Eczema also known as Atopic Dermatitis, is a condition associated with itchy, irritated, dry, red skin. The condition is most common in young children but can affect people of any age. Eczema can be a chronic and long-lasting disease which can periodically flare up as a result of environmental stressors due to asthma or hay fever. Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema, however, there are a number of medical treatments that can help relieve the symptoms while prevent new outbreaks.
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Eczema Symptoms include:
- Dry skin
- Mild to sever itching, especially at night
- Red splotches on the hands, feet, neck, chest, inside of elbows and knees, or around eyes
- Raised bumps or lumps, which may ooze fluid and crust over
- Cracked, flaky or scaly skin
- Sensitive, swollen and raw skin from scratching
Eczema usually occurs before the age of five and may persist into adolescence through young adulthood. It may even disappear for several years, then flare-up for a time.
What Causes Eczema?
Unfortunately, there is no one particular cause of eczema. Typical healthy skin will retain it’s moisture and protects the body from bacteria, irritants and allergens. Skin affected by eczema, on the other hand, has a genetic component that prevents the skin from providing this protection.
Certain foods and allergies may also play a role in causing eczema in children.
Complications of eczema may include:
- Chronic itchy, scaly skin
- Skin infections
- Repeated scratching
- Irritant hand dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Sleep problems
- Preventing the skin from drying out is the first defense against eczema. This includes keeping your skin well moisturized, especially after bathing.
- Moisturize your skin at least twice a day with a qualified skincare product or products that work well for you. Consult with your dermatologist and ask them what products they recommend.
- Try to identify and avoid external stressors that worsen the condition, these can include, stress, being overweight, harsh chemicals, sweat, detergents, and allergens.
- Diet can also cause break-outs of eczema from eating certain foods, this is more prevalent in children rather than in adults.
- Reduce the time you spend bathing to 10 to 15 minutes and use warm water rather than hot water.
- Take a bleach bath periodically twice a week. As odd as this may sound, bleach baths can help prevent eczema flare-ups. According to the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology), a diluted household bleach solution (not concentrated bleach) of 1/2 cup per 40 gallons of bathwater helps kill bacteria on the skin which is known to cause related infections. Soak for about 10 minutes from either the neck down or just the affected areas of skin without submerge the head.
- Choose mild and gentle soap when cleaning your skin. Some antibacterial and deodorant soaps can end up removing more natural oils than is required which can dry-out your skin.
- Be careful when drying yourself after bathing. Pat yourself down gently with a soft towel and apply moisturizer immediately afterwards while your skin is still damp.