From Mumps To Sinusitis: 10 Reasons Why You Might Have A Puffy Face
Is your face swollen? Don't take that sudden face swelling lightly. It might just be hinting at an underlying health condition you hadn't thought of.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common, non-contagious, long-term skin condition that causes recurrent and extremely itchy rashes. It affects people of all ages worldwide, including infants and young children. The skin barrier plays an important function in the human body. It prevents loss of water from the body and protects it from external threats such as allergens, chemicals, and infectious agents. However, eczema damages this skin barrier and makes the skin prone to dryness and infection. Eczema does not occur because of the presence of dirt or infection in the skin. The condition usually does not harm the body. There is no cure for this condition; however, there are many treatments that can help people manage the symptoms of the condition.
In general, eczema begins with an itchy skin that turns onto a rash on itching. The common signs and symptoms of eczema are as follows:
Although eczema can appear anywhere in the body, people typically develop unique rashes in specific areas at certain ages. The most common rashes and their symptoms at each stage of life are discussed below:
Infants
Dry, scaly, itchy rashes usually appear on the cheeks in infants. Moreover, the skin may develop bubbles that break out and ooze fluids. Because of rashes, the baby may act fussy because of discomfort. Moreover, they may have trouble sleeping and develop skin infections because of constant rubbing.
Children
The common areas in the skin in children that are prone to develop eczema-induced itchy, scaly rashes are as follows:
The affected area of the skin develops itchy, scaly patches. The skin may gradually thicken (leathery appearance), lighten, darken, get bumpy or develop knots.
Adults
Usually, adults with eczema have had the condition since childhood. It is very rare for eczema to begin after 18 years of age. Usually, adults develop relatively fewer rashes because of eczema. Unlike in infants and children, adults may have eczema around the eyes, which results in itchy, darker, and thickened skin around the eyes. The affected area of the skin in adults, who have had the condition for years, develops a leathery texture because of permanent thickening of the skin. The affected part of the skin may look lighter or darker than the surrounding healthy skin.
Causes
According to research, eczema is possibly caused by one or a combination of the following factors:
Family history: People with a family history of eczema, hay fever, and asthma are at a higher risk of eczema. Moreover, genetics plays a role in causing eczema because changes in genes that control the production of a protein required to keep the skin healthy can cause eczema.
Immune system: Studies reported that the immune system in people with eczema overreacts to everyday things such as pollution and pollen. It leads to inflammation of the skin and flare-ups.
Place of stay: Climate does not cause eczema; however, it can be a contributing factor, especially in high-risk people. High-risk people who either live in mountainous regions with low temperature or places that turn cold and damp for a few months in a year are more prone to develop frequent cases of eczema. People living in warm, humid areas are less likely to develop eczema.
Environment: Substances in the environment do not directly cause eczema. However, people at high risk of developing eczema because of genetic factors are more likely to have eczema if they are frequently exposed to substances that can irritate the skin and trigger an allergic reaction.
Risk Factors
The following people are at an increased risk of eczema:
There are no preventive measures as the exact cause of eczema is unclear. However, people who are prone to allergic reactions can reduce the chances of having eczema by avoiding substances or triggers that cause flare-ups.
Few studies have demonstrated breastfeeding for at least four months can reduce the risk of the development of eczema in children. The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends exclusive breastfeeding for a minimum of 4 months and up to 6 months as a primary prevention measure against allergic diseases such as eczema.
Usually, doctors perform a physical examination to diagnose eczema. They will enquire about the symptoms and look for dryness and redness in the skin. In certain cases, one or more of the following tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis or to rule out other possible skin conditions or diseases:
Patch test or allergy skin test: In this test, a small patch containing a small amount of allergen (substances that trigger an immune reaction) is placed on the skin to examine for reactions.
Skin biopsy: This test is primarily performed to check for other possible skin conditions with similar rashes.
Blood tests: It is performed to verify for other causes of rashes.
Because currently there is no cure present to cure eczema, the treatment primarily focuses on controlling the symptoms and:
The doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatment options to manage eczema:
Moisturisers (emollients): Emollient creams can help keep the skin moist. It should be applied to clean, dry skin every day. They should be used especially by people who live or work in heated/air-conditioned environments. Some people may require to try different emollient creams to identify the one best suited for their skin.
