What exactly is Eczema?
According to the most basic definition;
Eczema is a medical condition in which patches of skin become rough and inflamed with blisters which cause itching and bleeding.
However Eczema sufferers know that this condition is much more than a simple line of definition.
In most cases, this skin condition known as Eczema is a type of dermatitis or an inflammation of the epidermis which is the most outer layer of our skin. Eczema is normally a persistent skin condition that causes dryness or rashes of the skin. Some of the most common symptoms of this skin condition are; skin redness, swelling or inflammation, itching, dryness causing the skin to crust or flake, blister or bleed. Normally, skin discolorations occur which is caused by the result of breakouts that are attempting to heal themselves. Scarring although rare in mild breakouts, but can occur. Most scarring is a result from severe cases.
The four common types of Eczema
There are actually many different types of Eczema. In most cases, Eczema is classified by the location of the breakout. For example if you have Eczema breakout on the hand area, the type of Eczema is referred to as “hand Eczema.” There are also numerous different types of Eczema breakouts. The first type of Eczema is known as Atopic Eczema. Atopic Eczema is also called infantile, flexural, or atopic dermatitis. Atopic Eczema is an allergic disease believed to be caused by a hereditary trait and is common in people whose family suffers from hay fever and/or asthma. Most commonly, atopic Eczema is a rash that causes one a large amount of itching, especially on the head or scalp, neck, elbows, bend of the knees, and the buttocks region.
The second type of Eczema is known as contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis has two main types: allergic and irritant. Allergic contact dermatitis normally results from a deferred reaction to an allergen. Irritant contact dermatitis results from a direct reaction from some sort of component such as a type of soap. Irritant contact dermatitis is responsible for about three quarters of all contact Eczema cases. Contact dermatitis is the most common skin disease today. The cure for contact Eczema is to simply avoid the object that the individual has contact with that sets off the Eczema. If the object that causes the Eczema is removed from contact, then the Eczema will normally disappear.
The third type of Eczema is known as Xerotic Eczema. Xerotic Eczema is also known as; asteatotic, craquele, or winters itch. Xerotic is a breakout where an individual has severe cases of dry skin. What happens in Xerotic Eczema is that the area of dry skin becomes so extreme and severe that the breakout turns in to Xerotic Eczema. This condition can become more severe during cold winter weather. In most cases of Xerotic Eczema, an individual’s arms, legs, and core area are the regions most affected by this type of Eczema.
The fourth type of Eczema is known as Seborrhoeic dermatitis or Seborrheic dermatitis. In infants, this type of Eczema is called cradle cap. This type of Eczema is commonly related to dandruff. Seborrhoeic Eczema causes an individual to have greasy scalp, flaking or peeling of the scalp, flaking or peeling of the eyebrows, flaking and peeling of the face, and flaking and peeling of the trunk in some individuals. This type of Eczema is harmless for the most part, unless this type of Eczema occurs on an infant and develops into severe cradle cap.
Those are the most common types of Eczema. There are other types of this condition, but these types are less common. These less common types of Eczema are; Dyshidrosis which occurs on palms, fingers, and toes. Discoid Eczema, which is round rashes on the leg region that may have oozing. Venous Eczema is a type of Eczema that occurs in individuals with poor circulation, varicose veins, or edema. Venous Eczema is most common in the ankle area. Dermatitis herpetiformis is a type of Eczema that causes severe itches on an individual’s limb, including the knee and thigh area, and the individuals back region. Neurodermatitis is a type of Eczema where a thick area of eczema is resultant of constant rubbing. Autoeczematization is a type of Eczema that results from an infection caused by a parasite, fungus, bacteria, or a virus.
Preventing Eczema breakouts
Good news for Eczema sufferers, with the advancement of technology in the medical field, there are numerous different types of treatments for Eczema which aim to maintain the breakout, reduce swelling or inflammation, and relieve itching or discomfort.
Eczema breakouts are frequently treated by using a corticosteroid medication to reduce redness, relieve itch, and repress other symptoms as a result of the Eczema. In most cases, the medication is in the form of an ointment, lotion, or cream. These types of medications do not cure Eczema breakouts but they are shown to cause an extreme improvement and relieve in the breakout. Of course, there are various side effects to using corticosteroid medications to treat Eczema breakouts. If one uses the corticosteroid medications for an extended period of time, the chances of these side effects are likely to increase, as with most medication for most other conditions. Most commonly, an individual’s skin will become thin or irritated if an individual uses the corticosteroid medication too long. Doctors normally prescribe a low dose of steroids to decrease this effect. These medications can cause cataracts when used on the face if the medication is used near the eye area, hence do note never to apply medicated cream or any non organic creams near your eyes.
Anti-biotics, or anti itch cream are also recommended for relief and Doctors also urge Eczema sufferers to maintain a daily moisturizing routine to avoid dry skin. This is because Eczema can worsen when the individual’s skin becomes dry. Keeping the skin moisturized is one of the most effective treatments an individual can perform themselves to provide relief and to help the area heal. I will share more on some of the mild moisturising products which are good for Eczema sufferers the next time.
Avoid using harsh soaps, chemicals, and detergents. When washing clothes, make sure they are thoroughly washed and dried to prevent residue of the detergent on the clothes. Once you perspire and the sweat causes a reaction with the residual detergent on your skin, your nightmare will haunt you. Individuals should replace these harsh items with moisturizing soaps, allergen controlled detergents, and chemicals that are less harsh on the skin. These harsh items can strip the natural oils off of the individual’s skin and cause the skin to become severely dry or irritated.
There are various things an individual can do in order to prevent a flare in their Eczema. Some of the most common Eczema prevention methods are to avoid using harsh soaps, harsh detergents, harsh chemicals, and powders. Begin purchasing moisturizing soaps to keep your skin moisturized. Individuals should also purchase detergents that have allergen control agents. Avoid using powders and perfumes altogether if at all possible. Powders and perfumes are notorious for stripping natural oils from the skin which cause the skin to become dry. If you use harsh chemicals to clean, make sure you begin wearing rubber gloves so that you can avoid exposing your skin to the agents in the cleaner. Avoid extreme temperatures, dry air, and irritating clothing.
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Eczema Cures and Treatment 