A group of medical conditions in which the skin becomes irritated is known as eczema. Atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis is the most common eczema type.

Symptoms

The symptoms of eczema can be different for every person. It is an itchy condition. The itching can be mild or moderate in many people. However, it can worsen in some cases and the skin can become extremely inflamed. The itching can sometimes make people scratch the skin until it bleeds. This, in turn, makes eczema worse. The following are a few symptoms of eczema:

  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Dry, sensitive skin
  • Dark coloured patches of skin
  • Very bad itching
  • Areas of swelling
  • Oozing of pus from blisters on the skin
  • Formation of crust on the skin

Risk Factors

As per the opinion of the best dermatologist in Kolkata, the following are some risk factors for eczema:

  • Family history: If any of the parents had eczema, the child has the risk of developing the disease. The risk is more when both the parents had the condition.

  • Allergens: Eczema can develop due to allergens like pollens, dandruff and dust mites.

  • Irritants: Products like soaps, disinfectants, shampoos and detergents can lead to eczema.

  • Microbes: Viruses, bacteria and certain fungi can cause eczema.

  • Foods: There can be an eczema outburst due to consumption of eggs, dairy products, soy products and nuts.

  • Hormones: When the hormone levels of women are changing, they may experience increased symptoms of eczema.

Types

The following are the different types of eczema:

  • Allergic contact dermatitis: When the skin comes in contact with a foreign substance or allergen, this happens.

  • Nummular eczema: There are circular patches on the skin in this condition. These patches can be scaly, crusted and itchy.

  • Neurodermatitis: On the forearms, wrists, heads and lower legs, circular patches develop on the skin.

  • Dyshidrotic eczema: On the soles of the feet and palms of the hands, there is an irritation of the skin in this condition.

  • Stasis dermatitis: This condition, which is related to circulatory problems, is an irritation of the skin of the lower leg.

Diagnosis

A skin specialist in Kolkata can diagnose eczema by examining your skin and asking you a few questions. He/she may also suggest allergy tests to know the cause behind the condition.

Treatment

Medications

You need to apply a corticosteroid cream or ointment as per the doctor’s advice after you moisturize your skin. There are other drugs that affect your immune system. These help to control the reaction of the skin during eczema. The best dermatologist in Newtown prescribes some oral antibiotics to treat an infection. When the case becomes severe, the skin doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids.

Therapies

A dermatologist advises wrapping the affected area with wet bandages after applying topical corticosteroids. This is known as wet therapy. Another treatment option is light therapy, which involves exposing the skin to natural sunlight, ultraviolet A or ultraviolet B light for a short period of time.