ECZEMA & MEN

Eczema is a common and chronic skin condition. It is a non-infectious skin disorder. It appears that genetics, dietary factors, allergies play an important role in the condition. Thus, it is prone to frequent flares. It is more common among children than adults. It may affect about 10% of the population. However, it is more severe in about 1-2% of adults.

Eczema causes red and itchy skin. Some individuals may even develop blisters. Quite often, skin becomes dry, scaly, cracked, and thickens due to the condition. Prolonged eczema may cause changes in the skin structure. It comes in bouts. Thus, there would be times when it gets worse, followed by periods of relative calm.

Eczema most frequently affects the arms and legs, neck, back, chest, and part of the tummy. Fortunately, it rarely affects the face.

Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema. But there are other types like contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.

Most of these forms of eczema vary only a bit from each other. For example, contact dermatitis develops by coming in contact with certain irritants. Dyshidrotic eczema may cause blisters in the hand and feet.

However, doctors may not always differentiate between various types of eczema. It is because, in many cases, mixed types may be present. Moreover, there are other less common types of eczema, like male genital eczema.

Another reason doctors may not differentiate between various types of eczema is that they often have similar causes and kinds of treatment.

Identifying the cause of eczema is quite challenging. It could be due to genetics, allergens, stress, hormonal changes, environmental toxins, pollutions. However, in children, food allergies appear to play a significant role.

Many people prone to eczema are also prone to other allergic reactions, asthma, and other non-infectious disorders caused by faulty immune responses.

ECZEMA PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Eczema can be prevented to a certain degree. One may avoid exposure to allergens that worsen the condition, like some chemicals, pollens, sweat, and even stress. Making dietary changes may help in some cases; thus, one may avoid eggs, dairy products (it may work in some cases only).

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