SKIN ALLERGY

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Eczema is one of the commonest skin conditions. Eczema isn't a single condition, but rather a group of several types of skin conditions, not all of them is related to each other.   

Eczema is a skin condition that affects 31.6 million people in the United States of America. Atopic dermatitis is the one of the most common forms of eczema;The ISAAC study  4 reported 2·7% overall prevalence of ongoing eczema among Indian children aged 6–7 years, and 3·6% among Indian children aged 13–14 years

• The cause of eczema is unknown, but Scientist researchers believe that it is related to genetics, an immune system that's sensitive to allergens and irritants and a defective skin barrier that allows moisture to escape and allergens and bacteria to invade the skin. Approx 70% of people with eczema has a family history of the condition.  
• On Exposure to allergens and irritants starts a chain of reaction in the body. The immune cells in the skin release histamines, cytokines, and other chemicals to get rid of the irritants. The subsequent inflammation of skin causes the skin to itch, and itch and itch.  
• Excessive scratching can lead to infection if the surface of the skin is broken. Signs of an infection include yellowish, crusty skin (often on top of eczema), red, swollen papules and pus-filled blisters.  

There are 7 different types of eczema. Every type has its own unique triggers and causes. Treatment options might vary depending on the variant of eczema a person has. Different types of eczema are as follows.  

1. Atopic dermatitis 

• Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It's the commonest type of eczema. You may often see atopic dermatitis used synonymously with eczema, even though it's only one type. It affects 16.5 million adults and 9.6 million children. Atopic dermatitis might have a genetic component as it tends to run in families.  
• Symptoms may come and go frequently. They include:  Red, itchy patches of skin on light skin; dark brown, purple, or gray on dark skin Dry and scaly Areas of thickened skin Open, oozing, and crusty sores.

2. Dyshidrotic eczema 

• Dyshidrotic eczema is another very common form of eczema. It causes small, itchy, fluid-filled blisters to form on the hands & feet as the result of an allergic response. It tends to run in families. Dyshidrotic eczema is seen in individuals with other types of eczema and it is commoner in women than men. It is rarely seen in children under 10.  

3. Contact dermatitis 

• Unlike many other types of eczema, contact dermatitis does not run in families. With contact dermatitis, the skin becomes irritated when it comes in contact with an allergen or irritant.  

4. Neurodermatitis 

• Neurodermatitis affects around about 12% of the U.S. population. As compared to atopic dermatitis, which tends to be widespread across the body, neurodermatitis is normally confined to one or two patches of skin. The commonest areas affected are arms, shoulders, elbows, legs, ankles, wrists, hands, back of the neck, or scalp. These patches of skin may be dry, thick, scaly, leathery, or altered-colored. They are very itchy.  

5. Nummular eczema 

• Individuals with nummular eczema may develop coin-shaped patches of skin that are itchy and may ooze. These areas often develop on arms, legs, hands, or core. They might itch and burn, and fluid may leak out and crust on the skin. The condition is commoner in males than females. It may be seen as independent from other types of eczema or at the same time.  

6. Seborrheic dermatitis 

• Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition commonest on the scalp. It also occurs in other areas of the skin with lots of oil gland activity. This dermatitis is characterized by red, itchy, scaly and greasy patches of skin which produce flaking. It's commonly called as dandruff in adults and teens or cradle cap in infants.  

7. Stasis dermatitis 

• Stasis dermatitis occurs in individuals with poor circulation (venous insufficiency) to their lower legs. It's most common in older adults and women. Common risk factors for developing poor circulation include varicose veins, high blood pressure, obesity and heart failure.  
• Patients with stasis dermatitis often start with ankle swelling and orange-brown spots. It may then lead to skin color changes, itching, scaliness and dry skin.  

What makes identifying them very challenging is occasionally, a flare-up can occur hours after the initial exposure. Some patients may experience symptoms in certain areas of the body or only at a certain period of the year.  

 Avoidance of triggering agents is very important in managing eczema, but it’s also very essential to remember that, since eczema is a systemic condition, it is not a cure. The following mentioned are common eczema triggers.  

Contact allergies 

• Eczema is occasionally caused by something a person is in direct contact with regularly,. It might be a piece of jewelry that contains nickel, rubber or chemicals used mainly in cosmetics, disinfectants, and skin products.  

Dry skin 

• When your skin is very much dry, it can lead to eczema symptoms. Some patients may have a genetic condition associated with a skin protein called filaggrin that causes their skin to lose its moisture and allow allergens and bacteria to readily enter the skin.  

Dust mites 

• These very small insects live in mattresses, pillows, furniture, soft toys , carpets– anywhere they can find moisture along with their favorite food, small bits of shed human skin.  
• atopic dermatitis/ eczema individuals might be allergic to dust mites. Allergens from their excreta and dead bodies collect in bedding, furnishings and house dust, which then may irritate skin, airways and eyes on coming in direct contact.  
• When eczema is already flaring up, dust mite allergens may worsen the problem. You can Encase your bed’s pillows, cushions and mattress with allergen-proof covers to put a barrier between you and the dust mites. Regularly and timely Wash linens weekly with hot water and vacuum clean carpets, floors and furnishings with a HEPA vacuum.  

Skin Irritants 

• While they are not true allergens, some soaps, shampoos, detergent solutions, fragrances and wool or synthetic artificial clothing can very significantly irritate sensitive skin of patients.  
• Heavy or tight clothing that comes in direct contact against the skin may also can cause symptoms. Use very gentle, non irritating products and stick with them for prolonged period of time.  

Stress

• An increase in any stress may either cause an eczema exacerbation or worsen an existing one. Some patients might scratch more often when they are feeling pressure. Managing stress effectively can reduce flares.  

Tobacco Smoke 

• Cigarette smoke, including secondhand smoke from family memebers, can irritate the skin in addition to the lungs and eyes. Establish a no-smoking policy both inside and outside your home; It is a major health issue for everyone.  

Viral and Bacterial Infections 

• The common colds can cause an eczema flare occasionally. In addition, the herpes virus, which may cause cold sores in and around the mouth, can result to flares – including a potentially serious infection that may spread cold sores to other areas of the body.  

• If you have eczema, you know that it can severely affect your quality of life and well-being. The itching, scratching, loss of sound sleep and may greatly impact everyday living. It may also take an emotional toll on both patients and their families. Although there is no permanent cure for atopic dermatitis, there are now better treatments available including immunotherapy that can help manage eczema.  
• In addition to treatments, management the itch-scratch cycle is the best way to help cope with eczema and reduce symptoms of skin allergy. Also, be sure to practice good self-care and help for the support you need and deserve with this difficult condition.