Eczema also called as dermatitis, is a group of skin disorders. Atopic eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, infantile seborrhoeic eczema, adult seborrhoeic eczema, varicose eczema and discoid eczema are different types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It mainly occurs among infants and small children. Besides these there is also dyshidrotic eczema that is prominent in warm weather and nummular eczema that affects people during the winters. These could affect any part of the body especially hands, feet and chest areas. In more than 90% of cases, eczema is found to occur in children below 5 years of age. It is a non contagious disease.

Eczema Symptoms

Following are the symptoms of eczema.



• Itching



• Redness on skin



• Dry and flaky skin



• Itchy blisters



• Inflammation on skin



• Small bumps on forehead, neck and cheek



• Rough and thickened skin.



Symptoms of eczema are more severe on the folds. There are several types of eczema including Atopic Eczema, Xerotic eczema, and Seborrheic dermatitis. These 3 are the most common types of eczema and almost all cases of eczema fall under one of these three Eczema types. None of these types of eczema are contagious. Atopic Eczema is allergic by nature and generally has a hereditary component. In cases, where this skin condition is passed down from parents to their children, it has also been noticed that asthma is often present as well. Therefore people who suffer from both asthma and atopic eczema should inform their doctor of these problems so that the doctor can suggest adequate preventative treatment methods to protect their children from these health conditions. Cases of contact dermatitis caused by irritants are sometimes mistaken for Atopic Eczema. Xerotic eczema is influenced more by the weather than by any other factors. This is a very common problem, especially with seniors, as it causes eczema symptoms like excessively dry skin on the limbs and trunk. Sebum is the body’s natural oil that helps to moisturize and protect the skin. As an individual grows older, sebum production decreases and this causes excessive drying. Regular moisturizing, especially in winter is necessary to help control such eczema symptoms. Seborrheic dermatitis causes dry or greasy peeling of the skin on the face, eyebrows, and scalp. This condition often afflicts new born babies and causes a crusty yellow rash called cradle cap. The eczema symptoms vary according to the type of Eczema and in some cases a skin biopsy may be necessary in order to make a definite diagnosis. An eczema symptoms checker in babies as well as in children and adults refer nothing more than observing rashes that cause itching and seem to stay for a longer period of time. It is also necessary get the condition checked by your doctor.


 

Heredity

Eczema is considered to be hereditary. Studies reveal that a person is prone to eczema if his family has a history of closely linked conditions like hay fever and asthma.

Causes of Aggarvation

Eczema could be aggravated by irritants like smoke, chemicals, detergents, solvents and so on. Even weather conditions could aggravate the condition. Excessive stress, heat and emotional stress also aggravates the symptoms of eczema. Although eczema is not contagious, personal hygiene is of great importance. Residue from detergents may settle on your clothes and this can either cause or aggravate Eczema symptoms. Make sure that you use the specified amount of detergent, and not more, when washing your clothes. Also make sure that you rinse your clothes well to minimize residual detergent. If you have sensitive skin, you can use warm water for the last rinse as this too will help to minimize residue from detergents. When using cleaning liquids and solvents, make sure that you use gloves to protect your hands. You should also make sure that these liquids do not come in contact with your skin and if they do, make sure that you rinse the area well with a mild soap and running water. To minimize irritation caused by smoke residue, make sure that you have a quick shower if you have been exposed to excessive amounts of smoke or soot. Extreme temperatures can also aggravate skin irritation and so it is important to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. If you have suffered from Eczema before, you can also make use of different home remedies for Eczema on a regular basis to prevent the onset of this condition. Use a cool moisturizing lotion made out of cucumber juice and sweet almond oil in the summer months and in the winter you can use a warming lotion made out of a few drops of ginger essential oil mixed with a spoon of olive oil and a little coconut milk or water.

Other Causes

Cause of eczema depends upon the type of eczema the person is suffering from. Sometimes blood circulation problem in the leg can also cause eczema. Deficiency of vitamin B6 causes eczema.

Eczema Remedies

Apply a mixture of 1 teaspoon camphor and 1 teaspoon sandalwood paste on the rashes. Apply nutmeg paste to the affected areas. Put natural vitamin E on the affected skin, it will relieve you of itching. Zinc taken orally and applied directly on the affected skin is effective. Both shark cartilage and lotion of blueberry leaves reduce inflammation. Use pine tar soap to wash the affected skin. Drink tomato juice daily, it will cure the symptoms in a few days.



You can also make a lotion out of crushed dandelion leaves, spearmint leaves, and a few drops of oil. Apply this lotion to your skin and allow it to remain on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. This can act as an effective eczema cure. It is better to avoid cosmetic products as far as possible as the chemicals in them may aggravate the condition. An exfoliating cream is a very good option, but it is important to use it regularly in order to get rid of the upper layers of dead skin. It is also important that you use a gently exfoliating cream instead of a commercial product as this will help to prevent unnecessary irritation of the inflamed skin. You can make a cleansing scrub by soaking a handful of nuts in a small quantity of water. Blend these nuts along with half an avocado as avocados contain healthy oils that help to protect and moisturize your skin. Massage your skin gently with this creamy natural exfoliating paste and you can then allow it to remain on your skin for about 10 minutes before you rinse it off. You can add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to this paste to help cleanse your skin of the uppermost layer of dead skin cells.



An important aspect of any eczema treatment plan would be to keep the skin well hydrated and moisturized. While there are plenty of commercial products available for this purpose, some in fact specially marketed for eczema patients, most commercial products do contain some amount of chemicals and fragrances that could be too harsh for your sensitive skin, aggravating the eczema symptoms. The best option would be to use natural oils for an eczema cure. Try and stick to virgin varieties of these oils as the refinement processes that are used destroy and significantly reduce some of the natural properties of the oils. Virgin coconut oil is one such natural oil that is believed to be highly effective as a remedy not just for eczema, but for a variety of skin conditions. The healing effects of virgin coconut oil are attributed to its various properties including a rich content of lauric acid and other fatty acids. The only other rich source of lauric acid is a mother’s milk. Coconut oil can simply be applied over the areas of skin that are affected just like any topical ointment. This will help to keep the skin smooth and soft.



Another natural remedy for eczema that is often used in eczema treatment at home would be the application of mudpacks.



Turmeric powder can also be used in natural eczema treatments and you could make a paste with a tablespoon of the powder mixed with the same proportions of bitter neem leaves.



The application of cold compresses is also believed to help in eczema treatment and should help provide relief to any skin irritation.



Another useful and easily available ingredient for eczema treatment would be papaya. Mashed papaya seeds can be applied to the areas of skin that are affected to reduce the itchiness.



In addition to using natural remedies for eczema and other medications for eczema treatment it is also essential to follow a good skin care regimen. Make sure you avoid using harsh soaps and other commercial products like cosmetics that contain chemicals or any other drying agents.

Avoid Dairy Products

Diet never causes eczema. Food only causes allergy, it does not cause eczema. It is the genes of a person that cause eczema. If you are allergic or sensitive to certain foods then try avoiding them, because they can trigger eczema. Dairy products, eggs, nuts, preservatives and citrus fruits are more likely to trigger eczema.

Other Suggestions for Eczema

Always avoid substances you are allergic to. Wear cotton clothes as they do not irritate your itchy skin. Exposure to water for a long time can lead to skin dryness. Use good quality moisturizer. It is necessary that you strictly follow the guidelines of your doctor, who would also prescribe the use of certain creams for the condition.