WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema is a skin condition more prevalent in people with dry skin. Patches on skin get rough and cracked. This causes itchiness and inflammation. In certain cases, there may be blisters.
There are different types and stages of eczema that affect around 31.6 million people in the US, which is well over 10% of the existing population. The medical term for the most common type is “atopic dermatitis”. The word “atopic” implies the conditions related to the immune system, whereas “dermatitis” means inflammation of the skin.
Even though it can be a common occurrence amongst children, people of any age can contract this disease. Some manage to break free from it. On the other hand, others may have to live with it throughout their adulthood. Atopic dermatitis is chronic and may flare up periodically, characteristically accompanied by hay-fever or asthma.
Since the condition more easily affects people with dry skin, it is advisable to exercise some caution. There is no cure as such for atopic dermatitis. But the topical application of creams or lotions helps reducing itchiness and fresh outbreaks. Some self-care measures include avoiding the use of harsh soaps, applying medicated ointments and eczema cream, and finally, moisturizing the skin regularly to keep it well-hydrated and preventing it from drying or cracking.
Eczema can be very irritable since there is a lot of itchiness and discomfort involved. Nonetheless, eczema is not contagious. If you happen to scratch the spot to ease itchiness, there are chances that you may create a wound or cracked patch at the site of the rash. This can prove quite dangerous, as the spot becomes vulnerable to infection. Under such circumstances, the fluid that oozes out can be infectious and any contact with such a person can pass on the infection to you. It is advisable to wash clothes of the infected person separately using a good disinfectant, to avoid the spread of eczema.
Recommendations
| #1 Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm – Discover more |
| #2 Bio-Oil Skincare Oil – Discover more |
Read more about recommended products below.
WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA?
Health professionals assign the cause of eczema to a blend of environmental factors and genetics.
A parent with an atopic condition or eczema is more likely to pass it on to children. If both the parents are suffering from an atopic condition, the risk of transmission is higher.
The environmental factors that can be responsible for eczema are:
- Allergens: Mold, pollens, pet dander from dogs and cats and dust mites are some elements that cause allergic eczema. Certain materials like wool, synthetic fabrics may also cause rashes and discomfort.
- Micro-organisms: Certain fungi, viruses and bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus are responsible for the infection
- Irritants: Some are allergic to certain fruit juices, vegetables, and meats. These can trigger eczema. Similarly, harsh soaps, disinfectants, shampoos, and detergents can result in dry flaky skin. Any product high in caustic soda content can irritate the skin and make it rough and dry.
- Foods: Intolerance to certain food items like dairy products, soy products, wheat, nuts, and eggs can result in eczema flares.
- Fluctuating temperatures: Very hot or very cold weather, rise and fall in humidity level, and perspiration after exercise can cause eczema.
- Hormonal imbalance: This is prevalent in women during pregnancy or menstrual cycle. The hormonal imbalance affects the texture of the skin and eczema may occur.
- Lack of special protein: People having eczema have a mutation of the gene that produces protein filaggrin. This protein creates a protective barrier on the skin to prevent an attack from microbes. Lack of this protein makes skin dry and flaky.
People with dry skin conditions need to be extra careful about cleanliness and personal. hygiene, since they are more vulnerable to eczema. Using a mild soap and lukewarm but not very hot water for a bath can help contain the condition. Do not rub the skin with a rough towel to wipe the body; instead, just pat it dry gently
Our nails are the biggest culprit in aggravating the eczema condition. When you feel dry and itchy, instead of scratching the area, try and moisturize it with a soothing eczema cream or lotion. This will help eliminate the discomfort and prevent the nail poison from infecting the affected area.
TYPES OF ECZEMA
Besides atopic eczema, there are few other types like:
- Neurodermatitis: It is caused due to local itch from an insect bite. This results in flaky patches on the forearms, wrists, head, and lower legs.
