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.

---

Tanning Beds: A Brief Intro

You look great, work out every day and have a... Read More

The Benefits of Clip-on Hair Extensions

We all need a change every now and then. From... Read More

Cool Tattoos

Practitioners admit it hurts like hell and speech is initially... Read More

5 Steps to Clear Skin

Step One: Reduce excess oil secretionAccutane is a derivative of... Read More

Wear For Fun Colored Contacts

Wear for fun colored contacts are exactly what they sound... Read More

An Intimate Approach to Beauty

An Intimate Approach to Beauty In this article we return... Read More

Beauty Secrets

How many times have you looked at yourself in the... Read More

Skin Conditions

Things that contribute to Poor Skin Conditions1.Antibiotics and alcohol lead... Read More

Human Hair Extensions Create Beautiful Long Hair Styles Instantly

As you glance across virtually every print medium such as... Read More

Slather On That Tanning Bed Lotion

Tanning bed lotions abound. How do you choose from all... Read More

Trends in Gift Giving ? Jewelry a Timeless Favorite

In times of rapid change, constants lend comfort to our... Read More

Cost of Non Prescription Color Contacts

Cost of non prescription color contacts can vary quite a... Read More

Beauty Consultant Reveals Secrets to Beautiful Skin

If you're like many women you are confused about how... Read More

Color Contact Lenses - an Easy Way to Change Your Look!

Want to change something about your appearance? How about your... Read More

The Best Tan is a Sunless Tan!

Never used a sunless tanner? Don't sweat it?it's a no... Read More

Holiday Hair Style: How to Look Perfect in Summer

Keeping your holiday hair style under control isn't just about... Read More

Want to Try on That New Hair Style Before You Get It?

Hair Styles Cuts And Dos Review:Description: Hair Style Editor, Photo... Read More

Making Sense of the Natural vs Synthetic Debate: Acceptability of Synthetic Ingredients in Cosmetic

Ideas and perspectives as to what constitutes a natural product... Read More

Rejuvenating Technology for Skin and Body!

... Read More

The Attraction of Pigtails

Very young girls wear their hair in pigtails because their... Read More

Knowing Your Skin Type

People can spend years searching for their perfect skin care... Read More

Winter Skin Savers

Do you have the winter skin blues? Is the itching... Read More

Make Those Brown Eyes Blue

Are you one of these people that were born with... Read More

Treating Ingrown Hairs -- Product Comparison

Ingrown hairs occur when hairs that have been waxed or... Read More

Are Tanning Lotions What You Need To Make Tanning Beds safe?

Long debates on advantages and disadvantages of tanning beds and... Read More

Natural Skin Care Mask

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

Natural Skin Care Products - Why Natural Ingredients Work Best on Skin

Natural skin care products seem to be on the rise... Read More

Try Wolff Tanning Bed Parts

Do you own a tanning salon? Maybe you just have... Read More

Seven Things to do Now to Look Good Always!

Fashion magazines target people every day with lists and charts... Read More

Baby Boomers Seek Hold on Youth Through Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

Elkhart-IN -People in the 35-50 age group comprise the largest... Read More

What is Spray Tanning?

Spray tanning is a relatively new method of sunless tanning.... Read More

Contact Lens Makeup Safety Tips

If your teenage daughter wants to wear contact lenses, you... Read More

3 Easy Tips to Keep Your Skin Healthy

There are plenty of articles out there about what to... Read More