ABSTRACT
One afternoon, Ms. N began to furiously scratch the back of her leg. She noticed the irritation from scratching, but she also saw a new red rash on the back of her knee. Over-the-counter (OTC) topical remedies didn't improve the rash, and her healthcare provider diagnosed contact dermatitis, or eczema. In this article I'll discuss eczema, explaining the types of eczema and treatment options available.Eczema is a general term used to describe any type of dermatitis. All forms of eczema cause itching and redness, but some may form blisters, weep, or peel. However, -appearance and symptoms vary from -person to person and depend on the type of eczema present. Some common forms of eczema are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and -xerotic eczema. Some less common forms are dyshidrotic eczema, discoid eczema, venous eczema, and neurodermatitis.Atopic dermatitis is the most severe and long-lasting type of eczema. It's frequently diagnosed in infancy and early childhood. Symptoms may begin to fade as the child gets older; however, most will have atopic dermatitis for the rest of their lives. This skin condition can often be found on the insides of the elbows, backs of the knees, and the face, but it can also cover most of the body (see Picturing atopic dermatitis). The key to preventing exacerbations of atopic dermatitis is to avoid dry skin, irritants, emotional stress, heat, sweating, and infections.Contact dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction or irritant. This form of eczema occurs when the skin comes in contact with certain substances, which then cause the skin to become inflamed. Common allergens include pets, pollens, and poison ivy; common irritants include chemicals, detergents, bleach, and fabrics. Contact dermatitis is most often found on the hands, but it can be found wherever the contact has occurred (see Picturing contact dermatitis).Seborrheic dermatitis may cause the skin to become red, itchy, and scaly. The most commonly affected
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