In most of such cases family history of allergy cannot be ruled out. Children are more prone to this manifestation though it could occur at any stage in one’s life. In children eczema appears mostly over scalp, cheeks, on and around ears, chin, lip (lower and/or upper). When initial lesions consists of dryness and redness, with pinhead like eruptions.
Later on serum spurts or oozes out from these lesions and spreads to the surrounding areas. Ultimately crusts form over the serum underneath them. When such crusts are scratched, due to intense itching, there is oozing pus/blood and serum. This is the stage when bacteria engulf the area and pus forms therein.
There may be slight fever also, with restivity and desire to stretch which actually aggravates the problem. Continued rubbing/scratching cause thickening of the skin. There is also swelling. The skin assumes dark colour, is thick and rough.
CAUSES
□ Susceptibility to some foods, drinks, dusts, pollens or some substances with which the skin generally and often comes into contact.
□ Food allergy is the most common cause of eczema amongst children.
□ In adults, it is the inhalant allergens that cause eczema.
□ Rapid/sudden changes in weather conditions and exposure thereto.
□ Dust-laden environments.
□ Cleansing agents, deodorants, toilet soaps, oils.
□ Contact with greasy topical medicines.
□ Sinusitis, infections due to cold, snow, heat of sun.
□ Use of synthetic/nylon clothes, stockings, PUC/Rubber chappals or shoes.
□ Leather shoes made from skin of an infected animal.
SUBSTANCES AND SITES
Certain parts of body, when they come contact with a particular object and remain so for some/more time, are liable to develop allergic skin reactions in many susceptible cases.
Nose and area around nose : Nasal drops
Ear lobes : Ear-rings
Neck : Necklace
Lips : Lipstick
Bridge of nose : Spectacles
Forehead, Back of the neck and behind the ears : Hair dyes, Face Razor, Cosmetics
Eyelids and area around eyes : Eye Cosmetics
Feet : Clothing
Body and legs : Vegetables, Chemical
Hands : Handling Detergents, Kerosene Oil
Armpits : Deodorant
TREATMENT
Apply cream, oil over the skin to keep it moist and glazed. In most cases antihistamine creams do remove itching but, in some intractable and obstinate cases, corticosteroids may have to be used. If the offending agent has been fully and properly defined, avoid the same and do not let the same come into contact with the skin.