Eczema Specialists in Maharashtra
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin that can flare up periodically throughout a person's l…
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What is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin that can flare up periodically throughout a person's life. It most commonly begins in childhood and is often linked to a family history of allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever, together known as the atopic triad. The skin's protective barrier function is impaired in people with eczema, making it more susceptible to irritants, allergens, and moisture loss. While not curable, most cases can be well controlled with consistent skin care and appropriate treatment.
Mild
Common — affects up to 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide
No
Causes of Eczema
Results from a combination of genetic predisposition affecting the skin's barrier function and environmental triggers such as irritants, allergens, extreme temperatures, and stress. A family history of eczema, asthma, or allergic rhinitis significantly increases risk, as the underlying immune dysregulation is often shared across these conditions.
Symptoms of Eczema
Dry, itchy skin, red or brownish-gray patches, small raised bumps that may leak fluid when scratched, thickened or scaly skin, cracked or sensitive skin, intense itching especially at night, skin infections from scratching
Treatment & Types of Eczema in Maharashtra
Regular use of emollients and moisturizers is the cornerstone of management to restore the skin barrier, combined with topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors to control flares. Moderate to severe cases may require phototherapy or systemic immunomodulatory medications, alongside identifying and avoiding individual triggers.
Eczema encompasses several types, most commonly atopic dermatitis, the chronic, genetically linked form associated with asthma and hay fever; contact dermatitis, triggered by direct skin contact with an irritant or allergen; and dyshidrotic eczema, causing small, intensely itchy blisters typically on the hands and feet. Severity is also classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the extent of skin involvement and impact on daily life, which guides treatment intensity.
Dermatology Specialists in Maharashtra (0)
No specialists listed yet in Maharashtra — browse all doctors instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eczema contagious?
No, eczema cannot be spread to another person through contact; it results from a combination of genetic skin barrier issues and environmental triggers rather than an infection.
Will my child outgrow eczema?
Many children see significant improvement or resolution of eczema by their teenage years, though some continue to have flares into adulthood, particularly if other atopic conditions like asthma are present.
Is eczema hereditary?
Yes, having a parent with eczema, asthma, or hay fever increases a child's likelihood of developing eczema, reflecting shared genetic factors affecting skin barrier function and immune response.
What triggers eczema flare-ups?
Common triggers include harsh soaps, extreme temperatures, certain fabrics, stress, and specific allergens, and identifying and avoiding individual triggers is a key part of long-term management alongside regular moisturising.
Can eczema be cured?
There is no permanent cure, but consistent skin care and appropriate treatment control most cases very well, allowing long periods with minimal or no symptoms.