Eczema is a term used to refer to several different types of skin swellings.
It is a condition in which some patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough.
A few types of Eczema can also cause blisters. Eczema is also called dermatitis.
Parts affected by Eczema
Many types of Eczema cause dry, itchy, inflamed patches:
- on the face
- inside the elbows
- behind knees
- affect hands
- affect feets
Causes of Eczema
Many genetic and environmental factors cause Eczema.
Children are more likely to develop Eczema if his or her parents have a history of Eczema.
Eczema is mainly caused by environmental factors including
- Irritants: Irritants are the leading cause of Eczema. They include soap, shampoos, detergents, and disinfectants.
- Microorganisms: Many Microorganisms or microbes (which cannot be seen with the naked eye) also cause Eczema. These are Bacteria viruses and fungi.
- Allergens: Pollens, pets, dust mites, and molds also cause eczema and this type of eczema is known as allergic Eczema.
Symptoms of Eczema
The most common symptoms of Eczema include:
- Rashes on the scalp and face mainly on the cheeks.
- Bumpy rashes that are inflamed.
- Rashes mainly appear on the elbow and knees and cover most parts of the body.
- The affected area becomes dry and causes extreme itchiness which may disturb sleep.
- Lichenification (skin thickness) which can lead to permanent itch.
Eczema patients need intensive treatment to relieve their symptoms. If left untreated they may lead to severe skin infections.
Types of Eczema
Eczema has a few forms and each type has its symptoms and causes:
Atopic dermatitis
The most common type of Eczema is “Atopic dermatitis”. The word atopic is used to refer to allergies. Atopic dermatitis usually starts in childhood and is naturally cured in adults. Its common symptoms are, rashes appear on the skin and turn lighter or darker and become thick. The immune system problem and genetic factors are its main causes.
Hand Eczema
The type of Eczema with only affects hands is known as hand Eczema. Its main cause is dirt which stays on your hands when you do not wash them properly after cleaning a dirty place. The symptoms of hand Eczema include dryness or redness on hands and blister formation on hands.
Stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis occurs when fluid from weekend veins leaks out in the skin. This results in swelling and redness. Swelling in the lower parts of the leg is its main symptom.
Contact dermatitis
This type of dermatitis is caused by the reaction to the substance, you are allergic when you touch such substance, and your immune system reacts against it and causes redness on the skin.
Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for Eczema. Patients can treat and prevent eczema flares using home remedies, medications, and moistures.
There are many home remedies to cure eczema:
- Take a bath with lukewarm water.
- Moisturizing your skin at least 3 times a day.
- Use mild soap or non-soap cleansers for washing purposes.
- Avoid rapid changes in temperature which can cause sweating.
Foods bad for Eczema
Many types of foods may trigger an eczema flare-up and must be removed from the diet. These foods include citrus fruits, eggs, tomatoes, spices, etc.