Eczema, medically referred to, as Atopic Dermatitis, can be described as an itchy inflammation that affects the skin. This long lasting affliction could be accompanied by other conditions such as hay fever or asthma. This condition is seen most commonly in babies and children, but can also appear later in life or can continue into adulthood for many. The skin inflammation caused by eczema can affect any part of the body, but in most instances, appears on the arms and behind the knees. The general trend of this disease is that it can flare up and subside periodically. Most people find this condition to be an embarrassment or more of an inconvenience. However, severe cases of eczema can interfere with a person's daily routine, as well as sleeping patterns. In such instances, it may become necessary for a person to seek treatment of eczema as early as possible. There are many options and approaches that can be considered, when looking for the appropriate cure for eczema.
Causes
Although the exact causes of eczema are still not clear, most health experts believe that this condition is brought on due to a malfunctioning in the immune system, combined with factors such as skin dryness and irritation. A lot of people believe that stress also leads to eczema; however, while stress can cause the condition to worsen significantly, it does not lead to the inflammation of the skin. Studies also indicate that those people who have a family history of eczema are more likely to suffer from it. Eczema is also usually prevalent in people who suffer from allergies, or medical problems, such as hay fever or asthma. It has also been seen that children who have the symptoms of eczema have a high chance of developing hay fever or asthma later on in life. Given below are some of the factors that could aggravate the signs and symptoms of eczema in a particular person:
- Consumption of certain foods like wheat, fish, eggs, soy or milk
- Exposure to dust or sand
- Soaps, solvents, soaps and other cleaning products
- Temperature fluctuations
- Stress
- Taking long showers, with water that is very hot
- Cigarette smoke
- Wearing wool or other man made material
- Lack of adequate humidity
- Sweating excessively
- Dry skin
Symptoms
There are several signs and symptoms that can be noticed in people who suffer from eczema. Some of the most common eczema symptoms seen in adults and children include:
- Colored patches on the skin, which are usually reddish or grayish in color
- Itchiness, which may usually intensify during the night
- Tiny bumps that can leak fluid and crust over when itched
- Cracks and scales developing on the skin
- Thickened patches on the skin
- Skin turning raw or sensitive because of scratching
Eczema patches can affect any part of the skin, including the more sensitive ones, around the eyes and the ears. In such cases, it is best to seek immediate a cure for eczema in the ears and on eyelids, because leaving this unchecked could lead to severe itchiness, swelling and redness around the eyes. If the eyes are scratched or rubbed excessively, a person could suffer from low of eyelashes and eyebrow hair. Since infantile eczema (eczema in kids) is generally characterized by a rash that oozes and crusts, it is best for parents too, to seek treatment of eczema in children, to alleviate the discomfort as quickly as possible.
Treatment
The main aim of eczema treatment is to reduce inflammation and control the symptoms. There are several medicines, such as immunomodulators, oral antihistamines, corticosteroid ointments or creams, oral corticosteroids and antibiotics. The treatment of eczema on face, feet, hands, and so on, usually includes light therapy. However, pregnant women who are suffering from this condition are usually asked to refrain from taking any sort of medication and therefore, in this case, it is best go make sure that treatment of eczema in pregnancy mainly includes safe and natural treatment. There are many people who prefer going in for eczema natural treatment, which mainly consists of simple and natural remedies for eczema. Given below are some of the natural remedies for eczema around the eyes as also on the hands and feet:
- Keeping the skin hydrated, with the help of a strong moisturizer
- Wearing clothes made from smooth textured cotton material
- Using only mild soaps that are devoid of perfumes and dyes
- Applying cool and wet compresses
- Taking short and warm baths with baking soda or oatmeal added to the water
Most of the natural remedies for eczema mentioned above are fairly safe, but it is best to consult a doctor, before using any of them. This is all the more important in case of eczema natural treatment in babies.
answered by A S