What is eczema or dermatitis?

It is a term used for various types of skin inflammation that manifests itself in many forms including:

• Lesions such as pimples and rashes on the skin
• Flushed
• Itch

This condition begins in an area of the body and then spreads.

Within dermatitis or eczema include all lesions that cause itching and redness. If condition worsens may have desquamation and secretions.

Types of eczema or dermatitis

There are several types including:

A typical Eczema
This is an allergy and is believed to appear due to hereditary factors in families with asthma and is characterized by what is very itchy skin.

Contact dermatitis
Allergy is produced in response to some allergens (poison ivy, detergents, metal, cosmetics, sun exposure, etc.).. This type of eczema is curable by avoiding the substance that causes it.

Changes in temperature
The skin becomes dry in cold weather and reacts with swelling and itching.

Seborrheic Dermatitis
It is associated with dandruff. Appears in oily areas of the face and scalp.

Causes of dermatitis or eczema
There are many causes including allergies or food contact, frayed nerves, use of some medications and presence of certain diseases.

The lesions improve / disappear after discontinuation of contact with the allergen (the occupational dermatitis improved at weekends and during holidays). In the allergic type atopy patch tests are positive the causative allergen. In his hands, when the eczema is allergic is affected especially the back, whereas if irritation effect is usually affects predominantly the palms. Regarding what action to take should recommend the patient to avoid contact with the allergen and to use barrier creams or mechanical barriers (gloves).

If the lesions are exudative apply poultices, whereas if they are dry are preferable steroid creams. The patient should be referred to a dermatologist to practice atopy patch tests especially if it is an occupational pathology.