The terms eczema and dermatitis are often used interchangeably to describe the same condition. Eczema affects approximately 26 million Americans (Dermatology Times, Oct.1998). Eczema is characterized by a rash, dryness of skin, itching, and redness of skin (Rouse). Eczema occurs due to the overproduction of damaging inflammatory skin cells which continue to worsen as a result of certain factors in the environment.
Eczema rashes manifest as areas of dry, rough, scaly patches of thickened skin. The dryness of the rash reduces the protective quality of the skin, making it less effective at protecting against heat, cold, fluid loss, and bacterial infection. Redness is common in eczema rashes.
Labels: eczema, eczema rash
posted by mark belling @ 8:10 AM
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