For those who don’t what Eczema is, it is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough.
It is known that some people outgrow this condition, while others will continue to have it throughout their adulthood.
Few Facts About Eczema
- It is known that certain foods can trigger symptoms, such as nuts and dairy.
- Sometimes symptoms may vary according to the age of the person with eczema, however, they often include scaly, itchy patches of skin.
- An Eczema can also be cause by environmental factors such as smoke and pollen. But eczema is not a curable condition.
- The treatment focuses on healing damaged skin and alleviating symptoms.
- Although, there is no known cure for eczema, but symptoms can be managed.
- An Eczema is not a contagious condition.
THE CAUSES OF ECZEMA
There is no specific cause of eczema, but it is believed to develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
It is possible for children to develop eczema if their parent has had the condition. Once both parents have an eczema, the risk is even greater.
Causes of eczema may include:
- An irritants: you should note that these may include soaps, detergents, shampoos, and disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits, meats, or vegetables.
- An allergens: these include dust mites, pets, pollens, mold, and dandruff can lead to eczema.
- A microbes: which include bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, and certain fungi.
- A hot and cold temperatures: note that a very hot or cold weather, high and low humidity, and perspiration from exercise can cause eczema.
- Foods: sometimes dairy products such as eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products, and wheat can cause eczema.
- Hormones: some women can experience increased eczema symptoms at times whenever their hormone levels are changes, such as during pregnancy and at certain points in their menstrual cycle.
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THE SYMPTOMS OF ECZEMA
Sometimes symptoms of eczema can vary, depending on the age of the person with the condition.
Some people with this condition will often experience periods of time when their symptoms will worsen, followed by periods of time where their symptoms will improve and clear up.
The Symptoms In Infants Under 2 Years Old
- Some rashes will appear on the scalp and cheeks.
- Some rashes usually bubble up before leaking fluid.
- Some rashes can cause extreme itchiness. Sometimes it may interfere with sleeping, and a continuous rubbing and scratching can lead to skin infections.
The Symptoms In Adults
- Some rashes will appear in creases of the elbows or the nape of the neck.
- Some rashes will cover much of the body.
- Some rashes can be especially prominent around the neck, face, and around the eyes.
- Some rashes can cause very dry skin.
- The rashes can cause permanently itching.
- The rashes in adults can be very scaly than those that occur in children.
- The rashes can lead to skin infections.
THE TREATMENT OF ECZEMA
As mention before, there is no cure for eczema, but the treatment for the condition aims to heal the affected skin and prevent flare-ups of the symptoms. Sometimes doctors will suggest a plan of treatment based on an individual’s age, symptoms, and current state of health.
Below are things people with eczema can do to support their skin health and alleviate symptoms.
- Always take lukewarm baths
- Always apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing to lock-in moisture
- Always moisturize your body every day
- Always wear cotton and soft fabrics, and avoid rough, scratchy fibers and tight-fitting cloths
- Always use a mild soap or a non-soap cleanser when washing
- Always air dry or gently patting skin dry with a towel, rather than rubbing the skin dry after bathing
- If possible, avoid rapid change of temperature and activities that make you sweat
- Always learn to avoid individual eczema triggers
- Always use a humidifier in dry or cold weather
- Always keep your fingernails short to prevent scratching from breaking the skin.