What Is Eczema?

Atopic eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. This type comes and goes. It can be painful with severe itching and irritation, leaving the skin raw and vulnerable to infection.

Contact dermatitis occurs when irritants touch the skin. This can produce two types of dermatitis.

   - Irritant Contact is caused by fragrance, sweat, detergents, household cleansers, and grass to name a few.

   - Allergic Contact is caused by common allergies in the skin, such as poison ivy or oak, cosmetics, and medications.

Hand eczema is limited to the hands, and can occur from frequent repeated washing or exposure to chemicals. It can also result from allergies to rubber gloves or latex.

Nummular eczema is usually located on the legs. Coin-size patches of pink to red skin that can change to an orange cast and become crusted.

Seborrhoeic eczema is usually located on your scalp. In infants, it's called "cradle cap," in adults it's called "dandruff." It can spread to the face, ears and chest if not treated.

For infants, this usually clears up without treatment. Infants normally outgrow this within the first year. You can apply baby oil on the crusted areas and it will loosen up, then wash with baby shampoo.

For adults, dandruff shampoo is recommended. If it doesn't clear up, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream.

The short-term symptoms are itchy skin, redness with small blisters or bumps. If you don't treat this, the skin can become thick, scaly and dry.

In some severe cases, your doctor may use topical steroids or oral steroids. However, these shouldn't be taken for prolonged periods because of the side affects. Be sure to contact your doctor if your skin becomes cracked or blistered with drainage to prevent infection.

The exact cause is unknown. The theories for the causes are immune system response, allergens or contact with irritants such as chemicals, retention of fluid in the legs, and a hereditary component.

Common Triggers

• Soaps, household cleansers and detergents
• Emotional stress
• Clothing, especially wool and rough textured materials
• Humid or dry, hot or cold weather
• Sweating
• Fragrances and cosmetics
• Bacteria

   - Avoid extreme temperatures and dry air

   - Avoid harsh soaps, cleansers and detergents

   - Avoid irritating fabrics such as wool or polyester

   - Avoid irritating chemicals and other substances that you know irritates your skin

   - Don't rub your skin dry after bathing or showering, this can worsen the condition. Instead, pat yourself dry.

   - Use a good moisturizer. This helps reduce inflammation and keeps the skin moist.

   - Take tepid showers rather than hot showers or baths. Use a mild soap.

   - After being active and you are sweating, shower right away and use moisturizer after. Try to avoid sweating while you have the rash

   - Avoid any known irritants to prevent flare-ups.

   - Avoid stress

   - Eat healthy and rest