What is Eczema?

It is an inflammatory condition of the skin characterized by redness, itching, and oozing vesicular injury which become scaly, crusted, or hardened

Symptoms
The main cause of eczema, leads to itching and redness, and may make the skin dry. Sometimes, itchy blisters are form on the skin. When these blister burst, or when the skin scratching damages, the surface may be left moist and crusty.
Often, in the commonest form of eczema (i.e atopic eczema), the problem is worst in the folds of the skin where limbs bend.

The itch is intense, and makes you scratch. You should avoid this if it is possible, as scratching only makes the symptoms worse.gentle rubbing, with the flat hands, is better than scratching.

Whatever the cause of your eczema may be, the skin becomes more sensitive, and you can notice that you are more easily upset by cosmetics, toilet soaps, detergents, etc.

Causes of Eczema

No one really knows what is the cause of eczema (atopic dermatitis), but, we do know of certain things which can cause eczema to "flare-up", or even get worse. A flare-up occurs when the immune system in people's skin reacts to environmental or emotional stimulus and it causes symptoms such as an itchy rash to appear.
People with eczema may have a unique set of causes, or stimulus that produces a skin rash.
Some of the more common causes of eczema flare-ups which include:
  Change of temperature or humidity
  Chemical irritants, such as pesticides, astringents, perfumes, harsh soaps, alcohol, detergents, and cleaners for house.
  Clothes made of rough or scratchy fabrics, like wool
  Allergies (to dust, pollen grains, mold, etc.)
  Extreme emotion or stress
  Infections which occurs of any type

People suffering with eczema should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine what stimulus their eczema flare-ups. They can then take steps to avoid this stimulus and minimize the beginning of a skin rash.

Treatment

There is no particular cure for eczema, but there are a number of ways to relieve of it.
Topical steroids can be prescribed to restrict skin inflammation during an eczema flare-up. Topical steroids come in different strengths: mild, moderately effective, effective, and very effective. The strength of the steroid cream your doctor will prescribe it depends on many factors, including the severity of the condition.
After that, treatment of eczema often involves many different approaches to control the condition and its symptoms, and medicines of many different types may be used in combination.

Dry Skin- The treatment for Eczema is to keep skin hydrated by regular use of moisturizers and moisturizing soaps. This helps to reduce itching, scratching and the penetration of irritants, allergens and micro-organisms and other skin infections.

Inflammation:- Anti-inflammatory agents like cortisone, and aldosterone helps in reducing skin inflammation only when they are used correctly. Mild anti – inflammatory are used for children while more potent may be treated for adults. A regular visit to doctor is also necessary. Use of medicated cream and ointment, may also be useful to reduce eczema.

Itching: - The worst symptom of eczema is itching .Scratching, infection, inflammation and lichenification is the product of itching. Dose of antihistamines are useful for reduction of severe itching.