Is My Itchy Skin Eczema?

Usually when someone says Eczema they are referring to, Atopic eczema, It is a disease distinguished by chronic inflammation of the skin. This is also called atopic dermatitis and can be hereditary. This is actually the most common form of eczema. Babies, children and adults are prone to this disease. But deviating from other people's belief, it is non-contagious.

Those who suffer from this disease normally experience red, flaky, irritated and itchy skin. Babies have rashes in the face, elbows and knees. Children and young adults usually have the symptoms inside the elbows, behind the knees, on the wrist and on the side of the neck and hands. But of course, symptoms vary from one person to another.

Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) - This type of eczema comes and goes repeatedly, and usually occurs in people who have a genetic (inherited) tendency to have allergies. In about 70 percent of cases, either the patient or a family member has allergic asthma, hay fever or food allergies
. Atopic eczema appears early in life, usually in babies between 2 months and 18 months old. In babies, atopic eczema primarily affects the face, neck, ears and torso. It also appears on the tops of feet or the outside surface of elbows. Atopic eczema also is seen in older children, teen-agers and adults, where it usually involves the skin inside the creases of the inward bend of the elbow, knee, ankle, or wrist joints, the hands, or the upper eyelids.

Contact dermatitis - When irritants touch the skin, they can produce two types of contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis is direct irritation of the skin. The problem is called allergic contact dermatitis when an allergic reaction occurs in the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis can be caused by prolonged contact with mild irritants such as bubble bath, soap, sweat, saliva, urine and even water. Allergic contact dermatitis only occurs in people who have an allergy to a specific substance. Each year, about 70 percent of people in the United States are affected by some type of skin allergy. The most common allergens are poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. Other common substances that trigger skin allergies include construction materials used to build homes and offices, cleaning products, deodorants, cosmetics and medications. Dermatitis of the earlobes can be caused by an allergy to earrings that contain nickel. Chemicals in fragrances, skin cream and lotions, shampoos and shoes or clothing also can cause allergic reactions.

Varicose eczema - Varicose eczema affects the lower legs of those in their middle to late years, being caused by poor circulation. Commonly the skin around the ankles is affected, becoming speckled, itchy and inflamed. Treatment is with emollients and steroid creams. If left untreated, the skin can break down, resulting in an ulcer.

Discoid eczema - Discoid eczema affects the arms and legs, usually in middle-aged men. The eczema occurs in numerous round patches. It is usually found in adults and appears suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red skin, normally on the trunk or lower legs. They become itchy and can weep fluid. Usually discoid eczema is treated with emollients (and steroid creams if necessary).

Hand eczema - This form of chronic eczema is limited to the hands. It can be related to atopic eczema or it can occur because of repeated hand washing or exposure to strong detergents. Occasionally, hand eczema is caused by an allergy, such as a latex allergy.

Nummular eczema - This type of eczema causes round, coin-sized patches of irritated skin, typically on the legs, arms or chest. It usually occurs in adults. It can be related to atopic dermatitis and, less often, allergic contact dermatitis. In a few cases, it represents an allergic reaction to a fungal infection such as athlete's foot. In this case, nummular eczema still appears typically on arms, legs or chest, even if the fungal infection is elsewhere on the body.

Asteatotic eczema - This dry-skin eczema causes fine cracks in the skin, usually first involving the lower legs, where there are fewer oil glands. It commonly occurs in the elderly, especially during winter months spent indoors in a low-humidity environment.

Stasis dermatitis - This type of eczema occurs on the calves, ankles and feet in people who have varicose veins or other conditions that lead to poor blood circulation in the lower legs. Leg swelling leads to itching, fine red bumps, skin darkening and, sometimes, ankle sores.

Lichen simplex chronicus - This form of eczema is a reaction to repeatedly scratching or rubbing the skin in one location. A nervous skin-scratching habit can lead to thickened, discolored skin on the wrist, the ankle, groin or the back of the neck. Skin picking can lead to smaller bump-like areas of the same type of rash called prurigo nodularis.

