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| Dermatitis What is Dermatitis? Dermatitis (or eczema) is an inflammation of the skin. It is typically characterized by redness, itching, swelling and blistering. Crusts and scales may form during the healing process. Chronically, the outermost skin layer may appear thickened and the skin may take on a leathery appearance. There are multiple forms of dermatitis, the most common being :
The word eczema describes certain kinds of dermatitis (inflamed skin). Early eczema can be red, blistering, or oozing. Later on, eczema can be scaly, brownish, or thickened. Almost always, eczema itches. Examples of eczema include allergic contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and nummular dermatitis. Atopic Dermatitis or Atopic Eczema The word "atopic" refers to a tendency for excess inflammation in the skin, linings of the nose, and lungs. It often runs in families. These families may have allergies such as hay fever and asthma, but can also have sensitive skin and a history of eruptions called atopic dermatitis. While most people with atopic dermatitis have family members with similar problems, 20 percent of patients may be the only one in their family bothered by this condition. Atopic dermatitis is very common in all parts of the world. The disease can occur at any age but is most common in infants to young adults. The skin rash is very itchy and can be widespread or limited to a few areas. The condition frequently improves in childhood or at least before the age of 25. About 50 percent of patients are affected throughout life, although not as severely as during early childhood. Atopic dermatitis cases can cause frustration to both the patient and the physician. When the disease starts in infancy, it's often called infantile eczema. The itchy rash is an oozing, crusting condition that occurs mainly on the face and scalp, but patches can appear anywhere. Because of the itch, children may rub their head, cheeks, and other patches with a hand, a pillow, or anything within reach. Many babies improve before two years of age. Proper treatment can help until time solves the problem. Infantile Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis After infancy, the skin tends to be less red, blistering, oozing, or crusting. Instead, the patches are dry, red to brownish-grey, and may be scaly or thickened. The intense, almost unbearable itching can continue, and may be most noticeable at night. Some patients scratch the skin until it bleeds and crusts. When this occurs, the skin can get infected. In teens and young adults, the patches typically occur on the hands and feet. Although these are the most common sites, any area such as the bends of the elbows, backs of the knees, ankles, wrists, face, neck, and upper chest may also be affected. Recognizing Atopic Dermatitis An itchy rash, along with a family history of atopic problems, may indicate atopic dermatitis. The disease does not always follow the usual pattern. It can appear on the palms, backs of the hands and fingers, or on the feet, where crusting, oozing, thickened areas may last for years. Proper, early, and regular treatment can bring relief and may also reduce the severity and duration of the disease. Treatment Atopic dermatitis is a very common condition. With proper treatment, the disease can be controlled in the majority of people. Your dermatologist can prescribe external medications such as cortisone creams, ointments on lotions and sometimes tars. Internal medications such as antihistamines can help deal with the itch. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed if there is also a secondary infection. For severe cases, your dermatologist may recommend ultraviolet light treatments. There are several newer types of medications that may be helpful for patients when standard treatment doesn't work. Internal cortisone should be avoided if possible. However, when other measures have failed, your physician may prescribe cortisone in the form of pills or an injection. It has been 40 years since a new class of topical medications specifically for this disease has been introduced. A new class of drugs called topical immunomodulators (TIMs) shows promise in the treatment of moderately severe eczema. Dermatitis and Acupuncture The opinions held by acupuncturists of how skin diseases should be dealt with vary greatly, and it is difficult to perceive a common denominator. However, in all studies long periods were used involving 5 to 30 sessions of acupuncture, generally testify to many cases of total recovery, and for the remaining patients a considerable degree of improvement. Therapeutic principle: Acupuncture or moxibustion can eliminate damp-heat by using points mainly from Large Intestine meridian of Hand Yangming and Stomach meridian of Foot Yangming. Back to top |
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