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Recognizing the signs of eczema

Eczema

Eczema is a serious skin condition.  For this reason, it is imperative that we all can recognize the symptoms of it and understand more about it.  The more we know about any disease or condition, the matter equipped we are to treat it and to prevent it.

First, you should be aware of the fact that often times eczema is a generalized term that can describe many types of skin conditions.   Yet, to be a true case of a type of eczema the skin has to be truly inflamed.

The most common form of eczema is often called atopic dermatis.  It is so common that estimates say that 10 to 20% of the population suffers from this skin condition.

Atopic dermatis is easy to recognized.  It is a chronic, itchy rash.  Generally, this rash will begin in childhood.  It is also a condition that comes and goes.  Many outside influences can cause the condition to irrupt.  Weather conditions, especially cold temperatures that dries out the skin can be one cause to bring on the rash.  One can also develop a rash if he/she comes into contact with certain chemicals, such as cleaning supplies, jewelry, lotions, etc.

The immune system of eczema suffers are also one reason that causes their outbreaks.  When they come into contact with certain substances their immune systems goes on alert and their inflammatoray reactions goes into high gear.  This causes the itchiness to begin.

The good news is that eczema is not contagious.  One person can not catch it from another person.

The bad news is that eczema has no cure.  Their are treatments that may help once an outbreak begins.  Plus, staying away from certain substances can help reduce the chances of an outbreak. Yet, there is no actual cure.

Eczema is generally first recognized from its itchiness and redness.  But it also can cause dry skin, scaly skin and even cause small blisters to form.  These blisters contains a watery type fluid.

Generally, eczema will form in patches.  These patches can come onto any part of one’s body.  Yet, the hands, face, neck, elbows and inside the elbows, knees, ankles and fingers are the most common areas in which it develops.

Each person who suffers from eczema may feel a bit different.  Yet, most sufferers will tell you that it is itchiness is the worse part of the condition.  In fact, the itchiness is what causes the redness and generally even the blisters to form.   Why?  The itchy feeling is a severe one.  We react by scratching.  The scratching irritates the skin.  Thus the chain reaction starts of reddening of the skin,  tearing of the skin, etc.

Recognizing what eczema is by its looks and symptoms is easy.  Recognizing and understanding its causes can be trickier.  Yes, the common causes:  chemicals we come into contact with such as cleaners, lotions can be a big trigger.   The environment such as weather changes, even dust mites can be another trigger.  Yet, emotional stresses has also been linked to the outbreak of a eczema flareup.

You can’t just recognize eczema by who gets it.  Babies have been known to acquire eczema, as well as children and adults.  Men and women alike can suffer from it, especially if they all ready have allergies such as allergic rhinitis or asthma or have family members who do.

Nearly 15 million people in the United States have a form of eczema.  Ten to 20 percent of all infants has it.  Luckily, half of these same infants will show signs of improvement by the time they reach the age of 5 to 15.

The best way to treat eczema is by not scratching.  One can try using lotions and creams to help stop the itch, especially if you apply them after bathing.  Yet, be aware some of the creams and lotions may actually make your condition worse.  Be sure to watch for worsening signs such as increased redness or itching.   Of course, it also helps to keep your skin moisten and applying cold compresses when the itching is really bad.

If you want to try an over the counter medication, look for something that contains corticosteroid, which may help relieve your itchiness.

If you can’t treat the condition yourself, you should consult your doctor.

Related posts:

1. What is Numular Eczema?
2. Pictures of eczema
3. Eczema Medication Information
4. Dyshidrotic Eczema Information
5. Eczema on the scalp information

This entry was posted on Monday, August 24th, 2009 at 11:16 pm and is filed under Education and Training, Health and Well-Being, Medical and Doctors, Science and Biology, Society Issues, Technology and Science. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.