 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- What is eczema?
- Symptoms of eczema
- Causes of eczema
- Prevention of eczema
- Risk factors for eczema
- Complications of eczema
- When to see a doctor about eczema
- Diagnosis of eczema
- Conventional treatment of eczema
- Alternative/complementary treatment of eczema
- Living with eczema
- Caring for someone with eczema
Eczema is an itchy, chronic inflammation of the skin that causes it to become red, scaly and dry. The dry skin is then very vulnerable to infection from viruses and bacteria, which increases when the skin is scratched.
Eczema often occurs in infants and children and it can resolve on its own, but not in every case. Eczema can also occur for the first time in adults too. Science really is not sure what causes eczema and while there is no cure for eczema, treatment can reduce symptoms significantly in some people and help prevent further outbreaks.
There are a few different types of eczema which can occur:
- Atopic eczema - the most common type of eczema, especially in children which displays all the symptoms of eczema and can appear anywhere on the body
- Dyshidriotic eczema - affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet which usually produces blisters that contain fluid and are surrounded by a red rash; this condition starts before the age of 40
- Nummular (descoid) eczema - red, itchy and inflamed round-shaped lesions form on the arms and legs; most common in older people or those adults with very dry skin
- Seborrhoeic eczema - this is an eczema of the scalp which can affect both babies and adults
- Adult seborrhoeic eczema - this affects adults and starts with the scalp being affected and then starts to affect the face
- Infant seborrhoeic eczema - this is also known as cradle cap and is a very common condition affecting babies in their first year of life
Advertisement
Facts about eczema
- Eczema is an inflammation of the skin which causes the skin to get itchy and dry
- The skin has a "red" inflamed appearance where the eczema occurs
- Eczema is derived from the Greek word that means 'to boil over'
- Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis
- Eczema affects men and women equally
- It is not just children who develop eczema, adults can develop it too
- It is important to treat eczema when it first occurs, especially if symptoms are mild, to prevent it from getting any worse
- Eczema is not contagious, no matter how severe it is
- Skin that is affected with eczema may be more susceptible to other types of infections
- People with eczema usually have family members who have a history of eczema, or other allergic conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or allergies
- Eczema can affect just a small part of the body and cause relatively mild symptoms (mild eczema) or it can be more widespread, causing more severe and debilitating symptoms
- Use natural, mild (or hypoallergenic) soaps with as little chemicals as possible to avoid drying out and irritating the skin
- Avoid the allergen triggers that may cause eczema - these may be different for each person, but usually harsh chemicals are a problem for eczema sufferers
- Avoid highly perfumed soaps, lotions and skin products as these may irritate the skin and exacerbate eczema symptoms
- Wear clothes made of natural fibres
- Wear gloves when washing dishes, clothes or cleaning
- Use non-perfumed and natural clothes detergents and fabric softeners, as the chemicals in conventional clothes detergents may irritate the skin and cause an exacerbation of symptoms
- Go swimming in the ocean, as seawater, having a high composition of salt is known to alleviate eczema symptoms
- Eczema may not be cured (in most people), but the symptoms can be greatly reduces if a variety of treatment approaches are used concurrently
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
2: symptoms >
Last reviewed: 10 November 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
