subject: Eczema Cures And Treatments [print this page] Skin eczema is one of the most common skin diseases around today. People of different ages can acquire this skin ailment if exposed to the surrounding elements that trigger eczema. Eczema is often related to dermatitis. There is no list of certain causes for eczema but it has been suggested that it is a hereditary skin sensitivity that is irritated by common stimuli such as chemicals, soaps, stress, foods, water, infections, cats, allergic reactions, and many more. People who have eczema mostly have a family background with a history of asthma, allergies, hayfever, and eczema.
The level of research into the causes of eczema and the attempts to find cures is extremely high, but not yet fully successful. Based on published figures, the majority of the people who suffer from eczema are children, but as they grow older, its manifestation gradually diminishes. This however is something of a generalization and does not guarantee that it is always so. According to statistics, 60 to 70 percent of the total populations of children who have eczema lose the indications when they reach their mid-teens.
Common stimuli that trigger skin eczema vary dependent upon the type of eczema present. It therefore follows that a determination of appropriate treatment and management can only be made once the type of eczema has been clearly identified. Common types of eczema are atopic and the infantile seborrhoeic. Compared to infantile seborrhoeic, atopic eczema is the most prominent. Atopic eczema is often associated with inflammation, dryness, and redness of skin. The infected area also develops extreme itchiness. The infantile seborrhoeic form usually affects infants up to the age of one year. Normally, it begins on an area of the scalp and often causes babies to look horrific owing to flakey, scaly skin and a dryness condition. However, these indications are not in themselves serious, as they do not cause babies any itchiness or soreness. Normally, this type of eczema will be eliminated within a period of some months.
Other common types of skin eczema are nummular eczema, allergic contact, irritant eczema, and dyshidrosis. Nummular eczema develops round patches on the skin and is coin shaped. Allergic contact type of eczema often occurs when people gain an allergic reaction if directly exposed to certain substances such as poison ivy. Irritant eczema is often related to subjecting hands to dishwater without the use of gloves, as some detergents and chemicals can trigger eczema. Exposure to allergens, yeast growths and nickel can also trigger skin eczema. Dyshidrosis eczema develops a swelling on a hand or foot or possibly both.
We cannot yet be certain about finding the appropriate cure. We have ways of treating various forms of the condition but these do not be necessarily mean cures. Common treatments used by eczema patients are topical steroids, topical imunomodulators, oral steroids, and emollients.
It is also a good approach to take steps to minimize irritants and environmental allergens. Air filters, water purifiers, handmade soaps, and unscented detergents all help people avoid the triggering factors. Wherever possible it is best to shield yourself with preventive measures so as to prevent eczema from occurring. A basic knowledge of how to avoid triggering factors can be most helpful and allows us to avoid those substances and chemicals that are said to trigger or worsen eczema.
