What is Eczema?

Eczema, a chronic skin condition, is also referred to as dermatitis. In the UK, nearly 20% of school-going children and over 8% of the adult population are suffering from an eczema problem. The United States has 15 million who suffer with eczema. The degree of severity varies among individuals. At its mild extent, the condition of the skin becomes itchy, dry and hot, on the other hand, skin becomes cracked and broken and it starts bleeding at its severe extent.

There are many myths associated with eczema and how it spreads. Although people suffering from eczema experience discomfort about spreading the condition to someone else as a form of infection, the true fact is that it is not at all a contagious disease. Unfortunately there is no cure for eczema yet.

 
The exact cause behind the development of eczema is still a mystery. However, researchers put forward some theories in support of its varied roots. For example, atopic dermatitis is assumed to be linked with genetic predisposition. In fact, in some cases atopic eczema also runs through families. It is seen that people having atopic eczema are at higher risk for getting affected by environmental allergens compared to normal population.

While atopic eczema is somehow rooted with immune system malfunction, other types of eczemas like contact eczema or nummular eczema have some other roots. For example, contact eczema is mostly associated with occupational health hazards and it is very common among people who handle chemical products frequently. On the other hand, nummular eczema occurs as a result of changes in humidity condition.

Although there is no cure for eczema, you have plenty of options to manage the condition.  If you are suffering from eczema and if it is due to your professional life, doctors will provide you information to make an informed choice over your career and life. Most of the cases, doctors prefer to prescribe topical steroids in combination with medication at the first place. You will also be asked to go through proper self-care in order to maintain a quality life while living with eczema.