Eczema and Dermatitis are interchangeable terms, a complex, chronic, and recurrent inflammatory itchy skin disorder. It may occur at any age, regardless of infancy or older age group. It is estimated that 1 in 10 individuals will develop eczema in their lifetime.
It is caused by loss of skin moisture and increases its risk of environmental pollutants resulting in skin inflammation and itch. The itch-scratch cycle contributes to chronic and recurrent eczema.
Early prevention by using hypoallergenic skin care products, including body wash and moisturizer, starting from a young age, can reduce the risk of eczema onset.
There are different types of eczema, such as
- Atopic dermatitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Discoid dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Irritant contact dermatitis
- Occupational related dermatitis
- Lichen simplex chronicus
- Nodular prurigo
Treatment
- Eliminate the allergens
- Regular usage of moisturizer
- Topical corticosteroid
- Wet wrap
- Phototherapy
- Oral immunomodulators such as Methotrexate, Azathioprine, Cyclosporine
- Biologics such as Dupilumab, Baricitinib