Eczema:

Dermatitis is a general term encompassing various inflammatory skin conditions. It is characterized by itching, redness, thickening and scaling of the skin and skin eruptions.

The most common form of dermatitis is Atopic Eczema, a general allergic, hyper-sensitivity to allergens.

Although its underlying cause is unknown, Atopic Eczema appears to be an excessive response of the body's immune system to allergens.

Allergens enter the skin and activate the cells of the immune system present in the skin.

These cells on activation release mediators of inflammation such as histamine and prostaglandins.

The resulting reaction results in the itching, redness and skin eruptions commonly experienced in patients with Eczema.

In more severe or chronic cases, Eczema can also cause scaling and thickening of the skin.

Eczema can be caused by:

• Contact with substances that chemically aggravate the skin like detergents, soaps, engine oils, strong chemicals, etc.
• Stress, dry weather or, hot or cold temperatures.
• Environmental allergens.

Eczema is usually treated by removing known allergens, preventing the skin from becoming dry and utilizing steroid creams or antihistamines.