyes, nickel jewelry, certain foods and plants. Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are common plant allergens. Allergic dermatitis is a condition where the body's immune system overreacts to a foreign body and produces antibodies. It results in itchy rash. Contact dermatitis is a condition resulting from contact with a substance that causes damage to your skin. Persons suffering from eczema are more susceptible to contact dermatitis. Creams containing hydrocortisone can help in alleviating the symptoms of contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis is caused due to the direct effect of an irritant substance on the skin. These substances may be found at home or at the work place or garden. Typically allergic contact dermatitis is easily noticed within 48 - 72 hours. Allergic contact dermatitis is a result of hypersensitive skin reacting to a particular substance. Atopic dermatitis is a result of an allergic condition. It is more common in families with allergies to hay fever, asthma and history of sensitive skin. When there is accummulation of fluid beneath your skin tissues, it leads to statis dermatitis. This type of skin condition can arise from various chronic conditions. Seborrheic dermatitis occurs on the scalp and may need to be treated with shampoos containing salicylic acid or ketoconazole. Use of hydrocortisone creams and lotions may also give relief. This condition is known as dandruff. It can affect the face and chest along with creases of the limbs.
Skin tests or patch tests help in clarifying the type of dermatitis. The physician must rule out eczema or psoriasis before looking for possible causes of dermatitis. A patch test can help in narrowing down the substance that triggers the dermatitis so that exposure can be avoided. Small areas of the skin are subjected to different allergens. This patch of skin is then covered and the reactions are noted after 2 days. Any swelling or rash is indicative of allergy towards that particular substance. Since there is no definite cure for atopic dermatitis, the physician will suggest treatment options based on the pattern, duration and severity of the condition. Simple ways of tackling dermatitis:
- Showering or bathing in lukewarm water
- Wearing smooth and soft clothes preferably made of natural fibers
- Applying emollients. It is essential to keep your skin well moisturized. This can reduce the number of flare-ups.
- Applying topical steroids on affected patches
- Antihistamines can help in reducing irritation and itching
- Calamine lotion may relieve itching
- Wet wraps an help in cooling and moisturizing the skin and protecting it from damage due to scratching.
Hay fever
Hay fever is an allergic reaction. Allergic Rhinitis, the medical term for hay fever means irritation of the nose. Hay fever usually starts during childhood or early adulthood and often diminishes slowly over decades. Hay fever is brought about by allergic reaction to outdoor or indoor contaminants, such as plant pollen, dust mites or chemicals. Anyone can develop hay fever especially those who are exposed to years of repeated inhalation of allergic substances. People who suffer from asthma and eczema are more prone to hay fever. It also tends to run in families. Passive smoking increases risk of developing hay fever.
Symptoms of hay fever
Some people have symptoms all round the year. For others hay fever symptoms worsen at specific times of the year. Spring and fall are considered as main hay fever seasons. In severe cases nose bleeding may occur. Otherwise, the common symptoms of hay fever are:
- Repeated sneezing
- Runny or itchy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy, irritation in the throat, palate and ears
- Inability to concentrate
- Loss of sense of taste and smell
- General feeling of being unwell
- Feeling exhausted
Diagnosing hay fever
Skin prick test: After determining possible allergy-causing substances, a small amount of suspected allergy-causing substance is placed on the skin. Depending on patient’s preference it could be on the forearm, upper arm or the back. The skin is pricked so the allergen goes under the skin’s surface. The health care provider observes the skin for possible reactions like swelling, itchy feeling and redness of the skin. Reactions, if any can be noticed within 15-20 minutes which confirms hay fever. Skin prick test is not recommended for people with eczema or those taking certain medications like antihistamines as it will interfere in responding to allergic reaction. In such cases, blood test is done.
Blood test: Blood test is recommended when skin prick test cannot be done or if the results of skin prick test are not useful. A sample of blood will be taken from a vein in the arm and tested for the presence of the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody. If the blood test is positive, it confirms the presence of hay fever.
Treating hay fever
The aim of treatment would be to stop exposing the body to allergic substances or preferably avoid it completely. There are a plethora of options to treat hay fever. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of hay fever and the symptoms. Age, occupation and life style is also given due consideration.
- Antihistamines medicines
- Antiallergic nasal sprays or eye drops
- Antihistamines sprays or drops for nose or eyes
- Steroid sprays or drops for the nose only
- Decongestant sprays
- Decongestant tablets
- Steroid tablets or injections
- Desensitizing injections
Some medications do not require prescription and are sold over-the-counter as non-prescription medications. It is best to seek health care provider’s opinion taking into account the possible side effects.
- Know triggers and keep away from allergens
- keep environment clean
- Eat a healthy oil-free diet
- Include a lot of vitamin C
- Increase protein intake
- Drink boiled, filtered water
- Don’t miss to drink herbal tea
- Avoid venturing out when pollen count is high
- Don’t skip medications
Bibliography / Reference
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