Eczema
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a long-term skin inflammation from hypersensitivity. Dry skin, water, stress, environmental irritants and temperature changes can intensify symptoms like a rash, oozing blisters, intense itching, and leathery skin. Mild soaps, moisturizers, mild anti-itch lotions or topical corticosteroids can soothe some flare-ups. Thick and leathery skin can be treated with anti-inflammatory medicines and ointments or creams containing tar compounds.
Recently Answered
- Q Can managing my dry skin help prevent eczema?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyManaging your dry skin is an effective way to help prevent additional outbreaks of eczema. Cleansing your skin helps keep it healthy, so the first line of defense is to remove dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Wash your skin gently with a mild... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What are the symptoms of infantile eczema?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologySymptoms of infantile eczema usually include dry, itchy rashes on a baby's scalp, cheeks, face, and forehead. The red rash often begins on the cheeks, spreads to the forehead, and then covers the scalp where it is commonly known as “cradle... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What's the best treatment for eczema?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyCaring for eczema is often focused on reducing the intense itching and dryness associated with the condition. This includes a good daily skin care regimen with the use of mild cleansers and moisturizers to hydrate skin. Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What causes eczema?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe exact cause of eczema is unknown. However, it is thought to be the result of a breakdown in the immune system in conjunction with severe dry skin. Stress and extreme temperatures can make the symptoms worse. Full Answer
4 Answers
A
- Q Is eczema contagious?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyEczema is not contagious. Researchers, however, do believe there is a genetic link and that eczema can be inherited from one's parents. Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What other medical conditions are common in people with eczema?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyPeople with eczema also frequently suffer from hay fever and asthma, which may continue throughout their lives. Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Who suffers from eczema?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyEczema most commonly affects infants and small children; according to the National Eczema Association, it's estimated that about 90 percent of all eczema patients are diagnosed before they're 5 years old. Some outgrow the disease, but it can persist into... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What type of bacteria plays a role in eczema?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyStaphylococcus aureus exacerbates, and possibly even triggers, eczema flare ups. It's more commonly found on the skin of people with eczema than those without the skin condition, and it often finds easy access to the body when scratching opens sores in... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Is infection a complication of eczema?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyScratching the itch caused by eczema, a type of atopic dermatitis, can infect the skin. The skin is usually a very good barrier that keeps bacteria and other irritants out of the body. But when the skin is broken, bacteria on the skin, hands, or... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What causes infantile eczema?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyInfantile eczema, a type of atopic dermatitis, is a common skin disorder in babies caused by an overactive immune system triggered by environmental factors. Although the reasons are not completely understood, the immune system of infants with this... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
