Eczema is one of the commonly occurring skin disease characterized by dry, itchy skin that occurs in children and even in the adult. It can also be a genetic disease.

Types Of Eczema

Eczema can be of many sorts depending upon the forms and severity. Atopic Dermatitis is the most severe of all the types of eczema known. Other types are:

1. Hand eczema
2. Dyshidrotic eczema (blisters on the fingers, sole, and palms)
3. Contact Dermatitis (skin gets itchy and red after an allergic reaction)
4. Nummular eczema (round or coin-shaped lesions appear on the body)
5. Seborrheic dermatitis (appears on the scalp or other oily parts of the body like face, upper chest, and back)
6. Stasis dermatitis (blood pooling into the veins)

Symptoms Of Eczema

Itching is the preliminary symptom of eczema that later results in a rash. It may occur anywhere over the human body. In the initial phase, eczema can come in the form of red bumps or vesicles that can leak or flake when scratched constantly.

The location of eczema varies according to the age of sufferer. Young kids and infants usually get rash on the face, chest, and scalp’s back, as these areas are usually easier to scratch by the kids. When it comes to older kids or adults, eczema appears on the elbows, against knees, face, eyelids or even palm and soles.

Patients with eczema also experience scaly, raw, or thickened skin. Other symptoms may include cuts, inflammation, dryness, reddened, or tender skin.

Causes Of Eczema

The main cause of eczema is still not determined. Presently, it has been conceived that eczema occurs due to a number of factors like:

1. Genetics
2. Environment
3. Abnormal function of our immune system
4. Skin disorders that let germs in and moisture out
5. Activities that make skin sensitive

However, there are certain triggers that can worsen the condition and make the skin more irritated, such as wearing synthetic fibers or wool can trigger a flare in the person already suffering from eczema.

Such triggers include:

1. Chlorine
2. Perfume
3. Soaps and cleansers
4. Makeup
5. Solvent
6. Cigarette smoke, etc.

Ways To Diagnose Eczema

Eczema can be diagnosed by monitoring the complete medical and family history. If you have been to an eczema clinic, your doctor will probably look for the:

1. Asthma or allergic reactions against pets, foods, etc.
2. Stress and anxiety distressing the patient
3. Skin irritation due to soaps and cosmetics
4. Any other skin condition suffered by the patient
5. Area of the infection

At times, eczema can be diagnosed on the spot. In some cases, it takes several visits to pinpoint the symptoms. Your general physician might also refer you to the best dermatologist for eczema. You can also find a well-facilitated Eczema Clinic in New York or any other metropolitan areas across the world. Your eczema specialist might also consider the patch text or at times conduct a skin lesion biopsy by removing a small portion of the affected area and getting it tested in the laboratory.