- Discoid eczema: This type appears as circular patches of inflamed skin that is scaly, itchy, and crusted. It is also known as “nummular eczema”.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: This is a skin reaction due to contact with substances that are labeled as foreign by the immune system, especially allergens.
- Dyshidrotic eczema: It refers to the irritation of the skin on palms and soles. It is typified by the existence of blisters.
- Stasis dermatitis: This is eczema caused due to circulatory problems and is mostly the skin inflammation of the lower leg.
WHY DO YOU NEED AN ECZEMA CREAM
Eczema is not curable, albeit one can prevent it from occurring or contain further spread if already infected. This is only possible through the topical application of eczema cream and ointments.
The eczema treating medications help to moisturize the skin and kill the harmful microbes, thus arresting the spread of infection. Eczema is common in people with dry skin and therefore it is essential to keep the skin hydrated with a good moisturizer to prevent itching and discomfort.
Aloe vera gel that has antibacterial, wound healing, and antimicrobial properties help in relieving the eczema condition by lending a cooling effect that prevents the person from scratching the affected area.
Apple cider vinegar, colloidal oatmeal, tea tree oil, honey, and coconut oil are other natural ingredients that help in reducing itchiness and dryness. Apart from all the home remedies, you can always try an eczema cream that helps you get rid of dry and itchy skin
CONCLUSION
There is no known cure for eczema. However, the eczema cream and lotion that help relieve the itchiness, which is the most annoying factor associated with this disease. Even the flaky and dry skin is a cause of concern and these trusted products help to tackle the condition effectively.
Remember, eczema is not contagious unless it is infected and has open wounds. So there is no need to worry about being shunned by people if you have the symptoms. Proper care and personal hygiene can effortlessly help tide over the condition.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=”bounceInUp”]
Recommended Products
ECZEMA THERAPY ITCH RELIEF BALM
Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm is a quality product from Johnson & Johnson and it is available in a bottle of 11 oz
National Eczema Association recommends this product for noticeable relief from eczema. It is the first moisturizer balm made from natural oatmeal and ceramides.
Eczema causes a lot of itchy sensation and flakiness of skin. Thus, it is vital that the skin gets proper hydration through a good moisturizer. This fragrance, steroids, and paraben-free product provide instant and long-lasting relief from itching. The balm is non-greasy and made from a special formula using colloidal oatmeal and ceramides that moisturize and soothe the skin when eczema symptoms flare-up.
The itch relief effect of the balm lasts for a good six hours and keeps the skin moisturized. This product is a perfect blend of science and nature and balances the various chemicals with the goodness of natural ingredients. However, even though it is clinically tested and approved, it is advisable to go through the list of ingredients to check for the possibility of allergy from a certain element.
This balm can be used daily and used as a spot treatment or for application to cover the affected area all over. This is best for prolonged relief from itchy skin with a good dose of moisturizing.
BIO OIL
This brand makes various products for skin care and the most relevant for use in case of eczema is the Bio-Oil Skincare Oil and Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel.
Skincare Oil is available in a 4.2 oz bottle. It helps to hydrate the skin and reduce scars and stretch-marks. It is non-greasy and suitable for all skin types. The product contains many natural ingredients like Calendula oil, Rosemary oil, Lavender oil, Chamomile oil, and vitamins A and E amongst other ingredients. The oil should be applied twice daily for a minimum of three months. It helps to tone and smooth the appearance of skin and helps retain natural moisture.
The Dry Skin Gel contains 84% of moisturizing agents like butter, wax, and oils that form a protective layer on the surface of the skin and prevent moisture loss. At the same time, the gel supplements the hydration, and thus the skin remains moist and soothed. Eczema is a dry skin condition and a well-moisturized body can easily prevent the occurrence of the same. The pink gel can be easily rubbed in the skin and well-absorbed to keep it hydrated
A user has found great results in treating her son’s eczema with this gel and recommends the same along with a sea-salt bath for best results.
