Eczema: Oh, the Itch of It!

Itch! Itch! Itch! It's like a giant mosquito bite all over. But this condition may require medical attention. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, afflicts between 3 percent and 7 percent of the population to some degree, and in more than 70 percent of patients, it runs in the family.

It's most common among infants, many of whom grow out of it before their second birthday. If it persists it is liable to become chronic.

Symptoms include patches of itchy, dry, thickened skin, usually on the hands, neck, face and legs. In children, the inner creases of the knees and elbows are often involved. Sometimes here are small bumps or blisters that may ooze fluid.

What to do? Identifying the cause of the itch is essential. Common triggers include overheating or sweating, and contact with irritants such as wool, pets or soaps. In older individuals, emotional stress can cause a flare-up. For some patients, usually children, food can also trigger eczema.

Preventing the eczema itch is the most important goal of treatment. The patient must stop scratching the rash. Applying cold compresses is helpful, and lubricating the dry skin with cream or ointment, especially during dry seasons, is essential. Patients should remove the "irritants" that aggravate the condition from their environments. If a food is identified as the culprit, it should be eliminated from the diet.

Topical corticosteroid cream medications are most often effective in treating the rash once all preventative measures are taken. Occasionally, antihistamines or oral corticosteroids are also prescribed. If a secondary infection has been introduced by scratching, antibiotics may be required.

Whenever you have an unusual rash, make sure to contact your allergist, who will work with you to determine its cause-whether allergies, irritants, or another trigger and assist you in managing your skin condition.

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