UNDERSTANDING ECZEMA: SYMPTOMS AND STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION

Shruti Khare*, Swatantra K. S. Kushwaha, Saket Gautam and Rajat Saxena

ABSTRACT

Eczema, also known as dermatitis (With 'derma' referring to skin and 'titis' indicating inflammation), is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition characterized by dryness and can affect individuals of any age, from infancy to old age. The terms eczema and dermatitis are often used interchangeably. A key characteristic of eczema is dry skin, which tends to be itchy, leading to scratching and subsequently triggering the itch-scratch cycle. This cycle provokes an inflammatory response, resulting in eczema flare-ups. Atopic eczema is the most common and typically the most persistent type of eczema. In the UK, it impacts 1–2% of adults and 15–20% of school-aged children, accounting for 30% of dermatology consultations in general practice and 10–20% of all dermatologist referrals. Many children with atopic eczema experience improvement as they age, although they often continue to have dry and sensitive skin. Some children may carry eczema into adulthood, or it can reappear later in life, especially after the age of 60 due to changes in the skin associated with aging. The natural progression of atopic eczema is unpredictable.

Keywords: Eczema, Dermatitis, Atopic, Sensitive skin, Dermatologist,dryness.