Eczema

Eczema is not a specific disease entity but a characteristic response of the skin to both exogenous and endogenous agents. This is one type of skin disease. It is of two types namely exogenous and endogenous. Irritant contact eczema and allergic contact eczema are the two types of exogenous eczema. Irritant contact eczema is due to the detergents, alkalis, acids, solvents and abrasive dust but strong irritants often cause eczema, whereas weak irritants often cause chronic eczema. In case of endogenous eczema there are several types they are atopic eczema, seborrhoeic eczema, discoid eczema, gravitational eczema. While coming to atopic eczema it is due to predisposition of form excessive antibodies to inhaled, injected or ingested antigens. They have tendency to develop other allergic diseases like asthma, hay fever, urticaria, food and other allergies. The cardinal features are itch and scratching. Seborrhoeic eczema often runs in families and is associated with a tendency to dandruff. Discoid eczema is commonly found in limbs of elderly males. Asteatotic eczema is commonly seen moat often on the lower legs and is often elderly patients. General management for eczema is explanation, reassurance and encouragement. Avoidance of contact with irritants. Topical steroids should be used judiciously.