What Is Eczema?

Definition – eczema is an inflammation of the skin frequently seen in
association with the allergic conditions, asthma and hay fever. It is
characterised by moist red weeping skin during the acute stages and dry,
scaly skin in its more chronic forms.
Distribution – most commonly affects the face and the knees and elbows
Prevalence – approximately 12–15 per cent of infants are affected by the
so-called atopic (a hereditary tendency to react to certain allergies) forms of
this condition. It usually starts within the first six months of life. Remission
occurs by age 15 in up to 75 per cent of cases, although some patients may
relapse later. The commonest manifestation in adult life is hand or foot
dermatitis. However, a small percentage of adults have a chronic severe form
of the condition, which then may be exacerbated by exposure to irritants
such as dust and chemicals.
Cause – there is a genetic component to the condition with around 70 per
cent of patients having a family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever. The
cause is thought to be related to an imbalance in the person’s immune
function, and is probably essentially a form of excessive or allergic response
to environmental substances such as house dust or yeast present on the skin.
Treatment – specific treatments for eczema include emollients, topical
steroids, oral antihistamines, oral antibiotics and PUVA therapy (a
combination of psoralens and exposure to UVA light). General measures in
themanagement of the condition also include wearing loose cotton clothing,
keeping nails short in order to avoid injury from scratching, and keeping the
patient away from house pets and dust, which can exacerbate the condition
in atopic patients.