Eczema
It is commonly said that eczema is a group of symptoms and conditions that may cause the skin to become irritated and inflamed. The leading type of eczema is called atopic eczema, most often a group of diseases that may inherit other allergic conditions as well. The common problems associated with eczema are the hay fever and asthma.
Eczema is known to be effective mostly in child almost 10 to 20% of world infants are suffering from eczema. It is less common in young adults and the ratio is 3% individuals are suffering from this disease. In severe cases it lasts for entire life and symptoms may appear at some stage and disappear at the other stage.
Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema is always an itchy condition no matter which part of the body is affected. In some cases itching start before appearing any kind of rash. But when rash appears it most commonly appears on the wrist, face, knees, feet or hands. But eczema may affect other parts of the body as well.
The appearance of the affected area is dry, scaly and thickened. People with fair skin these areas appears as reddish marks which tur brown as the time passes. In dark complexion it may affect the pigmentation and affected part become darker than other body parts. In infants oozing and crusting conditions are the signs and symptoms of eczema appearance.
Causes of Eczema
Exact cause of eczema are unknown but it is general believe that it causes due to the over response of the body’s immune system against any irritation. Additionally it is reported that eczema is commonly found in people having family history related to other allergies. Asthma is also a cause of eczema. If you have skin break outs it will help to increase eczema by allowing moisture and germs to enter in muscles.
In over sensitive people the itchy sensation may cause due to response against certain condition or substance. Contact of skin with rough material may also cause itchy sensation. In other cases hot or cold feeling, exposure of body with certain house hold items or direct contact with some animal may cause outbreaks and results in eczema. Stress may also cause the condition worsen and help in triggering the disease.
Eczema has no care but some individuals manage to avoid disease by avoiding irritants. Eczema is not contagious and don’t spread from person to person.
How Is Eczema Diagnosed?
Specialists such as pediatrician or dermatologist can diagnose eczema. There are no medical tests available for eczema the only way is the doctor can tell you about eczema by looking at your skin or by asking different questions about the conditions. As the eczema patient is associated with different allergies so doctors most often try to find out the cause of eczema by treating these allergies.
Treatment of Eczema
The main purpose behind treating eczema is to relieve and prevent any kind of itching which may be leading to infection. To keep skin moist lotions and creams are recommended. These creams and lotions are advisable to apply when skin is damp such as after taking bath. In addition to this cold compressors are also given to relieve itching.
To lessen the inflammation products such as hydrocortisone 1%, and creams and ointment enriched with corticosteroids are advisable. Additionally antibiotics are also given to kill the infection causing bacteria.
The other treatments include antihistamines for reducing itching, tar treatments, phototherapy, and some drugs such as cyclosporine for sever cases when no other treatment works.
The FDA after research for years approve two drugs namely topical immunomodulators (TIMs) for treating mild to moderate eczema. While the drugs such as Eidel and Protopic are skin creams mostly works by changing immune systems response to prevent flare-ups. But these are associated with cancer risks so FDA warned doctors to prescribe these creams. To avoid this doctors prescribe these for short-term use and don’t use these permanently.
Prevention against Eczema Flare-ups
Eczema can be prevented by simple tips which will help to minimize the effects of eczema.
Ø Moisturize skin frequently
Ø Avoid sudden change in temperature both cold and warm weather
Ø Always avoid sweating and overeating
Ø Don’t take tension too much and avoid stress
Ø Avoid scratchy material and harsh soaps, solvents and detergents
Home remedies to avoid Eczema
Eczema can be avoided by some basic tips at home.
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is commonly used to cure skin and is very healthy against eczema until and unless you are allergic for it. Thin layer of coconut oil or its lotion helps to relieve against eczema pain. But sensitive people can also use the coconut oil because it is very healthy against eczema.
2. Sea Spray
In case when eczema is too much wet or oozing then drying out is the best option rather to moisturize the skin. Homemade salt or magnesium spray can be best for this purpose. Some people often used to say that they get relieve against eczema when they were at beach, reason behind this is that Vitamin D contains magnesium and they feel free of eczema. For those people who are away from oceans use the homemade spray containing magnesium.
3. Fermented Cod Liver Oil
Fermented Cod Liver Oil (FCLO) is recommended for fats normally. This will help to reduce the inflammation in the body and help in the formation of healthy cells. In addition to this they will help to induce hormone and neuro development as well. They are very important during pregnancy and against children for brains.
4. Magnesium Baths
Magnesium bath can be very effective for those people who are not allergic against moisture. Add a cup of Epsom salt or magnesium flakes and Himalayan salt to water before bath. Taking bath with this water is more effective than taking magnesium as an oral drug.
- Soak the Oats
When nothing work well for you against eczema. Oatmeal bath may hurts anyone but it moisturize skin. Oatmeal consists of chemicals having anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to relieve against eczema. It is also reduce itching. Bundle off some oatmeal in some cheesecloth. Hang this cloth right below the faucet. Run the bath water will turn milky and smooth. Then take bath with this water it will give relieve against eczema.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric has been used over the years to treat different skin diseases including eczema. Turmeric among herbs beneficial in using skin care due to its special antioxidant properties. Curcumin is the active ingredient found in turmeric having anti-inflammatory and bacterial properties which will help to treat inflammation and itching. Mix milk and turmeric to form a paste apply this paste on skin and affected areas. It will result in the removal of reddishness and itching will be gone. Alternatively you can mix turmeric with water and left it for 10 minutes than you can drink it as such or you can apply this on the affected areas as well.
