Eczema: Forms, Causes, and Preventive Measures

Eczema is a broad term for skin disorder.  It covers all a variety of inflamed skin conditions.  This kind of skin condition is not limited to an age group but encompasses all regardless of sex, age and region.  In America alone 15,000 million Americans have some form of eczema.  It takes place on adults as well as children.  Even the babies are not spared.  People who have a history of occurrences of eczema in the family are highly at risk.

As dermatitis the most common indications are severe itchiness, dry skin, redness and inflamed skin.  Although the precise and accurate cause in not known it is not contagious.  It cannot also be cured once you have it but it can be controlled and regulated.  There are things that you should avoid to stop setting it off.   Moisture as often as you can.  Limit your contact with things that can irritate your skin.  As much as possible avoid using harsh soaps, detergents and solvents.    

There are many causes of eczema.  The causes practically will depend on the form of eczema that a person has.  The major ones are atopic eczema, Allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, cradle cap, dandruff, varicose eczema and discoid eczema. 

Atopic eczema is the offshoot of allergic reactions to environmental factors.  This is also hereditary and is closely associated with asthma and hay fever.  Allergic contact dermatitis is due to the contact with things that can irritate your skin.  While cradle cap is a common skin disorder affecting babies under one year old.  The cause has not been established.

While dandruff whose scientific name is sebhorreic eczema can be found in adults.  This is usually starts on the scalp and spreads out to the ears, face, chest and eyebrows.  This is also triggered by a yeast growth.  Varicose eczema can occur at the lower legs of people in their middle to late years.  If left untreated it can cause the skin will break down because of the dryness resulting in ulcerations.  Diabetic people should beware.   Discoid also appear in adults where the skin becomes very itchy.

One of the most important parts of eczema treatment is to prevent scratching.  Lotions and creams is the most common application since the skin is normally dry and itchy.  Use moisturizer on the skin everyday to reduce dryness avoiding the flaking part.  Always make it a point to take care of your skin in the bath or shower. 

With children care must also be equally tendered.  Since they cannot resist scratching, apply as much moisturizer as possible on a regular basis.  After bathing, apply lotion and creams.  Keep the rooms of children under normal temperature.  More than that keep their rooms free from dust mites.  With soaps use only the mildest both on the child’s skin and clothing.  Let the children wear cotton dresses and in comfortable get ups.   

If eczema gets worse in spite of the methods uses, it is time to go to your doctor.   Seek further advice from a dermatologist.