Eczema Gone

by The J Train

The appearance of eczema varies from person to person and according to the type of eczema.The first symptom in most persons with eczema is an intense itching.Eczema result in dry and scaly skin but sometimes may lead to blisters and oozing lesions.In children and adults, eczema occurs on the face, neck and the insides of the elbows, knees and ankles. In infants, eczema occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp and neck.

To describe specific forms of eczema, that may have very similar symptoms to atopic dermatitis some interesting facts are described below: atopic dermatitis which is thought to be the abnormal function of the bodys immune system.10% of infants and 3% of adults in the U.S. are affected by eczema.For infants the term of infantile eczema is used.People with a family history of allergic conditions presenting asthma or hay fever have atopic dermatitis.

Contact eczema (contact dermatitis) that includes redness, itching, and burning when the skin has come into contact with an allergen is a localized reaction. Eczema includes also reactions to laundry detergents, nickel (present in jewelry), cosmetics, fabrics, clothing and perfume.A form of skin inflammation of unknown cause is seborrheic eczema (seborrheic dermatitis) which include signs and symptoms like yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and occasionally other parts of the body.It is not necessary to associate the itching with seborrheic dermatitis.Emotional stress, oily skin, infrequent shampooing and weather conditions may increase a persons risk of developing seborrheic eczema.

Coin-shaped patches of irritated skin, most commonly located on the arms, back, buttocks and lower legs, that may be crusted, scaling and extremely itchy represent the nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis).It occurs most frequently in elderly men.Often nummular eczema is a chronic condition.The risk of developing nummular eczema is increased by atopic dermatitis, asthma or allergies. A chronic skin inflammation caused by a scratch-itch cycle that begins with a localized itch that becomes intensely irritated when scratched is neurodermatitis.Women are more affected by neurodermatitis than men and people between aged 20-50 are most frequent affected.In scaly patches of skin on the head, lower legs, wrists or forearms this form of eczema appear.The stress can grow the symptoms of neurodermatitis.

A skin irritation on the lower legs related to the circulatory problem known as venous insufficiency is statis dermatitis.Approximately 6-7% of the population over age 50 being affected by statis dermatitis.An itching and/or reddish-brown discoloration of the skin on one or both legs are the symptoms of stasis dermatitis.Statis dermatitis leads to the blistering, oozing skin lesions and ulcers which can develop in affected areas.The chronic circulatory problems may provide an increase in fluid buildup (edema) in the legs. Stasis dermatitis is associated also with a varicose eczema.

An irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn is dyshidrotic eczema (dyshidrotic dermatitis).It is also known as vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis, dyshidrosis or pompholyx. This kind of eczema occur more in the spring and summer months and in warmer climates. Unfortunately eczemas may appear at any age and it may lead to dangeruos problems, but medications have been found in order to cure them.

For more resources about dyshidrotic eczema or even about eczema please review http://www.eczema-info-guide.com

Eczema

Eczema is a general term for rash-like skin conditions. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction. Eczema can be caused by a number of different factors, and may result in just a small patch of skin being affected, but can affect skin anywhere on the body. Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In some people, eczema may “bubble up” and ooze.

Eczema is a very common condition, and it affects all races and ages, including young infants. More than 15 million people in the United States suffer from this condition, which knows no age barrier. In fact 10% of all infants can have eczema and over half of those who get it as kids will have it all their lives.

Types of Eczema
Atopic dermatitis
Contact eczema
Allergic contact eczema
Seborrheic eczema
Nummular eczema
Neurodermatitis
Stasis dermatitis
Dyshidrotic eczema

Causes of Eczema

The underlying cause of atopic eczema is not known but there appears to be increased reactivity of the immune system, and affected children often have other allergic conditions. Many substances have been identified as itch “triggers” in patients with eczema, and triggers are not the same for every person. Many times it is difficult to identify the exact trigger that causes a flare-up. Eczema can be caused by : -

1. Due to contact with substances that chemically aggravate the skin like detergents, soaps, engine oils, strong chemicals, etc.
2. Due to stress, dry weather or, hot or cold temperatures.
3. Due to environmental allergens.

