Eczema is a worst sort of skin disorder causing inflammation of the skin resulting from contact with an external irritant. When a similar reaction occurs as a result of allergic, it is usually called eczema.


In practice, however, it is not possible in all cases to distinguish between an irritant and an allergic reaction. Hence the two terms are used interchangeably. Eczema occurs in the extremes of life in infancy as well as in old age usually on the face, palms, toes and genitals.

The earliest sign of eczema is redness and itching followed by vesicle formation. In this inflammatory skin disorder the cuticle is fissured with a sticky and watery discharge accompanied by itching and pain in the affected areas. The vesicles rupture to produce oozing of serum which after sometime dries up and forms crusts. These are the signs of an acute form of eczema and if it is not treated at the early stage, it will lead to serious skin disorder. There are innumerable substances which cause eczema - also known as Contact Dermatitis.

Five common groups of dermatitis are mentioned below.

1. Contact Dermatitis Due to Drugs:
Although all drugs have their significant side effects, the common ones to cause dermatitis are Sulphonamides, Penicillin, Neomycin, Nitrofurazone and local anesthetics. Contact dermatitis due to these drugs creates complications to an existing injury, cut, wound or some eruptions.
2. Plant Dermatitis:
Plants generally produce dermatitis on the exposed area. The common offenders are chrysanthemum, marking nut, mango, daffodils, carrot, peel of oranges, lemons, garlic and onions.
3. Clothing Dermatitis:
The common offending agents are rubber footwear, artificial jewelry, watch straps, zips, brassiere hooks, dyes, formalin, synthetic finishing chemicals and clothes etc.
4. Housewife Dermatitis:
Housewives are more prone to develop this type of eczema due to primary irritation with soaps, detergents stains and polishers. It begins as dryness and flaking - then spreads to involve sides and back of fingers, hands and wrists. Later symptoms may be oozing. The condition usually worsens during winter months and under psychological stress.
5. Perfume Dermatitis:

There are many individual fragrant substances in perfumes which can cause eczema or dermatitis due to their allergic effects. People who are aware of the fact that they are allergic to perfumes should switch to baby products but those are also scented and situation still persists. Cosmetic allergy usually causes a rash on the face such as around eyes. Herbal products do contain fewer perfumes than conventional ones. That is why these are now preferred. Hypo-allergenic cosmetics can also cause allergies and as all compounds are potential allergens and it is advised to check with the manufacturers whether they contain lanolin before buying them. Hair dyes and hair sprays often cause problems. The dye (paraphenylene-diamine) causes itching and oozing at the forehead, neck and behind the ears. A severe reaction involves the whole face and extends on to the shoulders and the rest of the body. This is why hair dyeing manufacturers recommend a patch test before use.

Types of Eczema: Eczema of the Scalp: This is more common in children. The scales or crusts must be softened by application of fresh lard or oil and a close fitting cap or handkerchief tied around the head for several hours. The crust must be removed with a coarse comb. The whole head may be cleansed with a mild warm solution of borax. After drying the surface, some simple oil or a fat may be applied. The application of the solution must be repeated at least twice daily.

Eczema on the Face: Protection of the affected skin is possible by a simple ointment paste covered with a cotton mask. The affected areas on the face are usually the ears, eyelids, nostrils, lips, bearded part of face and the neck.

Eczema of the Male Genitals: It is often seen in the chronic form on the scrotum. Warmth, moisture and the dependent position of the parts serve to perpetuate it. Careful cleansing, application of hygroscopic powder and application of ointment as suggested by the doctor may be helpful. In case of acute conditions, application of hot (as hot as can be borne) boric acid water is useful, followed by boric ointment. If itching is severe, mix 3 to 6 per cent of carbolic acid in glycerin and water. Calamine lotion, hydrocyanic acid may be used as per the suggestion of a skin specialist.

Eczema of the Nipples and Breast:

This type of eczema occurs usually in nursing mothers. They should avoid application of poisonous ointments or lotions. Mild soothing lotions or a weak solution may be applied strictly as per the advice of a doctor.

Eczema of the Female Genitalia:

Carbolic calamine or hydrocyanic solutions may be used as advised by the doctor.

Eczema of the Palms and Soles

The eczema of palms and soles differs from the eczema of other parts of the body due to the thickness of the skin on these surfaces and their constant exposure to pressure and friction. The fissures may be treated in the same manner as fissures of the rectum. A 25 percent salicylic acid plaster may be applied to the horny thickened skin.

Caution:

Do not practice any advice before the consultation with your doctor. In case of severe itching, picric acid (1 per cent solution) and adrenaline chloride (1: 1000) may be used. Cotton gloves should be worn at night. Chapping of hands can usually be relieved by the application of cold cream or equal parts of tincture of benzoin, glycerine and alcohol as per the recommendation of a doctor.

Eczema of the Nails

It needs only a protective application. A weak salicylic acid ointment may be applied several times a day.

How to Treat Eczema

Home remedies are the best in eczema because modern medicine is known to have suppressed the disorder by the administration of strong drugs. Here are some home remedies to be tried:

• Mix babchi powder with mustard oil and apply on the affected skin as you apply an ointment.
• Smear leaves of the Indian butter tree (mahua) with sesame oil and warm over fire and bandage the leaves on the affected skin. The bandage should be changed after every three to four hours.
• 20 gm each of the bark of mango and acacia trees should be boiled in about one liter of water and allow vapors to play upon the affected part. Apply ghee after the fermentation.
• Naturopathy way is to rub the affected parts of the skin before bathing, then have a cold bath in a river and sunbathe to dry your skin.
• Fruits and vegetables should be taken in large quantities rather than non-vegetarian food and refined articles. Carrots and musk melon are particularly beneficial in case of eczema. The daily fluid intake should be 3 to 4 liters so that the system is flushed out.
• Take an easily digestible diet when suffering from eczema. Take care that no constipation or indigestion develops.

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