Eczema: Getting the Facts

People from all walks of life and all ages live with eczema; however, it typically appears in infants. Also called contact dermatitis, eczema is actually a group of skin conditions. Although it may sometimes look like a contagious condition, eczema is not contagious.

Symptoms related to eczema depend on the causes and severity of the form of eczema. A person with mild eczema has dry, hot, and itchy skin. Severe eczema causes the skin to crack, bleed, and often takes a long time to heal. Inflammation in the area is common depending on the type of eczema.

Type of eczema

More information

Atopic eczema

- Most common form of eczema; affects children and adults.Symptoms include:

- extreme itchiness

- dryness of the skin

- redness

- inflammation

Irritant contact dermatitis
- Occurs when skin becomes irritated by detergents and other chemicals (e.g. perfumes, soaps, bubble bath powder and more).

Varicose eczema
- Affects skin on the lower legs and is caused by poor circulation of blood.

Allergic contact dermatitis
- Body's immune system attacks a substance in the skin.

- Symptoms are similar to those listed for atopic eczema.

Infantile seborrhoeic eczema
- Found on infants under one year old.

- Often looks unpleasant but does not affect the infant's comfort and may appear on the scalp or bottom.

Discoid eczema
- Typically associated with adults.

- Found on upper body and lower legs.

Dealing with eczema

In order to deal with eczema, you need to figure out what type of eczema you have. A doctor can help a person living with eczema or someone caring for a child with eczema manage the condition.

Diagnosis of eczema is not simple. A doctor must look at the person's medical history, when they first recognized the condition and what triggers the condition. Some people with atopic dermatitis have allergies and may need allergy testing, especially if treatment with medication is not working.

Reducing the number and frequency of outbreaks is the goal of any eczema treatment. To reach this goal, a person living with eczema may need to:

- make certain lifestyle changes (e.g. avoid certain irritating products)

- use medication to control the outbreaks

- kidneys

- follow a regular skin care routine

Lifestyle changes are often useful in reducing and preventing the symptoms of eczema. However, some of these lifestyle changes work for some people and not others. Some changes to consider include:

- wearing cotton clothing and using cotton bedding to reduce the itchiness associated with the condition. Synthetic fibres don't allow the skin to breathe and wool can irritate the skin.

- using biological laundry detergents, also avoid using fabric softeners. Synthetic laundry detergents, and fabric softeners may increase itchiness and cause a person to scratch more often. As a result, not using them may help reduce the skin's itchiness.

- vacuuming, dusting, and changing bedding regularly. This is extremely important because it reduces the number of house dust mites and the droppings from dust mites that are found in bedding, mattresses, curtains, and carpets.

- possible changes to the foods you eat. Even though the link between diet and eczema is not conclusive, making changes to certain foods consumed in some severe cases of eczema, especially in babies and young children seems beneficial. Always ask your doctor before making dietary changes to ensure the foods eaten will include all necessary nutrients for growth and development.

Common treatments for people with eczema require moisturization of the skin and use of medications, if necessary. Treatment is usually based on a person's age, health, medical history as well as the type and severity of eczema. Possible treatments consist of:

- lotions and creams: These products are applied directly on the skin to keep in as much moisture as possible. Using organic lotions and creams may be a good alternative to non-organic moisturizers since the non-organic moisturizers contain synthetic chemicals that may cause an outbreak. Moisturizing the skin after showering helps lock in moisture.

- medications such as topical steroids, oral steroids, and topical immunomodulators: Prescription and non-prescription corticosteroids come in the form of creams and ointments that can be applied to the skin. Prescription corticosteroids are more potent than non-prescription ointments but both have potential side effects, especially if used for long periods of time. Oral steroids are usually prescribed for severe outbreaks. Topical immunomodulators do not contain steroids and are available by prescription to treat atopic eczema.

Other tips that may help people with eczema improve the skin's condition include:

- keeping nails short

- avoiding sudden changes in temperatures (e.g. going from cold environments to hot environments)

- relaxing to reduce stress

References:

- www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.aspl

- www.eczema.org

- www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/treatment.aspl

- www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/preventing.aspl

- http://www.naturalmake-up.ca

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

---

Wonderful Foaming Honey Foot Bath at Home

I imagine you can tell me at length about how... Read More

Do You Need Help With Dry Skin?

As we get older our skin produces less of the... Read More

Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong Not Just News

As with just about anything in life, there are many... Read More

Testimonials on Permanent Makeup

Testimonials on Permanent MakeupI first thought about getting permanent eyeliner... Read More

Your #1 Ally to Promote Lucid, Clear-Looking, Supple Skin

Specifically, for longevity and looking and feeling younger, healthier and... Read More

Top 10 Tips for Great Wedding Day Hair

These tips assume that you are going to be using... Read More

Sunless Tanning Booth

As we begin to fully understand the serious consequences of... Read More

Fight Aging

Developing an anti-aging program is the newest scientific approach to... Read More

A Look at Nail Salon Equipment

The type of equipment required for a nail salon is... Read More

Natural Beauty: What Is It Really?

Natural beauty is the ideal many people strive to achieve... Read More

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids treatments have the ability to create a... Read More

Splitting Hairs - What Can You Do About Split Ends

Isn't it a shame when you have to worry about... Read More

How To Give A Manicure

This guide will give you the basic directions for nail... Read More

7 Tips for Beautiful Skin

For most women, part of their morning and evening routines... Read More

For The Very Best, Use Mac Cosmetics

Mac cosmetics are just the type of cosmetics women are... Read More

Makeup Tips for 40, 50, and Beyond

Growing older doesn't have to be a burden. Aging is... Read More

Soothing The Itch - Natural Remedies For Itchy Skin

Has your scalp or skin ever been uncomfortably itchy? Do... Read More

Homemade Beauty Recipes

Do you want to look stunning with out wasting too... Read More

Kitchen Treasures for Healthy and Beautiful Skin

Vegetable and spices are necessary in our kitchen. They play... Read More

Yet More Care Hair Myths - The Truth And The Lies

Those hair care myths just keep coming! In this third... Read More

What is Digital Nail Art?

How is the procedure performed?After the nails are given a... Read More

Living Water

A wellness of beauty for mind, body & spiritby Cathy... Read More

A Beauty Salon Will Help You Look Your Best!

A beauty salon will help you look your very best... Read More

Beauty Tips

1. Your foundation will look only as good as the... Read More

An Introduction to Sunless Tanning

When the weather starts to warm up and the days... Read More

Face Lift Without Surgery

As we age facial muscles weaken, and skin begins to... Read More

Lip Tips

Nice lips are every woman's wish but as we get... Read More

What Do Plastic Surgery Pictures Look Like?

The plastic surgery pictures usually come in pairs. One shot... Read More

Botox® ? Fast And Effective But The Big Question Is Is It Safe?

Women are constantly seeking products to look younger and often... Read More

Natural Skin Care Mask

Healthy skin is one of the most common health and... Read More

Wheres The Plastic In Plastic Surgery?

Don't be looking for the Dupont Company sales rep the... Read More

15 Hair Care Myths - The Truth and The Lies

Everyone has a favourite myth about hair care ? and... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Makeup

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent CosmeticsQ2) What is the recovery... Read More