Home Remedies for Eczema

*Turmeric (the stuff in curry spice) is an incredible anti-inflammatory and will help all eczema sufferers. It is proven as effective as sterio.
*Drink tomato juice daily, it will cure the symptoms in a few days.
*Apply a mixture of 1 tsp camphor and 1 tsp sandalwood paste on the rashes.
*Use a lotion made out of blueberry leaves this is proven to be fantastic relieving inflammation of dermatitis.
*Put Vitamin E on the affected area it calms the itching. Never use synthetic vitamin E because your body will not be able to utilize it. Synthetic vitamin E has a dl instead of a d in front of its description: dl-alpha tocopherol.
*Dont use soap any more than you have to. Use mild soaps with glycerine, or superfatted soaps, on important body parts. When you do dishes or clean house, wear rubber gloves to keep the cleaning products off your skin.

by kadavoor

Eczema is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Eczema may occur to the people at any age. Eczema is a specific type of allergic cutaneous manifestation of antigen-antibody reaction. It is characterized by superficial inflammatory oedema of the epidermis associated with vesicle formation. Eczema is characterized by itching, scaling and burning of the skin.

Although eczema can sometimes look unpleasant, it is not contagious. With treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced. However, the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care.The term ‘Eczema’ is a Greek word (Ee means out, and Zeo means boil). The whole word implies ‘boil out’. The Hindustani name for eczema is Chambal.

Types of Eczema (Dermatitis)

Allergic contact eczema (dermatitis): a red, itchy, weepy reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign, such as poison ivy or certain preservatives in creams and lotions

Contact eczema: a localized reaction that includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen (an allergy-causing substance) or with an irritant such as an acid, a cleaning agent, or other chemical

Dyshidrotic eczema: irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn

Neurodermatitis: scaly patches of the skin on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms caused by a localized itch (such as an insect bite) that become intensely irritated when scratched

Nummular eczema: coin-shaped patches of irritated skin-most common on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs-that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy

Causes of Eczema

The cause of the Eczema is unknown. Exciting causes are varied, viz., chemicals, plants, clothing, cosmetics, medicaments, infections, drugs, diet, focal sepsis etc. This is caused by direct contact between the skin and the substance, which might be adetergent, soap, diesel or engine oil, strong chemical, cleaner, etc. Eczema can also be caused by contact with substances that the body has become allergic to, called allergic contact dermatitis. This type commonly involves nickel, poison ivy, cosmetics, and rubber products. Infantile eczema often affects young babies, and is caused by moisture from drool or inflammation of the scalp (cradle cap).

Treatment of Eczema

Following are the treatments for a eczema patient:

1. Use of creams, ointments and shower and bath oils which help to replenish the skin’s natural protective oils.

2. Cream or ointment containing a steroid (topical steroid)as prescribed by doctor. These are very effective at reducing inflammation and itch.

3. In moderate to severe atopic eczema, where topical steroid treatment has not worked, your doctor may prescribe a new type of treatment to be applied to the skin (topical treatment). The preparations are made from a type of drug known as immunomodulators (calcineurin inhibitors, eg tacrolimus and pimecrolimus)

4. Antihistamines taken by mouth may be helpful in reducing the itch. Your doctor will advise.

5. If the skin becomes obviously infected, which is more likely as its normal protective surface has been damaged, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics .

6. There are a number of older fashioned remedies which are still effective and may be suggested by your doctor or specialist. For example tars, menthol.

More Eczema Articles

by peretzpup

Eczema, or dermatitis as it is sometimes called, is a group of skin conditions which can affect all age groups, although the condition is most common in infants. It is non-infectious and will permanently resolve by age 3 in about half of affected infants.

Eczema is not contagious, but nevertheless it is very common, estimates are that more than 15 million people in the United States have eczema.

Eczema most commonly causes dry, reddened skin that itches or burns and in severe cases may weep, bleed or form crusts so that over time a rough appearance results.

However the appearance of eczema varies from person to person and varies according to the specific type of eczema.

Eczema can sometimes occur as a brief reaction that only leads to symptoms for a few hours or days, but in other cases, the symptoms persist over a longer time and are referred to as chronic dermatitis.

Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.

In adults eczema often affects the skin in areas around joints such as the elbow, behind the knees and in front of the ankles.

Eczematous skin is particularly vulnerable to bacterial infection, which can aggravate the eczema or cause serious illness.

Atopic eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition, being genetically linked.

