Eczema is a medical condition in which
patches of skin become rough and inflamed, with blisters that cause itching and
bleeding, sometimes resulting from a reaction to irritation (eczematous
dermatitis) but more typically having no obvious external cause.
Symptoms of Eczema
Which part of the skin is affected, eczema is
almost always itchy. Sometimes the itching will start before the rash appears,
but when it does, the rash most commonly appears on the face, back of the
knees, wrists, hands, or feet. It may also affect other areas as well.
Affected areas usually appear very dry,
thickened, or scaly. In fair-skinned people, these areas may initially appear
reddish and then turn brown. Among darker-skinned people, eczema can affect
pigmentation, making the affected area lighter or darker.
In infants, the itchy rash can produce an
oozing, crusting condition that happens mainly on the face and scalp, but
patches may appear anywhere.
Causes of Eczema
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but
it's thought to be linked to an overactive response by the body's immune system
to an irritant. It is this response that causes the symptoms of eczema.
In addition, eczema is commonly found in
families with a history of other allergies or asthma. Also, defects in the skin
barrier could allow moisture out and germs in.
Some people may have "flare-ups" of
the itchy rash in response to certain substances or conditions. For some,
coming into contact with rough or coarse materials may cause the skin to become
itchy. For others, feeling too hot or too cold, exposure to certain household
products like soap or detergent, or coming into contact with animal dander may
cause an outbreak. Upper respiratory infections or colds may also be triggers.
Stress may cause the condition to worsen.
Although there is no cure, most people can
effectively manage their disease with medical treatment and by avoiding
irritants. The condition is not contagious and can't be spread from person to
person. There have given some prevention tips for managing eczema-prone skin
CONTROL THE ITCH TO SCRATCH.
The first sign of an eczema outbreak is an
uncontrollable itch. However, you need to practice incredible self control and
not scratch the itch away because this stimulates the nerve endings and causes
inflammation in the area. Bacteria can enter the skin through scratches and
open wounds. This would lead to a rash, which then triggers more itchiness. A
great way to keep the itchiness in check is to put ice on the affected area.
GENTLE BATHS
It’s important to keep your skin as clean as
possible to prevent further skin complications in the area. Taking a bath is
essential, but don’t let your shower time exceed 10 minutes or you’ll risk
drying out your sensitive skin. With that in mind, keep shower temperatures
lower than 33°C to avoid further inflammation. Use a gentle skin cleanser and
always pat your skin dry rather than giving it the rub down.
MOISTURISING IS A MUST
Emollient rich moisturisers are important in
eczema skincare. When used in conjunction with a corticosteroid cream, the
moisturiser can soothe dry skin and protect the epidermis against harmful
elements. The best time to apply moisturiser is right after a shower as it
helps seal in the moisture.
ONLY USE NATURAL SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
As it is, your skin is sensitive, the last
thing you want is a negative reaction to soap chemicals or synthetic perfumes
and dyes. Natural skin care products are your best option because they’re
usually free of fragrance, colourings and chemicals. Read the product
ingredients and if you can’t identify any of the ingredients outside of a lab,
it’s certainly not something you should be using on your skin.
CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSET
Clothing is an often overlooked factor in the
fight against eczema. The clothes you wear can contribute to itchiness.
Scratchy fabrics like wool and fleece often aggravate the situation and
sometimes even prevent skin from breathing by trapping moisture beneath the
surface. Likewise, clothes that are not washed properly can make matters worse
as the chemicals from the laundry detergent can wreak havoc on sensitive skin.