subject: Eczema And Dermatitis Treatments [print this page] Eczema and dermatitis are two very common skin problems. Some people may shrug them off as a simple rash. However, they can both lead to problems if they are left untreated.
In this article we'll give you some helpful tips and take a closer look at the skin condition itself.
Dermatitis
The term "dermatitis" the name given to a group of skin problems that cause inflammation. What these different types of inflammation share in common is an allergic reaction to a specific substance or allergen. Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis and urticaria are all types of dermatitis.
But, in order to know which type of dermatitis you are suffering from you need to have some context, if not you're looking at a simple rash that you know nothing about.
Eczema
Eczema is a type of dermatitis, which may usually be atopic dermatitis in children, and that is commonly characterized by one or several of the following:
*redness
*itching and skin dryness
*skin edema (swelling)
Some of the more severe cases of eczema can present any of the following:
*oozing and/or bleeding
*crusting, flaking, blistering, and cracking
Mild forms of eczema will often subside fairly quickly, however, when more severe forms of eczema are left untreated they can lead to breaking of the skin and subsequent infections. This is why it is so important that you deal with eczema promptly.
First of all you need to identify the triggers that set off eczema flare-ups. Everyone has a different trigger that can set off their eczema flare-up, however, the most common among these are contact with harsh ingredients and exposure to sunlight, heat, and wind.
Identifying your triggers and avoiding them is essential if you want to keep your eczema under control.
If you discover that you react negatively to cleaning agents then changing the brand you are using or avoid them all together. If you have problems with scratchy clothing you should avoid them and buy clothing that is made with softer fibers. Prefer clothing made with cotton and linen fibers instead of spending money on clothing made from wool.
If your eczema flare-ups because of heat and humidity, then try to avoid these areas. If you enjoy exercising then do so in open, well ventilated areas. And when taking a stroll outside, look for shady spots that will keep you out of the sun.
During the summer you should sip cool water to help control your body's core temperature. This will make it less likely that you develop an eczema flare-up.
Changing your skin care routine can also alleviate your eczema and reduce the number of flare-ups. Because traditional skin care products usually contain fragrances, fillers and chemical ingredients that can aggravate your eczema, it is often best to use natural skin care balms.
Healing Balms Treat Eczema Flare-Ups
You should always look for products that are fragrance and alcohol free and steer clear of products containing cinnamon, menthol and ylang-ylang. A good dry skin lotion can also help soothe dry skin problems that often accompany eczema.
