Eczema, sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a symptom of various
skin disorders. It is characterized by noncontagious,
itching skin on which scaly, red patches, as well as tiny, fluid-filled
blisters, may appear. When the blisters burst, the skin becomes moist and "weeps." A person may contract
Eczema at any age and at any place on the body, but the ailment occurs chiefly on the ears, hands, feet, and legs. In infants, it is often caused by allergy to certain proteins in wheat, milk, and eggs. Emotional problems and severe mental stress are suspected of causing eczema in adults. Because a family history of eczema often exists, heredity also seems to be involved.
Eczema is best
treated by finding and removing the
cause. Lukewarm compresses help relieve the itching and redness of
weeping skin. Once the skin is dry, it may be treated with the antiinflammatory drug cortisone. Ultraviolet therapy has produced favorable results. Scratching the skin should be avoided at all times, because it may cause more weeping and further irritation and lead to a bacterial or a fungus infection. Normally, eczema clears up on its own.
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