What is Eczema?

Eczema (dermatitis) is a pretty broad term, but it describes flaky, red, or crusted skin that sometimes bleeds or oozes fluid. It's common for eczema to show up on the face, the chest, or on a body crease such as under the knee. It can also show up on hands, arms, or at the back of the neck.

These skin rashes itch, but unfortunately scratching them just makes the condition even worse. It stimulates more itchiness and irritation. Untreated, an eczema rash can last for years.

No one really knows for sure what causes eczema, although it's thought to be genetic. If your parents or grandparents suffered with skin problems, chances are you have inherited the genes that make you prone to eczema flareups.

If you carry those genes, the real question is this: What triggers the eczema?

In many cases, the rashes are a result of the skin's immune system overreacting to external conditions. It might be a reaction to soap, bubble bath, scratchy fabric, allergens, or even a temperature change.

Sometimes diet and stress can play a role in triggering flareups. I actually give a lot of credence to the stress explanation, since some of my worst flareups occurred during stressful periods in my life.

Each person is unique, and we all have different things that can trigger or worsen a case of dermatitis. Maybe your trigger is the kind of food you eat, or maybe it's whenever you wear wool, or maybe it's a life-changing event like moving across the country. More than likely it's a combination of factors.

If you want to prevent eczema flareups, it's a good idea to talk to a dermatologist. With professional advice, you may be able to figure out what your triggers are.

I've always had bouts of skin problems ever since I was a kid, but the worst was when I developed a rash on the back of my neck in April 2007. At first it was minor, but reddish and itchy enough to be noticeable.

After several months, that angry rash spread all over the back of my neck. Luckily I have long hair and was able to hide it, but it meant I couldn't wear my hair in a ponytail. Plus it was terribly itchy, uncomfortable, and often stung.

I was also developing similar patches elsewhere, thankfully in places that could always be concealed by clothing. One of the rashes was under my left knee. It made wearing jeans uncomfortable. No amount of moisturizer seemed to help.

It finally got so bad that I scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist. Even then, I had to wait several months for the appointment. By the time I got treatment, I'd had the stupid rashes for almost a year.

The dermatologist explained that what I had was eczema, and one of the keys to controlling it is to eliminate the itching. Even though scratching is the most natural impulse, it only makes the condition worse. Harsh soaps such as Dial can also exacerbate the condition.

He prescribed a Fluocinonide gel, and instructed me to apply it to my rashes three times a day.

I saw dramatic results within three days. There was no more dryness or flaking. The affected areas of my skin were still pinkish, but even that was fading. Within a few weeks, it was almost as if the rashes had never been there.

The real key in getting eczema under control is to stop the itching. Scratching aggravates the condition, which causes more itching, which creates a vicious cycle all the way around.

There are different creams and lotions a dermatologist can prescribe. Often these will be steroid creams like hydrocortisone. A good doctor will want to check up with you again in a few weeks to see how the treatment is going, because not all treatments work for everyone. If the eczema is particularly stubborn, a doctor may resort to oral treatments or injections.

There are a few things you can do on your own to try and keep eczema rashes under control, or at least manageable. Caring for your skin can help prevent future outbreaks. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Use gentle soap, such as Dove. A harsh soap or cleanser can irritate this condition.


• Use only as much soap as you need. A little can go a long way.


• Use moisturizer. While I found it wouldn't get rid of the eczema rashes, regularly applying a moisturizer did help them from getting too dry and cracked.


• Wear gloves when you clean. If you're going to scrub down your bath tub or wash dishes by hand, it's best to protect your hands by wearing gloves.


• Try applying a non-prescription steroid cream along with an anti-itch formula.


• Stay healthy. Although the precise cause of eczema isn't known, stress and poor health seem to be contributing factors. Eating right, exercising, and reducing stress in your life can only help you all the way around.