| Eczema Eczema, or excema, or exma or dermatitis as it is sometimes called, is an inflammatory skin disorder. The severity of this disease can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry and itchy. In the more severe cases, the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. It is not contagious, but can become very unsightly. Eczema can affect any part of the body. 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. What Causes Eczema? The exact cause of eczema is unknown. People inherit a tendency to the disorder, but the symptoms themselves seem to be set off by a number of 'trigger factors', for example: Heredity A family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever - if both parents have eczema, there is an 80 per cent chance that their children will too. Food Dairy/milk and wheat products,acidic fruits, eggs, nuts, seafood, chemical food additives, preservatives and colorings. Stress Emotional stress is a well-known trigger of eczema flare-ups. Learning to reduce stress can significantly help the problem. Irritants Tobacco smoke, chemicals, paints, bleach, weather (hot and humid or cold and dry conditions) and air conditioning or overheating. Scratchy clothes (like wool) can also irritate the skin. Its best to wear clothes made of soft fabrics like cotton. It is also recommended to wash all new clothing before wearing them. Allergens Dust mites, feathers, molds, grasses, plant pollens, foods, pet hair, soaps, shampoos and washing powders, and certain cosmetics. Ingredients such as alcohol, astringents, and fragrances may trigger or worsen eczema. Eczema Treatments and Cures Although there is no cure for eczema there are many good treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. There are also a number of things you can do at home to help keep your eczema under control. Moisturise Moisturising is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms. Doctors will usually start patients on the most simple treatments. For example; a room-temperature bath which will help remove crusted skin, then apply a good moisturiser immediately afterwards, this will help to retain the skins natural moisture. Corticosteroid Creams Corticosteroid creams and ointments have been the mainstay of eczema treatment for many years. If your eczema is more severe your doctor may suggest a prescription only cream. Hopefully a good combination of reducing the the bad things and good things we've mentioned above will help reduce and keep your ezcema under control. |
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