Shake it Baby

In part 1 I explained briefly what eczema is and how to deal with it, now let’s take a closer look at some of the more common forms of eczema.

Atopic eczema – linked to allergies that run in the family.  Atopic eczema often first develops during infancy and it flares and subsides regularly throughout life.  Normally people with atopic eczema themselves have problems with allergies or they have relatives who suffer from allergies, asthma or hay fever.

Seborrheic eczema – although it is often misdiagnosed as ‘dry skin’ it is thought to be more associated with genetics.  The symptoms of seborrheic eczema can include scaly skin that usually appears on top of the head and around the eyebrows, ears and nose, as well as on the chest.

Men are generally more affected than women and it becomes a problem after puberty with frequent flare-ups.  It may be just a co-incidence but this type of eczema often appears in patients with some forms of mental or neurological issues such as mental retardation and Parkinson’s disease.

When washing your hair, use a shampoo which contains tar, salicylic acid, sulfur or selenium daily.  On the skin you should use a hydrocortisone cream.  Systemic antibiotics are sometimes prescribed as well.

Varicose eczema – occurs due to pregnancy, obesity or menopause.  Often occurs on the lower leg and around the ankles.  Symptoms generally appear mid-life and it’s important that it’s treated quickly.  If left untreated this type of eczema and turn into an ulcer.  Steroid creams and emollients are effective treatments.

Contact dermatitis is another form of eczema that develops when irritants come into contact with skin. It results in localized inflammation in the area where contact occurred. It results from exposure to toxic chemicals rather than allergens, either just once or after several such contacts. A one-time exposure, usually to highly toxic chemicals, is considered an acute case and can cause red, thick, scaly skin.

Discoid eczema – appear as round patches the size of coins on the lower part of the arms, legs and the trunk.  The patches are itchy and they sometimes weep. Discoid eczema seems to have no apparent trigger and usually develops suddenly and mostly in older men.

A cumulative case is far more common and results from repeated exposure to any number of milder irritants such as soap and even urine or saliva.  Persistent exposure only prolongs the problem. Dry, red skin that is thick and cracks and sometimes has papules is the result of this form of eczema, which is also hard to treat.

Cradle cap - a form of seborrheic eczema that affects infants. It’s easy to diagnose by the appearance of patches of thick, yellowish scales atop an infant’s head. It sometimes appears in the diaper area, neck, face and behind ears, too. It’s harmless and goes away quickly when treated.  Use a normal shampoo for infants and then lightly massage the scalp with a soft brush.  Remember to seek advice from a doctor of the condition doesn’t improve.