"Eczema, also referred to as
‘atopic dermatitis,’ is an inflammatory skin condition that isn’t contagious.
It manifests with intense itching, redness, oozing, and scaly rashes. These
symptoms can be quite uncomfortable and may lead to changes in skin color and
the formation of blisters. Allergies play a role in some individuals’
experience of eczema.
The condition tends to be
episodic, with flare-ups occurring periodically. Eczema results in extremely
dry and sensitive skin, which can be exacerbated by exposure to various
triggers. Common culprits include allergens like pet dander or dust mites, as well
as cosmetics, fragranced soaps, detergents, and lotions. Even perfumes and
cleaning products can irritate eczema. Additionally, factors such as weather
changes (especially during dry winter months), illnesses like the common cold,
and stress may worsen eczema symptoms."
Types:
1.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is
the most common form of eczema.
It usually starts in childhood
between ages 2 months and 5 years and typically gets milder or goes
away by adulthood. However, it’s possible to have a flareup of symptoms or to
experience symptoms for the first time later in life.
Symptoms
In atopic dermatitis,
symptoms typically appear on your arms or in the creases of your elbows or
knees. Children may develop symptoms on their scalp and cheeks.
It’s important not to scratch any
bumps, rashes, or lesions, as this may lead to infection.
Causes
The exact cause of atopic
dermatitis is unknown.
However, the condition happens
when your skin’s natural barrier is weakened. This means your skin is less able
to protect you from irritants and allergens.
Atopic dermatitis is likely
caused by a combination of factors, such as:
- genes
- dry skin
- an immune system issue
- triggers, such as irritants, stress, and dry
skin
2.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis results
from a reaction to substances you touch. There are two types:
- Allergic contact dermatitis: This is an
immune system reaction to an irritant, like latex or metal.
- Irritant contact dermatitis: This
starts when a chemical or other substance directly damages your skin.
Symptoms
Symptoms of contact dermatitis
may take up to 48 hours to appear after coming into contact with a
trigger.
In contact dermatitis, you may
experience:
- itchy skin that turns red, pink, or magenta. In
darker skin tones, this can appear as brown, purple, or gray.
- skin that burns or stings
- hives
- fluid-filled blisters
- thick, leathery skin
Causes
Contact dermatitis happens when
you touch a substance that irritates your skin or causes an allergic reaction.
The most common irritants include:
- detergents
- bleach
- jewelry
- latex
- nickel
- paint
- poison ivy and other poisonous plants
- skin care products, including makeup
- soaps and perfumes
- solvents
- tobacco smoke
3.
Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema, also known as
pompholyx, causes small blisters to form on your hands and feet.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema
may last between 2–3 weeks at a time. You may experience fluid-filled
blisters that could itch, hurt, crack, and flake. These may appear on your:
- fingers
- toes
- palms
- soles of the feet
Causes
Dyshidrotic eczema can be caused
by:
- allergies
- damp hands and feet
- exposure to substances such as nickel, cobalt, or
chromium salt
- stress
- smoking tobacco products
4.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is
sometimes referred to as scalp eczema because it typically
affects your scalp.
Seborrheic dermatitis in infants
is commonly called cradle cap, and it does not reappear later. In teens
and adults, however, seborrheic dermatitis will most likely be an ongoing skin
issue.
Symptoms
Seborrheic dermatitis may cause
scaly, oily patches of skin that produce dandruff-like flakes. These
patches often appear where there are more sebaceous glands on the body, such as
the:
- scalp
- hairline
- upper back
- nose
- groin
In people with darker skin tones,
these patches may be darker than their skin, but in people with lighter skin
tones, the patches may be lighter.
Causes
Seborrheic dermatitis may be due
to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
First, a trigger like stress or
illness sets off an inflammatory reaction in the skin. This sends the
oil-producing glands in the body into overdrive, which allows too much
Malassezia yeast to grow. This is an organism that lives on the skin’s surface.
When yeast grows too rapidly, the
immune system reacts and causes a series of skin changes. This leads
to the development of the patches of skin common with seborrheic dermatitis.
Aside from stress and illness,
other triggers of seborrheic dermatitis may include:
- hormonal changes
- illness
- harsh detergents or chemicals
- cold, dry weather
- certain medical conditions, like Parkinson’s
disease, psoriasis, HIV, and acne
5.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis, also referred to
as lichen simplex chronicus, is a type of eczema that usually causes 1–2 eczema
patches to develop. It involves intense itching that worsens the more you
scratch.
Symptoms
Neurodermatitis causes thick,
scaly, and sometimes very itchy patches to form on your:
- arms
- legs
- back of your neck
- scalp
- bottoms of your feet
- backs of your hands
- genitals
It’s important not to scratch the
skin patches. This may worsen your symptoms and lead to bleeding and
infection.
Causes
The underlying cause of
neurodermatitis isn’t yet known. However, the condition usually starts with an
itch, and the rash develops the more you scratch it.
6.
Nummular eczema
Nummular eczema, also known
as discoid eczema, causes round, coin-shaped spots to form on your skin.
It looks different than other types of eczema and could be very itchy.
Symptoms
Symptoms of nummular eczema may
last up to several years without treatment.
The first sign of
nummular eczema is usually a group of small bumps on the skin. These may appear
red or pink on lighter skin tones and dark brown on darker skin tones.
These small bumps then usually
grow coin-shaped skin lesions that may be itchy, flaky, or cracked.
Causes
The exact cause of nummular
eczema is not known. However, it may result from having very dry
skin.
You’re also more likely to
develop nummular eczema if you have another type of eczema, such as atopic
dermatitis.
7.
Stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis is more
common in people who have poor circulation. It happens when fluid leaks
out of weakened veins into your skin.
This fluid may cause:
- swelling
- redness in lighter skin tones
- brown, purple, gray, or ashen color in darker skin
tones
- itching
- pain
Symptoms
Symptoms of stasis dermatitis
are most likely to affect your legs and ankles. For example, the
lower part of your legs may swell, especially during the day when you’ve been
walking. Your legs may also ache or feel heavy.
Other symptoms of stasis
dermatitis may include:
- varicose veins
- dry, itchy skin
- open sores
Causes
Stasis dermatitis happens in
people who have blood flow problems in their lower legs. If the valves that
normally push blood up through your legs toward your heart malfunction, blood
can pool in your legs.
Homoeopathic Treatment:
Dr. Dinesh Sharma, the esteemed
skin specialist in Jaipur, has garnered a reputation for his expertise in
treating various skin conditions using a homeopathic approach. His clinic
serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking Eczema Treatment in Homeopathy,
offering personalized care that goes beyond addressing mere symptoms to target
the root causes of skin ailments.
Understanding the intricacies of
skin disorders, Dr. Sharma specializes in homeopathic treatments for skin
infections—a field where patients often seek non-invasive and holistic
solutions. His methods are well-regarded for their effectiveness, particularly
in managing chronic conditions like eczema. Dr. Sharma’s approach aims not only
to provide immediate relief but also to prevent recurrences, ensuring
long-lasting results.
Central to Dr. Dinesh Sharma’s
practice is the belief that each individual requires a unique treatment plan.
This personalized attention has led to successful outcomes for countless
patients, including both children and adults dealing with the discomfort and
cosmetic challenges posed by eczema and other skin diseases.
When you choose Dr. Sharma for
your skin care needs, you’re not just selecting a doctor; you’re gaining a
partner in your journey toward better skin health. His homeopathic treatments
work harmoniously with your body’s natural defenses, promoting healing from
within and contributing to a clearer, healthier complexion.