Eczema
April 15th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Eczema in the form of dermatitis or an inflammation of the upper layer of skin is a progressive yet treatable skin disease.
Eczema is a broad term applied to a variety of different skin condition. After the skin becomes dry with frequent skin rashes there are a number of symptoms that manifest themselves with the condition. Such symptoms include redness, skin edema, itching and dryness, flaking, crusting, blistering, cracking, oozing or bleeding. These conditions also can bring on lesions and scarring along with skin discoloration.
The many types of eczema are dependent on the different causes. Atopic eczema can be a hereditary condition. Patients with atopic eczema are very sensitive to allergens. In atopic eczema there is an excessive reaction against the immune system. This causes inflamed and irritated skin. With associated atopic eczema, there is frequently asthma and/or high fevers. Certain irritants like chemicals and things like detergents or nickel or yeast growths can contribute to other types of eczema. Problems with blood circulation in your legs or hands can cause another form of eczema. Other factors in eczema include environmental factors and stress.
Both children and adults can suffer from eczema. The most common form of eczema is Atopic eczema. It is also closely linked to asthma and fevers. One common symptom is an almost unbearable itchiness. Along with the itch are dryness and redness with inflammation. Frequently the redness is caused by scratching which causes the skin to split.
One of the treatments for the pain of inflammation is maintaining the skin with the help of hydration and steroids.
Another form of eczema is allergic contact dermatitis. This allergy is the reaction of your immune system against some substance that has come in contact with the skin. One of the most prevalent causes of allergic contact dermatitis is nickel frequently found in costume jewelry or buttons. It can also be caused by chemicals that come in contact with the skin. Chemicals such as perfumes or laundry soap. The best cure for this condition is to determine what is causing the disorder and then avoid that substance.
Irritants contact dermatitis is a kind of eczema that is caused by repeated contact with everyday substances such as detergents, soaps or other chemicals used on a daily basis. The irritation to the skin usually occurs on the hands of adults. Again, finding the irritant and eliminating its use will help clear the eczema up. You should also keep dry skin moisturized.
Frequently babies under the age of 1 year will suffer from infantile seborrhoeic eczema. The nappy areas or scalps get affected quickly as compared to other parts of the body. Though it looks quite horrible, your baby will not be uncomfortable with it. It can be cured in few days by using moisturizing cream and bath oils.
The last form of eczema is adult seborrhoeic eczema. It generally affects adults between 20 and 40 years of age. It appears like mild dandruff. It can spread to your face, ears and chest. With the constant itching, the condition causes red inflamed skin and then the skin starts to flake. An anti-fungal cream, used on a daily basis will usually help or even eliminate the condition altogether.
Ken
