Common Skin Infections

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Eczema is also known as dermatitis and is a skin condition where there are patches of rough, bumpy skin accompanied with itchiness. In the United States, up to 30% of the population are affected by the condition. Eczema is thought to be a genetic condition and it currently does not have a cure. There are individuals that are diagnosed with eczema at a young age and then do not have any further outbreaks, while some have flare-ups throughout their life span.

With eczema, itching is the first sign of an outbreak. Itching will be followed by red bumps that emerge on a variety of body parts, such as the face, knees, elbows, hands, and/or feet. Any part of the body could be affected. Eczema outbreaks will vary in the degree of severity with weeping being the most severe. Weeping is when liquid is produced from the cracked, scaly skin.

Eczema commonly is the result of an allergic reaction. Someone may have an allergic reaction to a change in temperature or chemicals and dyes that some soaps, shampoos, or detergents are made with. Eczema can also be triggered by harsh fabrics, such as wool, rubbing on the skin. It can also be caused by food allergies or stress reactions.

In order to prevent an outbreak or flare-up of eczema, the individual should remove or avoid triggers. Moisturize the skin daily so that the breakout prone areas do not get dry. If there is a persistent itch, use a damp, cool cloth to relieve the urge to scratch.

As a treatment, doctors may prescribe a hydrocortisone cream that can also be found over-the-counter or a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids come in a topical cream form or in an oral form. Oral forms will be prescribed for more extreme cases, but due to potential side effects, they are not used for long periods of time.

TIMS, topical immunomodulators, may be doctor prescribed in an extreme breakout. They are often used as a last result after other treatments have been tried and have not worked. Elidel, TIMs, and Protopic all have side effects that have been linked to cancer and are risky for the patient.

Summary: Eczema is a skin condition that results in itchy bumpy skin. Eczema can affect any area of the body and may be hereditary. It is a condition that cannot be cured but is not contagious. Triggers include environmental factors such as chemical dyes and perfumes found in soaps and detergents, rough fabrics against the body, extreme heat/cold and stress.

A daily use of moisturizers can help prevent a breakout. If a breakout does occur, over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams are suggested. A doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid or TIMs, but only in extreme cases.

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