Coal tar: It should be used only under the doctor’s supervision. Coal tar helps to provide relief from itching; however, it has a characteristic strong smell and tends to stain clothes.
Anti-inflammatory ointments: The doctor may prescribe steroidal preparations (creams and lotions) of various strengths to identify the one with the lowest strength that provides adequate relief from the symptoms. Steroids meant to be taken by mouth are prescribed only in severe cases. Non-steroidal creams are effective when applied in the initial days of the appearance of symptoms.
Phototherapy: This treatment involves exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation. People with a severe case of eczema may require up to 30 sessions of treatment. However, the treatment is associated with serious side effects such as faster skin ageing and increased chances of skin cancer.
Other medicines: Antihistamine (oral use), antibiotics (oral use), immunomodulators (for application on the skin), and barrier restoration creams.
People can incorporate the following changes in their lifestyle to ease the symptoms and get relief from discomfort:
Certain fragrances and ingredients in creams and lotions can cause flare-ups on application. Hence, people prone to flare-ups should test different products before using them on a regular basis. One can test the product by
Clear skin indicates that the product is less likely to trigger a flare-up.
Prognosis
While the condition in many children subsides as they approach puberty, others continue to live with the condition. Adults are able to control and effectively manage the symptoms with the right combination of different treatment options and lifestyle changes. However, they are likely to experience flare-ups of symptoms throughout their life.
Complications
The following complications are associated with eczema:
1. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis overview [Internet]. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis. Accessed on Feb 24, 2021.
2. NHS. Atopic eczema [Internet] [Updated Dec 5, 2019]. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/. Accessed on Feb 24, 2021.
3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Eczema [Internet]. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/eczema. Accessed on Feb 24, 2021.
4. Kanwar AJ. Skin barrier function. Indian J Med Res. 2018;147(1):117-118.
5. Cleveland Clinic. Eczema [Internet] [Updated Oct 28, 2020]. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema. Accessed on Feb 24, 2021.
6. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis symptoms [Internet]. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis/symptoms. Accessed on Feb 24, 2021.
7. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis causes [Internet]. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis/causes. Accessed on Feb 24, 2021.
8. Kim JH. Role of Breast-feeding in the Development of Atopic Dermatitis in Early Childhood. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2017;9(4):285-287.
9. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment [Internet]. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis/atopic-dermatitis-treatment. Accessed on Feb 24, 2021.
10. BetterHealth Channel. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) [Internet] [Updated Jul, 2020]. Available at: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/eczema-atopic-dermatitis#:~:text=Atopic%20dermatitis%20(eczema)%20is%20a,impetigo%2C%20cold%20sores%20and%20warts. Accessed on Feb 24, 2021.
11. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis diagnosis: Tips for coping [Internet]. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/atopic-dermatitis-coping. Accessed on Feb 24, 2021.
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Is your face swollen? Don't take that sudden face swelling lightly. It might just be hinting at an underlying health condition you hadn't thought of.
According to a study published in the journal 'Science Translational Medicine' infants with eczema are significantly at a higher risk of developing atopic march.
Winter is in full swing in all part of India now. With temperatures falling down further in the next couple of months, it's time gear up for some health conditions that are common in winter.
Feeling itchy down there? Well, here is the reason for it and the ways you can get rid of it.
Well, to begin with, they promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have a wide range of proven health benefits.
A common skin condition, called eczema, can generally occur behind the knees, elbows, side of the neck and around the eyes or ears. And a new study has found that it may be treated by bee venom.
The researchers of the study found that bee venom and melittin suppresses the inflammation of the skin by targeting immune cells.
The researchers adjusted for variables such as parental history of asthma and early home exposure to pollutants.
Ankita Ghag, Clinical nutritionist, Vacchan Aarogya and InBody, lists out some teas to help you tackle various ailments
Researchers find a link between the skin condition and asthma, develop a better drug to treat the later.
Which type of scrubs should those with rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores use?
Endometriosis also increases your risk of autoimmune diseases and cancer.
When it comes to treating eczema, there's no difference in the effectiveness of a bleach bath compared to regular water baths.
A mother's exposure to dogs during pregnancy is significantly associated with lower risk of eczema. it may also provide a protective effect against asthma, even in children allergic to dogs.
People living with atopic dermatitis, a common form of eczema, can now breathe a sigh of relief.
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