Final answer:
Eczema is a skin disorder characterized by red, flaky rashes, and itching. It's influenced by genetic and environmental factors and can be controlled with moisturizers, corticosteroid creams, and avoiding irritants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eczema is a common skin disorder that presents as a red, flaky rash, which can be quite uncomfortable. It is considered an inflammatory condition that can affect individuals of all ages. The etiology of eczema often involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors, although many who have eczema possess antibodies against dust mites in their blood, suggesting an allergic component to the disorder.
Signs and Symptoms
The prominent signs and symptoms of eczema include dry, itchy patches of skin, often resembling rashes, as well as swelling, flaking, and in severe cases, bleeding. These symptoms can vary in severity and may be persistent or sporadically flare up in response to certain triggers.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis of eczema is primarily clinical, based on the history and appearance of the skin. Skin testing for common allergens may help identify triggers. The mainstay treatment for eczema involves moisturizers to maintain skin hydration, corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation, and in some cases, immunosuppressants to control the immune response. Patients are also advised to avoid known irritants that may exacerbate the condition.