Pronounced: EGG-zeh-mah
Eczema is a chronic inflammation of the outer layers of the skin. It is most common in infants and children. It can occur in adults. This condition is not contagious. Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis.
The exact cause of eczema is unknown. Factors that may contribute to eczema include:
The symptoms vary from person to person. Scratching and rubbing can cause or worsen some of the symptoms. Symptoms include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to specialist. A dermatologist focuses on skin disorders. An allergist focuses on allergies.
The main goals of eczema treatment are to:
Treatment options may vary. Your doctor may recommend more than one depending on your condition. They include:
It is difficult to prevent eczema. This is most true when there is a strong family history.
You may be able to reduce your child's risk of eczema by:
If you already have eczema, there are several things you can do to try to control it:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org/
The National Eczema Society
http://www.eczema.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/
Dermatologists.ca
http://www.dermatologists.ca/
References:
American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org . Accessed August 14, 2009.
Barnetson RS, Rogers M. Childhood atopic eczema. BMJ . 2002;324:1376-1379.
Brehler R, Hildebrand A, Luger T. Recent developments in treatment of atopic eczema. J Am Acad Dermatol . 1997;36:983-994.
Eczema. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website. Available at: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/allergic_conditions/eczema.stm . Accessed August 14, 2009.
Holscher B, Frye C, Wichmann HE, Heinrich J. Exposure to pets and allergies in children. Pediatr Allergy Immunol . 2002;13:334-341.
Mohla G, Horvath N, Stevens S. Quality of life improvement in a patient with severe atopic dermatitis treated with photopheresis. J Am Acad Dermatol . 1999;40(5 Pt 1):780-782.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .
Saarinen UM, Kajosaari M. Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against atopic disease: prospective follow-up study until 17 years old. Lancet . 1995;346:1065-1069.
Wahn U, Bos JD, Goodfield M, et al. Efficacy and safety of pimecrolimus cream in the long-term management of atopic dermatitis in children. Pediatrics . 2002;110(1 Pt 1):e2.
7/6/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Langan SM, Flohr C, Williams HC. The role of furry pets in eczema: a systematic review. Arch Dermatol. 2007;143:1570-1577.
6/4/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: Alexander DD, Cabana MD. Partially hydrolyzed 100% whey protein infant formula and reduced risk of atopic dermatitis: a meta-analysis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2010;50(4):422-430.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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