Eczema - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Eczema is a form of dermatitis , or inflammation of thedoctors use to describe this predisposition. However,
upper layers of the skin. There are different types ofthe environment plays a significant role as well (such
dermatitis, and the disorder can have many causesas heat in the summer and dry winters). There are
and occur in many forms. Generally, dermatitistwo types of eczema. Atopic eczema is thought to be
describes swollen, reddened and itchy skin.a hereditary condition . People with atopic eczema are
Approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of the worldsensitive to allergens in the environment which are
population is affected by this chronic, relapsing, andharmless to others.
very itchy rash at some point during childhood.In atopic eczema there is an excessive reaction by
Fortunately, many children with eczema find that thethe immune system. This type of eczema can worsen
disease clears and often disappears with age. Inafter eating certain foods or after being exposed to
general, atopic dermatitis will come and go, oftenother allergens such as pollen or dust. Atopic eczema
based on external factors. Although its cause iscan be a long-term condition. Contact dermatitis is the
unknown, the condition appears to be an abnormalmost common form of the condition and is often the
response of the body's immune system .result of an allergic reaction after touching something.
People with eczema often have a family history of theThis type of eczema can be caused by many irritants
condition or a family history of other allergic conditions,including feathers, metals, wool, plants and animal hair,
such as asthma or hay fever. Eczema might looksoaps and detergents, bubble bath, cosmetics, fabric
different in different persons, and may occur indyes, etc.
different parts of the body to different person. InSymptoms of Eczema
adults, eczema most often develops on the hands and1. Itchy blisters
elbows, and in "bending" areas such as the inside of2. Itching
the elbows and back of the knees. In young children,3. Redness on skin
eczema most often develops on the elbows, knees,4. Dry and flaky skin
face, neck, and scalp.5. Inflammation on skin
It is a disorder of the skin like psoriasis and it is related6. Rough and thickened skin.
to malfunctions of the immune system. Eczema, alsoTreatment of Eczema
known as atopic dermatitis, is a mild inflammation of1. Avoid frequent use of soaps, hot water, and other
the skin. It may occur at any time at infancy, later incleansing procedures (especially if you have a dry skin
childhood, or even an adult can suffer from it.type) that tend to remove natural oil from the skin.
Symptoms of eczema may include red, itchy skin and2. Topical corticosteroids , reduce inflammation in the
sores that ooze and crust over. One out of tenskin and are usually safe and very effective in curing
children develops eczema, but more than half of themeczema when used correctly. Mild corticosteroids are
lose it by the time they reach their teens. It is a chronicgenerally used for children and on the face and
inflammation of skin categorized by scaly and itchingflexures, eg crease of the elbow, behind the knees etc.
rashes. Dermatitis is a common condition that isn't3. A very common treatment for treating eczema
life-threatening or contagious. But, it can make you feelinvolves - applying lotions, creams, or ointments to
uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination ofkeep the skin as moist as possible.
self-care steps and medications can help you treat4. The use of immunosuppressant medicines , may be
dermatitis.tried to bring the inflammation of skin under control.
Causes of Eczema5. Gamolenic acid (evening primrose extract) is an
In most cases there is a familial predisposition. Atopy (alternative remedy sometimes used to treat eczema.
allergic rhinitis , asthma and hay fever ) is the termThey increase the level of essential fatty acid.