Eczema does run in certain families and can be associated with other ‘allergic’-type disorders, like allergic rhinitis and asthma.

An eczema sufferer is also at risk of developing herpes simplex type 1 (cold sores) which can spread over a large area of the skin and occasionally prove dangerous.

Eczema may be set off by extreme temperatures, stress, sweating, medication, clothing (especially wool or silk), grease, oils, soap and detergents, and environmental allergens.

Other factors include; some dairy and wheat products, citrus fruits, eggs, seafood, chemical additives and food colourings.

External factors include; Moulds, grasses, pet dander, house dust mites, shampoos, detergents, soaps and washing powders.

Contact eczema is curable provided the offending substance can be avoided, and its traces removed from the environment. About three quarters of cases of contact eczema are of the irritant type, which is the most common occupational skin disease.

To determine whether an eczema flare is the result of an allergen, a doctor may test the blood for the levels of antibodies and the numbers of certain types of cells.

Dietary elements that have been reported to trigger eczema include dairy products and coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), soybean products, eggs, nuts, wheat and maize (sweet corn), though food allergies may vary from person to person.

Treatment

The first and primary recommendation is that people suffering from eczema shouldn’t use detergents of any kind on their skin unless absolutely necessary.

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin (the Itch cycle). Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Some common emollients for the relief of eczema include Oilatum, Balneum, Medi Oil, Diprobase, bath oils and aqueous cream.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used but because of the risks associated with this type of drug, a steroid of an appropriate strength should be sparingly applied only to control an episode of eczema.

Corticosteroids are generally considered safe to use in the short- to medium-term for controlling eczema, with no significant side effects differing from treatment with non-steroidal ointment. While these usually bring about rapid improvements, they should not be taken for any length of time and the eczema often returns to its previous level of severity once the medication is stopped.

When eczema is severe and does not respond to other forms of treatment, immunosuppressant drugs are sometimes prescribed. These dampen the immune system and can result in dramatic improvements to the patient’s eczema.

The most commonly used immunosuppressants for eczema are ciclosporin, azathioprine and methotrexate.

Treatment of Eczema

Eczema (from Greek ??????) is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions. These include dryness and recurring skin rashes which are characterized by one or more of these symptoms: redness, skin edema (swelling), itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding.

Eczema is a term for several different types of skin swelling. Eczema is also called dermatitis. It is not dangerous, but most types cause red, swollen and itchy skin. Factors that can cause eczema include other diseases, irritating substances, allergies and your genetic makeup. Eczema is not contagious.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of eczema can vary widely during the early phases. Between 2 and 6 months of age (and almost always before the age of 5 years), children with eczema usually develop itchy, dry, red skin and small bumps on their cheeks, forehead, or scalp. Some people develop red bumps or clear fluid-filled bumps that look “bubbly” and, when scratched, add wetness to the overall appearance.

While any region of the body may be affected by eczema, in children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.

What Causes Eczema
Genetic defect in the epidermal barrier that makes the skin susceptible to breakdown by irritants such as detergents and dust mites. which may allow increased penetration of antigens.Atopic eczema is the most common form. It tends to develop in childhood, sometimes just after birth. Many children grow out of it as they get older, but it can flare up again when they’re adults.

Though much of atopic dermatitis is genetic and caused by the atopic or reactive immune system, environmental factors are also very important. Eczema may be set off by extreme temperatures, stress, sweating, medication, clothing (especially wool or silk), grease, oils, soap and detergents, and environmental allergens.

Treatment of Eczema
Neurodermatitis. Getting you to stop scratching and to avoid further aggravating your skin are the treatment objectives. Accomplishing this may mean covering the affected area to prevent you from scratching it. Hydrocortisone and similar lotions and creams may help soothe your skin. You also may find that wet compresses provide relief. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are helpful for some people.

The type of medication prescribed will depend on many factors, including the type of eczema, past treatment, and the patients preference. Topical (applied to the skin) medication is frequently prescribed. If the eczema is more severe, phototherapy (a type of treatment that uses light therapy) or systemic (circulates throughout the body) medication may be prescribed.New topical immune-modulating drugs also may help. Sold as Protopic and Elidel, the drugs offer many of the benefits of corticosteroids — and avoid the side effects. Some dermatologists have begun to use these products as first-line therapies, although such use remains controversial.