Eczema is a general term for rash-like skin conditions. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction. Eczema is often very itchy and when you scratch it, the skin becomes red and inflamed. As many as 15 million people in the United States have some form of eczema. It occurs in adults and children, but most often appears on babies. You are more likely to have eczema if you have a family history of the condition.
Types of Eczema
There are various types of eczema.
* Atopic eczema – Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by itchy, inflamed skin. Atopic dermatitis is believed to be caused by an abnormal function of the body immune system. The condition tends to come and go, depending upon exposures to triggers or causative factors. * Contact eczema – Contact eczema (contact dermatitis) is a localized reaction that includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen (an allergy-causing substance) or with an irritant such as an acid, a cleaning agent, or other chemical. Other examples of contact eczema include reactions to laundry detergents, nickel (present in jewelry), cosmetics, fabrics, clothing, and perfume. The condition is sometimes referred to as allergic contact eczema (allergic contact dermatitis). Skin reactions to poison ivy and poison sumac are examples of allergic contact eczema. * Seborrheic eczema – Seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis) is a form of skin inflammation of unknown cause. The signs and symptoms of seborrheic eczema include yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and occasionally other parts of the body. Dandruff and “cradle cap” in infants are examples of seborrheic eczema. Seborrheic dermatitis is not necessarily associated with itching. Varicose eczema – * Discoid eczema – * Hand eczema * Nummular eczema – Nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis) is characterized by coin-shaped patches of irritated skin, most commonly located on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs, that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy. This form of eczema is relatively uncommon and occurs most frequently in elderly men. Nummular eczema is usually a chronic condition. * Asteatotic eczema
Causes of eczema
Eczema is very common, affects up to one in five people and can start at any age. External factors may be a trigger, and people often become well aware of what sets off their eczema, such as a soap or fibre or plant, for example. One common substance is latex rubber: because eczema and dermatitis are dry skin conditions, many people try to keep their hands dry by using rubber gloves, but this could make matters worse as the gloves may be irritant. Wearing creams covered by cotton gloves underneath the gloves is ideal.
Some foodstuffs may cause outbreaks of eczema. In children, in particular, it may be worthwhile trying to exclude dairy products from the diet for at least two months to see whether there is any improvement. Various perfumes, lanolin and metals may also trigger an outbreak of eczema. Often there may be no obvious cause. Sometimes eczema appears to be made worse by stress, but being itchy and sore is stressful in itself, so it is difficult to be sure which comes first.
Symptoms of eczema
* Children with eczema usually develop itchy, dry, red skin and small bumps on their cheeks, forehead and scalp. * Irritation is observed from cosmetics, soaps, detergent etc. * The skin becomes dry and leathery after repeated syndrome. * Papules, vesicles and more rarely large blisters are seen. * Scaling appears on the skin * Fissures and scratch marks. * Pigmentation happens.
Eczema Treatment – Natural Home remedies for treat Eczema
Take the juice of green leaves of finger millet. Apply this on the affected area. This is a good remedy for treating chronic eczema. Make a paste of one tablespoon of fresh crushed neem leaf and a teaspoon of fresh turmeric powder and a spoonful of sesame seed oil. Apply it once daily. Make a paste of one tablespoon camphor and one tablespoon sandalwood and apply it on affected areas. Take a nutmeg. Rub it against a smooth stone slab with a little water. Make a paste and apply onto the affected areas. Apply coconut oil to the affected area which makes the skin soft. Make a paste of one tablespoon powder and one tablespoon of bitter neem leaves by grinding them and apply it. Take mustard oil in a big vessel and boil it. Add neem leaves to it. And then again boil for about ten minutes. After cooling take the leaves out of mixture and store the oil in a bottle and apply this oil daily on the affected areas.
Prevention tips for eczema
* Moisturize frequently * Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity * Avoid sweating or overheating * Reduce stress * Avoid scratchy materials (e.g., wool or other irritants ) * Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents * Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander) * Be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods
