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.

---

Using Water to Make Your Hair Beautiful

We tend to think of hair problems as being an... Read More

What is the Real Price of a Spray Tan?

Looking tanned is such a great feeling, isn't it?There are... Read More

Bariatric Surgery Contributes to Rise in Body Contouring Procedures in Michiana

Elkhart, IN - A newly released report from the American... Read More

Simple Beauty - 10 Tips that are Free and Easy

It is simple to look and feel more beautiful starting... Read More

Sunglasses ? The Benefits of Wearing Shades

You can find many styles of sunglasses in stores today.... Read More

Holiday Hair Style: How to Look Perfect in Summer

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

Natural Skin Care Tips: 10 Skin Care Tips Women Must Know (Part 1)

Right eating habits and the right natural care can do... Read More

Retinol: One of the Best Over-the-counter Anti-wrinkle Ingredients

Dermatologists praise Retinol as an excellent over-the counter anti-wrinkle ingredient.... Read More

Should I Have A Face Lift?

Good question! A face lift is major surgery and surgery... Read More

9 Easy Steps To A Pedicure

Before putting on those sexy, comfortable open toe shoes make... Read More

Liposuction, or Baggy Clothes?

Let's face it ladies. There are very few of us... Read More

The Benefits of Shea Healing Butter

Shea HEALING butter is a high performance lotion, and cream... Read More

Serious Skincare

Serious skin care vs. winter weather, cleansers, and stress. Serious... Read More

Anti-Aging Skin Care Treatment, Products and Tips

Why to let people know your age when you can... Read More

Reducing the Appearance of Wrinkles

Wrinkles. One of the most dreaded words in the dictionary.... Read More

Sunless Tanning: Tips For A Safe, Gorgeous Tan

Tanning products, both sunless and sun, work on the epidermis,... Read More

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon: Treat Yourself to Surgery at Its Best

Los Angeles is the city as infamous as it is... Read More

Buying Wholesale Salon Equipment

Buying salon equipment from a wholesaler is one option to... Read More

Permanent Laser Hair Removal

Many people are burdened by what society has deemed "unsightly"... Read More

The Benefits of Clip-on Hair Extensions

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

Deep Skin Moisturizing

When it comes to skin care, moisturizing is usually one... Read More

Natural Rosacea Products & Rosacea Medications : The Common Thread

If you are one of the thousands of men and... Read More

The Facts About Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is big business now, the advances of science... Read More

LipoSelection? by Vaser®

Vaser® LipoSelection? is a revolutionary advance in ultra-sonic liposuction. People... Read More

10 Important Sunless Tanning Safety Tips

If you are a sunless tanner, your skin's health is... Read More

Natural Beauty: The Benefits of Holistic Skin Care

What is holistic skin care? It's a regimen that recognizes... Read More

Tanning Beds: History and Advice

Tanning beds were brought to North America by German scientist... Read More

Looking For A Tanning Bed For Cheap?

If you want a tanning bed for cheap there are... Read More

Dangers of Tanning Beds and How to Prevent Them!

The subject of the dangers of tanning beds use has... Read More

Complexion Problems - Getting a Clear, Healthy Complexion

Most of us do. There are the few lucky people... Read More

Makeup Artist Tricks of the Trade - Skincare Advice and Makeup for Your Wedding or Special Event

Skincare - in preparation to your wedding this should be... Read More

Thinking About A Spray Tan For Your Wedding? Be Careful.. Be Very Very Careful...

Your wedding day is one of the most important days... Read More

Frequently Asked Questions About Permanent Makeup

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