What is eczema?
Simo k.
Dermatologist
Overview
Many people use the term eczema when talking about atopic dermatitis, which is the most common type. When people talk about eczema, they usually refer to atopic dermatitis, which is characterized by dry, itchy skin and frequent red rashes. Acute eczema (or dermatitis) is a rapidly developing red rash that may have blisters and swelling.
Dermatitis belongs to a group of itchy inflammatory conditions characterized by changes in the epidermis.
What is eczema?
Eczema, also known as “atopic dermatitis,” is a non contagious, inflammatory skin condition that is characterized by severe itching, redness, oozing, and scaly rashes.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
The most important thing to remember is that eczema and its symptoms are different for everyone. Your eczema may not look the same on you as it does on another adult or on your child. Different types of eczema may even appear in different areas of the body at different times.
The main symptoms of eczema are itchy, dry, rough, flaky, inflamed and irritated skin, which causes itchy scaly skin to peel off or become red, cracked, and painful.
What causes eczema?
The exact cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but it's clear it's not down to one single thing. It often occurs in people who get allergies.
Both a person's genes and their environment play a role in eczema. It often runs in families and tends to occur with other allergic conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever and seasonal allergies). Many children with eczema also have food allergies, but foods themselves do not cause eczema.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) usually begins in childhood, but due to the combination of immune system activation, genetics, environmental factors, and stress.
How is eczema diagnosed?
Your doctor can usually diagnose eczema based on an examination of your skin - the best way to know if you have eczema is to see a doctor who will examine your skin and ask about your symptoms.
How is eczema treated?
People with eczema should avoid harsh cleansers, drink water often, wear gloves in cold weather, and avoid wearing materials such as wool, which could irritate the skin.
Medications
Eczema meds can relieve your symptoms and help the skin heal when you take them as directed. The treatments may not have the same effects on everyone, though. So you and your doctor may need to try a few options to see what works best for you.
Phototherapy
Ultraviolet (UV) light can help treat moderate-to-severe eczema. UV rays help keep the immune system from overreacting. But too much of it can age your skin and raise your risk for skin cancer. So doctors use the lowest possible dose and watch your skin carefully when you get this treatment.
Apply moisturizer daily
Do it right after you bathe or wash your hands. Choose fragrance-free moisturizers that won't irritate you. Try using a thicker skin cream or ointment that has more oil at night, and wear cotton gloves or socks to lock in moisture. Gloves can also keep you from scratching in your sleep.
HiSqin™ Gotu Kola Calming Gel
This Seaweed-based soothing gel provides the ultimate hydration while calming botanicals tend to sensitive or irritated skin.
Rich in Shiitake and Mannentake Mushroom BioComplex, the unique gel texture immediately cools when applied to even the most sensitive skin.
Plant derived Pseudo Hyaluronate Acid and Organic Extracts of Gotu Kola and Green Teas create a potent cocktail of herbal nourishment.
May be used daily or nightly as a moisturizer or as a post treatment on irritated or inflamed skin.
Takeaway
Rather than a specific health condition, eczema is a reaction pattern that the skin produces in a number of diseases.
The cure for atopic eczema is not that effective but treatment can relieve symptoms. The judicious use of moisturizing creams or ointments can be an effective treatment for many people in preventing eczema.
DISCLAIMER Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.
