Causes and Cures of Eczema

Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is an inflammatory skin condition. The cause of eczema can be attributed to hereditary or external factors. Eczema is not infectious and cannot be caught by another person. It is more likely to occur in children under six, and many children will grow out of the condition. This article covers:

What is Eczema?
What are the external factors that cause eczema?
What are the symptoms of eczema?

Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is an inflammatory skin condition. The cause of eczema can be attributed to hereditary or external factors. External factors include allergies, tobacco smoke, weather, chemicals, dust mites, grasses, pollens, pets, soaps, shampoos, washing powders and cosmetics. It is more likely to occur in people who have a family history of eczema or other allergy conditions. Eczema skin symptoms include red, dry, itchy or scaly skin. In extreme conditions, the skin may blister, bleed and weep.

Eczema is not infectious and cannot be caught by another person. It is more likely to occur in children under six, and many children will grow out of the condition. For a lot of eczema sufferers, the condition will grow less and less severe as they grow older. However, some eczema sufferers will have the condition for their whole life. If eczema is left uncured, it can lead to more extreme skin infections, like herpes simplex type 1 and impetigo.

There are also specific types of eczema. Pompholyx (or dyshidrotic eczema) affects only the hands and sometimes the feet. It is thought that it may be caused by abnormal sweating. Nummular eczema has coin-shaped skin lesions that are normally on the arms and legs and may spread to the trunk.

Symptoms of Eczema

The symptoms of eczema are related to the skin, as eczema is a skin condition. Here are some of the eczema skin symptoms that may signify someone is suffering from eczema.

There is a rash
The skin is itchy
It may be dry, red, patchy or cracked
It may weep
The skin may feel rough
There may be lesions which become infected.

If you have any of the following symptoms and suspect you may be suffering from eczema, see a doctor for a formal diagnosis.

Remedies

There are some of the natural and medical remedies you can follow while treating eczema. They are

NATURAL REMEDIES

There are a number of natural remedies for eczema. These remedies will not cure eczema, but they may help reduce the inflammation and prevent further outbreaks. Before taking any of the following natural remedies, discuss your eczema treatment with your doctor.

Evening Primrose Oil. Either take as a supplement or apply the oil to your skin.
Zinc.
Herbs for eczema include burdock, nettle and red clover. Boil them into a tea and drink.
Calendula, chamomile, St John's Wort and goldenseal can be bought as a topical cream or lotion and applied to the skin.
Eat foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This is an omega-6 fatty acid.
Lavender oil may improve skin rashes.

MEDICAL REMEDIES

There is no known cure for eczema, but there are medications that can help relieve the problem. Your doctor may prescribe an eczema treatment, after making a diagnosis and looking at the cause of eczema. Here are some of the medical treatments available.

Topical corticoteroids and topical steroids. These help reduce inflammation and itchiness.
Antihistamines. These reduce itchiness and help with eczema pain relief.
Antibiotics. These treat any secondary infections.
Systemic steroids. Tablets and injections of steroids may be prescribed in very severe cases.
PUVA therapy. This is a UV treatment.
Topical immunomodulators (TIMs). These are steroid-free creams.

Continue to: Measures in Curing Eczema

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