Natura Therapies, Louth, Lincolnshire

DEFINITION
Eczema (often referred to as dermatitis) is a reaction of the skin to a wide range of stimulants or irritants, some known, many unknown; causing inflammation, redness, itching, blistering, scaling and sometimes weeping of the skin.

TYPES OF ECZEMA

ATOPIC ECZEMA
Also known as Infantile Eczema, it is usually found in individuals who have an inherited tendency towards allergies and may also suffer from asthma or hay fever. It is common in babies and often appears as an intensely itchy rash affecting the face, inner creases of elbows, scalp, neck, buttocks and behind the knees. The skin will often scale and form small red pimples which when scratched may weep and become infected. The condition usually improves as the child ages and may clear altogether by puberty.

CONTACT DERMATITIS – ALLERGIC
This form of Eczema results from a reaction (often delayed) to a particular substance that comes into contact with the skin (i.e. metals such as nickel or plants such as poison ivy). The inflammation, itching and blistering will usually subside once the substance is identified and avoided. 

CONTACT DERMATITIS – IRRITANT
The symptoms are the same as allergic contact dermatitis but this form is a lot more common. It usually results from chemicals and detergents which the individual may come into contact with in their occupation. Examples include rubber gloves, cleaning materials and cosmetics. This form is also curable providing the irritant substances can be avoided. 

DISCOID ECZEMA (ALSO KNOWN AS NUMMULAR ECZEMA)
Consisting of intensely itchy coin-shaped areas of inflammation (sometimes dry and flaky, sometimes weeping), usually appearing on the limbs, particularly the lower legs; this eczema is usually worse in winter months. It can also affect the back of the hands and fingers and the condition can come and go. 

PHOTODERMATITIS
This form of eczema occurs in individuals who are abnormally sensitive to light. Clusters of spots or blisters can develop on any areas of the body that are exposed to the sun. 

POMPHOLYX ECZEMA (ALSO KNOWN AS DYSHIDROTIC ECZEMA)
This form of dermatitis affects the hands and feet, causing tiny blisters that are very itchy (especially at night) and may later scale, thicken and crack. Common sites are the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers and toes and soles of the feet. It can last for several weeks and often gets worse in warm weather. It is possibly caused by emotional stress and often occurs in individuals who are prone to allergies or asthma.

SEBORRHOEIC ECZEMA – ADULT
This is a form of dermatitis, believed to be caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the body and it presents as scaly, red patches that flake off, mainly situated on the scalp (as dandruff), but it can spread to the face, ears and chest. The patches are often itchy and greasy rather than dry and it is more common in those aged between 20 and 40. 

SEBORRHOEIC ECZEMA – INFANTILE
This form tends to affect newborns, causing a condition known as cradle cap, which presents as a thick, yellow, crusty rash on the scalp and eyebrows but sometimes affects the nappy area. It is usually not sore or itchy and may clear up after a few months. It may be related to a lack of Biotin (also known as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H). It is often very curable. 

VARICOSE ECZEMA (ALSO KNOWN AS VENOUS OR GRAVITATIONAL ECZEMA)
Usually occurring in people over 50 with poor circulation, this form affects the ankle area, causing redness, inflammation, scaling, itching and discolouration of the skin. Often found in those with varicose veins and oedema (swelling), if left untreated, it can cause break-down of the skin and leg ulceration. 

XEROTIC ECZEMA (ALSO KNOWN AS WINTER ITCH)
This is very common in the older population, particularly in cold, dry, winter weather, where it causes ageing, dehydrated dry skin to severely itch and crack, often forming bumpy pimples. Areas affected include the lower legs (particularly the shins), hands, underarms and trunk. It can also affect younger people and it is more common in men than women.