Overview of Eczema Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Eczema generally refers to a skin condition that occurs as a result of acute lesions forming in the skin. After the lesions break and dry up, they normally leave healed marks of scars in the body. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema and it affects people across all ages and races. It is a skin disorder that disappears after sometimes. However, it may recur through out the lifetime of some individuals.

Eczema generally occurs in any part of the body. However, there is a tendency to attack the adult population on the neck and also on the flexures of legs and hands. It mainly attacks the torso and face of infants. It also attacks the elbows and knees of crawling children.

What Causes Eczema

The disorder is linked to some abnormal immunology in individuals which relates to some kind of abnormality in genes. This means that it is a genetic disorder affecting certain group of people whose body systems are unable to defend themselves against some fungal, bacterial and viral attacks. Environmental factors may trigger this kind of non-infectious disease. Excessive skin dryness that mainly occurs due to lack of some proteins may cause eczema.

The following are factors that trigger dermatitis

• Soaps and detergents containing certain ingredients
• Staphylococcal bacteria
• Putting on rough clothes
• Certain solvents
• Certain lotions
• Occlusive plastic/rubber gloves
• Regular drastic changes in skin's humidity

Signs and Symptoms of Eczema
- Intensive itchiness of the skin
- Red and bumpy rash that appears in the later stages
- Oozing of a scratched rush that may turn crusty
- Thickened plagues in the skin that may occur due to continued rubbing
- Painful cracks that may degenerate over time

Time to Seek Medical attention for Eczema

Hydrocortisone cream is mainly used to treat eczema at home. However, if the problem persists, then you need to see a doctor. You should also seek medical attention if eczema is causing discomfort as you work or as you sleep.

Extreme cases of eczema include: - Fever; red, hot and painful skin; red oozes from the rush. - Attack on individuals whose immune systems are weak or suffering from certain medical conditions.
The above cases may call for urgent medical attention from specialists.

Tests to Identify the Type of Eczemar
Microscopic examination may be carried out by a medical specialist so as to establish the type of eczema one is suffering from. In some cases, a pathologist may undertake biopsy.

Key points in identification of atopic dermatitis: - appearance and density of the rash
- Family history towards attacks by hay fever and asthma
- Intense itching on the spots

Treatment of Eczema
The easiest way to treat eczema at home is to get rid of what triggers the allergic reaction. You may also prevent your skin from drying up by avoiding hot baths. Always use mild soaps and cleansers and apply emollient to your skin when still wet to prevent water evaporation.
Other Eczema treatment measures include: - Wear loose clothing
- Do not scratch the rash and if you can not avoid, cover up the area
- Strenuous exercises should be avoided so as to minimize sweating. - Use a non-prescription steroid cream regularly until the rush disappears.