Eczema is an itchy skin inflammation. It is also known as atopic dermatitis and leaves your skin dry, scabby, flaky, and irritated to a great extent. Eczema is typically common in childhood but can occur at any age. Studies have found that 1 out of 10 people is likely to be affected by this condition regardless of their skin color, age, and ethnicity. There are different types of eczema that you must be aware of:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Stasis Dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic Eczema
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Nummular Eczema
- Neurodermatitis
The main symptoms are red rashes wherever the skin has contacted an irritant. The good news is that effective treatment is available to control the infection. These are in the form of lifestyle and home remedies. Adding bacteria to a person’s diet in the form of probiotics can boost the body’s immune system which proves helpful for eczema. There are no adverse effects on patients but plenty of health benefits instead. It is important to know that no definite cure has been discovered yet. But early treatment can reduce discomfort.
Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema has been found to affect over 31 million Americans and infants are 10% to 20% more prone. But having a clear idea of what could possibly indicate the disease will help receive a quick intervention and a positive outcome. The usual symptoms are raised bumps that are oozing and crusting on swollen skin and rawness and sensitivity due to excessive scratching. You may also notice small burns, hyperpigmentation, fluid-filled blisters, and leather-like skin over time. Also, look for:
- red coin-shaped itchy spots
- scaly patches on the genitals, arms, legs, and neck
- thick bumps called hives on the skin
- white or yellow scales under the breasts, near the groin, or in the mid-chest
- brown, purple, or ashen colors in dark skin tones.
- extreme dryness which is quite persistent.
All of these can come and go and start interfering with your day-to-day activities. An additional allergic reaction can further flare up these symptoms. This is when it becomes critical to visit a skin specialist without any more delay. They will suggest corticosteroid cream, calcineurin inhibitors, oral steroids, and antihistamines. You can consider a cool compress to help these medicines sink in and get absorbed easily in the infected area.
Causes of Eczema
Atopic dermatitis is seen in roughly 10% to 30% of children and 2% to 10% of adults in developed countries. Knowing what causes it can help you take care from the early onset or prevent it altogether. Food hypersensitivity has been found as a significant reason for an infection breakout. Your genes, immune system, environment, and emotional triggers are core factors that can contribute to acute eczema. Stay safe from soaps and detergents, low-cost makeup and skin care products, bleach, paints, solvents, tobacco smoke, latex, specific perfumes, certain fabrics like synthetic and wool, low humidity, and plants that you are allergic to. Hormonal changes, medicines like lithium and interferon, and insect bites could also develop sores in the body. Moisturize your skin regularly. Take bath with lukewarm water instead of hot water. Add honey, anti-oxidants, and fatty acids to your diet. These can lessen the risk. If you already have eczema and do not wish to consume drugs, consider nutritional support in the form of trusted probiotics. But do visit a doctor for the correct guidance.
