When you think of eczema, the typical picture is thickened skin, with bumpy, red and itchy lesions. It is most common among people with light skin. Gray, purple or ashen rashes are more common in those with darker skin. The features of eczema vary depending on its type.
Research suggests that environmental and genetic factors are involved in the development of eczema. You are more likely to develop eczema if you suffer from asthma, hayfever or other allergies.
Eczema is not curable, and treatment is mostly symptomatic. You can get smoother skin within a few weeks if you suffer from moderate to severe symptoms.
What are the types of Eczema?
There are seven different types of eczema. These include atopic (AD), dyshidrotic, nummular, neurodermatitis and seborrheic. We’ll look at three of the most common types of eczema.
1. Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, affects more than 25,000,000 children and adults alone in the United States. Although the severity of symptoms varies from person to person, itching is present in almost 85 percent of cases.
AD can cause skin rashes to ooze or bleed fluid when you scratch anywhere on your body. The skin is a barrier that protects you from infection. Chronic scratching can also cause the skin to become thicker and harder, with an increase in dryness and pigmentation.
Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that can begin in childhood. It may persist into adulthood with or without remission periods. AD is not contagious and cannot be caught from someone else. However, it often runs in families.
Atopic dermatitis can be a chronic condition with different severity levels. When the condition is severe, it is necessary to treat with corticosteroids or biologics. Most cases are mild, and can be managed by avoiding triggers and stressors, eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep .
Topical medications, such as non-steroidal and steroids, can relieve symptoms of moderate to severe eczema. Adbry, a novel drug that can be combined with other drugs and used alone in cases where topical medications do not work well enough, is available for those who have moderate to severe eczema.
There is no cure for AD at this time, but increasing research into the progression and development of eczema will likely lead to new and more effective treatment options.
2. Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is not inherited like AD which can be closely related to asthma and other allergic conditions. Contact dermatitis can occur when a substance that is capable of activating your immune system comes into contact with your skin.
Contact dermatitis may be irritant, or allergenic depending on the agent that caused it and the subsequent reaction. Irritating dermatitis is caused by the corrosive effects of detergents, soaps and nickel. Allergy dermatitis is caused by your skin being exposed to allergens like poison ivy.
Contact dermatitis is a unique eczema type that has a peculiar mechanism of development. The signs and symptoms are similar to other types except for the blistering and burning sensation.
Contact dermatitis is more common in those who handle chemicals. If you’re a hairstylist or a healthcare worker or mechanic, your risk of developing this type of eczema is higher.
Contact dermatitis is treated with topical steroids. To prevent flare-ups in the future, you must identify and avoid triggers.
3. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic Dermatitis is a chronic form of eczema that affects areas with multiple glands, such as the scalp, upper chest, and nose.
This type of eczema is most common in infants and can resolve spontaneously. It also occurs in adults aged 30-60. Seborrheic Dermatitis is more common in people with certain medical conditions. These include HIV, acne and psoarisis. Parkinson’s, epilepsy and eating disorders are also associated. Seborrheic Eczema can be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, and weather change.
Seborrheic Dermatitis in adults is characterized by greasy, red, scaly rashes that appear on oily skin areas such as the eyebrows, scalp, and armpits. Infants, on the other hand, usually have a cradle-cap on their scalp.
The goal of treatment for seborrheic dermatitis is to eliminate the scales, reduce inflammation, and minimize itching. This can be achieved by using a skin emollient or a cleanser containing zinc with a moisturizing lotion.
Conclusion
Eczema that is moderate to severe can be very distressing and interfere with your daily life. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any scaly, itchy lesions on your skin. Adbry is essential for treating the eczema symptoms.