Our natural reaction when our skin itches, is to scratch it for relief. While this is just what may be required for some individuals, it can trigger a pang of distress for others. For such persons this innocent scratch only aggravates the skin, presenting a host of other concerns. These individuals generally experience a burning sensation, accompanied by blisters and extremely dry patches on the skin. This condition is a form of dermatitis commonly known as Egsima. Though not contagious, it is believed to be hereditary, since many individuals inflicted by the disease also have family members with the same condition. There are several types of egsima including:




Atopic egsima: This is a chronic type of egsima characterized by itchy and inflamed skin. It is common among individuals with a history of asthma and hay fever.

Exfoliative egsima: This type of egsima is characterized by thick, red and scaly skin all over the body.

Seborrheic egsima: This is commonly known as dandruff. It appears as yellowish, oily, scaly patches of the skin on the scalp, face, ears and other parts of the body.

Allergic contact egsima: With this type of egsima certain areas of the skin become red, itchy and weepy. This happens when the skin comes in contact with a substance which the immune system classifies as ‘foreign’.

Nummular egsima: This type is characterized by round, isolated patches of irritated skin. Generally these are formed on the back, arms, lower legs and the buttocks.

Stasis egsima: This type is often seen in legs with varicose veins. The pigmentation is usually darker, light-brown, or purplish-red in color as a result of blood congestion in the leg veins.

Dyshidrotic egsima: This form of egsima involves irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and the soles of the feet. It is characterized by blisters that burn and itch.

Atopic egsima is the most widespread and most severe type of egsima. The disease is common among any age group and is very prevalent among infants and children. The way in which the disease affects each individual is different, in terms of inception and severity. In infants, it is characteristic of the disease to begin around 6 to 12 weeks of age. In its initial stage it may appear around the cheeks and chin in the form of a patchy facial rash. This is usually followed by redness and scaling of the skin. As these infants become more active, the disease progresses to areas such as the knees and elbows. The level of discomfort experienced by infants with atopic egsima makes them fussy and agitated. Fortunately for many infants, the condition significantly improves by the time they are 18 months old.

In childhood, the disease commonly shows up on the elbows, wrists, ankles, hands as well as the areas behind the knees and on the sides of the neck. These rashes, when scratched become rough and scaly. Areas around the lips may also be affected and may be very painful as a result of constant licking.

For an extended period of time, the disease may seem to have totally disappeared. This is referred to as ‘the period of remission’. This length of time may last for a few months as well as a number of years. For some children this phase is much longer, only for the egsima to reappear in their adolescent years.

Though the disease often develops from infancy, there are some individuals who begin to show signs of egsima for the first time in adulthood. Egsima in adults operates basically in the same way as it does in children. For some persons, the disease may spread over the entire body, while for others it may be limited to only the hands or feet.

It is not easy to identify a single cause of egsima. It however appears to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the more common factors contributing to egsima flare-ups include sudden changes in temperature, exposure to harsh chemicals, certain types of perfumes and stress. It has also been substantiated that the disease is linked to other atopic disorders, such as seasonal allergies and asthma.

Itching is the main common symptom of the disease. For this reason, it is impractical to conclude that all itching is associated with egsima. Each individual has a unique combination of symptoms. The assistance of a doctor or dermatologist should be sought when signs of egsima are present. To make an accurate diagnosis he may need to perform a series of tests. It is important that he takes into consideration, the individual’s medical history which includes any type of food or drug allergies. A biopsy of the skin may also be required to determine how the skin’s immune system reacts to specific chemicals and preservatives. In cases where it is difficult to determine the type of egsima, a blood test may be required. The purpose of this test is to verify the level of eosinophils (a form of white blood cell) or IgE (an antibody whose blood levels are generally high in atopic egsima).

While there are no definite cures for egsima, there are a number of things persons with the disease can practice to minimize flare-ups. It is highly recommended that such individuals get into the habit of moisturizing the skin regularly. Other proven ways of keeping the condition under control include:

• Avoiding the use of harsh chemicals
• Using a non-soap cleanser when taking baths and showers
• Gently patting the skin with a dry, soft towel
• Applying moisturizer while skin is damp to lock in moisture
• Reducing the level of daily stress
• Avoid scratchy materials and tight fitting clothing
• Avoiding excess heat
• Keeping the house well ventilated
• Regularly changing bed linen
• Avoid scratching the skin

For many individuals, antihistamine drugs or creams containing corticosteroids, may be useful in helping to soothe the irritation. For the more severe cases the doctor may prescribe other medications to be taken internally, and in the event of infection may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria. Ultraviolet light therapy (phototherapy) may also prove useful in helping to clear up the condition in persons with severe cases.