Eczema (also known as dermatitis in medical terms) is a skin disease which causes coin shaped patches on the skin. It is an allergy that affects the outer layer of the skin.
Eczema has been often referred to by those in the medical field as “the itch that rashes.” It is not only uncomfortable, but it can become unsightly in severe cases or without the proper medical treatment. Suffers of eczema symptoms can vary from mild to very severe.
There are various forms of eczema and is a common disorder that can affect people of all the age, genders including the small children. The condition can become worse if it is not taken care of at the right time. Eczema symptoms indicate that something is not quite right with our immune system, and should be treated immediately.
The severity of eczema can vary from person to person and so do the treatments vary depending on the intensity of the disorder. The exact cause of the eczema is still unknown, but it can elevate with the use of harsh soaps, detergents or even by using synthetic clothing materials like wool etc. Sudden climatic change can also aggravate the rashes and the redness of the infected skin. Medical allergies can aggravate the disease but are not the cause for eczema. Applying high- powered prescribed medicines can bring the situation under control.
If the disorder continues even after the application of the medicines then it is recommended to go through a dermatology test. The Eczema may occur in full flare only once but the symptoms may occur throughout the lifetime. People suffering from severe eczema usually suffer from asthma and high fever. This disorder can also be hereditary.
The skin becomes dry and scaly which is followed by redness, swelling and itching. Burning sensation is also followed by pricking pain. Scratching the affected area may puncture the patch thus allowing the infectious liquid to ooze out from the affected spot. The patches may sometimes be scaly, thick and brown. Some people may develop clear watery bumps or red bumps that can elevate the itching sensation around the patches of infection.
As these patches start drying or healing, they start developing into small painful cracks. The itching sensation may worsen during the nighttime. The rashes can appear on any part of the body but are most common on the hands, arms, legs and face, especially in the creases and also on the feet and hands. As these are all external parts of the body, they are more prone to catch the infection quickly than any other part of the body.
Simple conscious steps can help control the causes of eczema. Keeping the skin moist will help prevent the occurrence of dry and flaky skin thus keeping the condition under control. Try taking a bath only once a day maintain the lubrication levels of the skin. Pat the skin dry with the towel instead of rubbing the skin. Use clean towels every time you dry your skin. Vaseline is not too greasy and can help in keeping the affected areas moist. Using the Alpha-Keri oil and Neutrogena oil after shower on your body will help reduce the redness and the swelling. Use mild bath soaps and mild detergent powders for laundering of the clothes. Maintaining clean and hygienic habits will help us to heal the eczema faster by eliminating the disorder levels. If you find that your symptoms are not getting any better, in fact they may be getting worse, by feeling hot and painful, redness that increases and it seems to be spreading further, that is the time you should seek help from the medical community for your eczema symptoms.