Eczema
Eczema is a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the outer
layer of the skin. The cause of eczema is not clearly
understood. It is likely partly due to heredity and possibly
due to unclean environments.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs are dryness and rashes and contain at least one or
more of the following symptoms: redness, crusting, blistering,
flaking, cracking, swelling, oozing or even bleeding. The
rash may actually enlarge if it is scratched and it could
eventually lead to scarring.
Treatment
Eczema is usually diagnosed by sight and by history but a skin
biopsy may be ordered to confirm it. There is no known cure
for eczema so the symptoms are treated to reduce the
inflammation and control the itchiness. Corticosteriods are
quite successfully to control the symptoms and stronger steroids
can be prescribed for more severe cases. Antihistamines can
be used to help with the itching and moisturizers should be used to
help ease the dryness. Ultraviolet light may be
used as well.
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