Signs and Symptoms of Eczema
Most people with eczema will tell you the skin condition causes pain and itches like crazy. Eczema has a variety of causes and is known by many different names. No matter what the cause of the eczema, it affects people of all ages, race and genetic make up.
Eczema is typically categorized into two different forms: eczematous dermatitis and endogenous eczema. Eczematous dermatitis is characterized by the fact that it is triggered by external factors such as allergans. On the other hand, endogenous eczema has no known triggers. One of the biggest issues with eczema is that there still is much that is not known about the condition and its treatment. This results in a lot of people who suffer from eczema that is undiagnosed or does not respond to treatment.
Eczema looks like a rash that is red and itchy. The rashes may develop blisters that can form a crust as fluid leaks out. The inflamed areas may also appear thick, scaly and discolored. Eczema can affect any part of your body and will often last for varying lengths of time. When eczema develops in areas that rub together (such as skin folds) it tends to be more severe because of the added irritation.
Infection is a persistent risk for eczema sufferers. The constant scratching of the eczema areas tend to break open the skin area. When the skin layer becomes compromised, it loses it’s ability to defend itself from bacteria. This bacteria can enter the affected area and cause infections.
People with eczema should keep their fingernails short so they don’t break the skin if they do scratch the skin. Children with eczema may need parents to help them out by putting mittens or other soft items on their hands so they can’t scratch the skin.
Eczema is very annoying but you can’t pass it on to anyone else. There are many different external treatments for eczema including NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and corticosteroids (drugs that imitate the hormones your body should be producing naturally in the adrenal glands). Both of these treat eczema by reducing the inflammation. Antihistamines and benzocaine are also applied externally to treat inflammation.
To keep the inflamed area dry and to soothe the pain, calamine lotion is often an good choice. Doctors may also recommend wet bandages to soothe the area. It is also important to wear clothing and use bed linens that won’t irritate the condition. Cotton clothing and bedding is typically recommended. To shrink the size of the affected area, lotion and shampoos that contain coal tar may be effective. In certain cases, severe eczema may be helped via a UV light treatment.
Learn more about eczema treatments at www.HealthHints.org. Visit Shawn Onseo’s site to find information on health hints on eczema, weight loss, stress and more.