Seborrheic dermatitis (seborrhea) - Some doctors consider seborrhea to be a type of eczema, although it creates a greasier rash than is usual for eczema conditions. This scaly dermatitis commonly appears on the scalp as "cradle cap" in infants or dandruff in adults. It commonly affects the face or neck around the nose and at the scalp line. It probably is triggered by the skin fungus Pityrosporum ovale.

Moisturizers. Specialists recommend frequent skin moisturizing. Dryness of the skin aggravates the problem of eczema; hence it is important to always retain moisture in the skin by regularly applying moisturizers. You can use creams and ointments as means and source of moisture. Emollients are great for dry skin, too. Ask your doctor so you can better find the right one for you.

Oral antihistamines medications. These fight the histamines that trigger symptoms of inflammation. Histamines are naturally produced in the body. So upon taking oral antihistamines, at one point, the symptoms of eczema are reduced. Some types of these medicines may cause drowsiness. Thus, before getting them over the counter, always double check by asking a chemist or a doctor.

Corticosteroids or Topical steroids. These creams have different strengths. High strength ones usually have side effect especially when used on the face. It may cause thinning of the skin when used for a long time. Apply the cream in the most affected area after bath, but make sure the skin is thoroughly dry.

All of these methods will indeed treat eczema. However, none of these methods will cure eczema.

I have encountered several eczema sufferers from various backgrounds, each of them had one thing in common. They were looking for a cure that didn't cost them an arm and a leg. It is important for you to understand that eczema is often referred to as dermatitis or atopic dermatitis.

If you are an individual who is suffering from eczema you have probably had run ins with a lot of other so called health professionals. These medical professionals are quick to prescribe you some overly priced eczema cream. They will never tell you that there are several eczema products out there that are cheap and all natural that will work just as good if not better.

As time went on I began to notice a pattern among eczema sufferers. Those that were getting tremendous results were those that were using virgin coconut oils. I have also encounter my fare share of doctors that had given up on their eczema patients. In some cases the doctor felt as if they had extinguished all possibilities and none of their medical eczema products seem to work.

For most eczema sufferers this is unacceptable. This is what drives them to search for cures themselves..

For a moment I want to ask you to remember the fact that your body is one of natures greatest creations. With that fact in mind I want you to understand that nature has provided everything that you need to heal yourself. The problem comes when big business steps in the picture and begins to hide the truth from people like you and I. Although I could go on forever on that subject matter this isn't the time or place for that.

Before you start treating yourself for eczema I highly recommend that you buy a journal and keep track of your results. Track when you have a breakout and some of the possible reasons that you had the breakout. Your goal is to narrow down and eventually determine what is causing the breakouts. You will also want to track the results of your treatment i.e. is your natural treatment working? If so how long is it taking to work? Track every possible detail.

After about 30 days of keeping a journal you will have a much better understanding of your condition. You should be able to determine whether or not you have contact dermatitis or the type of dermatitis that is triggered by internal triggers such as food, liquids, etc...

Eczema may develop to different kinds of people. It can hit even the wealthiest person alive. All people are prone to acquiring this kind of disease. No one's excuse; not even children.

Survey says one out of ten children gets eczema. It appears, typically before the age of five. Upon seeing rashes on your kid, consult a pediatrician and a dermatologist immediately to confirm the diagnosis.

Babies and children up to 5 years old get eczema on the forehead and cheeks, normally red, inflamed rashes with bumps. These become even painful for kids when the eczema develops with fluid-filled blisters that may eventually burst.

For older children, eczema develops on knees, wrists, ankles and elbows like round red scaly patches.

Bear in mind that your child needs not to be isolated from other people because eczema is not dangerous and contagious. So you don't have to stop your kid from going to school. You can avoid the flare up by doing the following prevention and tips.

Give your child clothes made of cotton. This help the skin breathe and cool down. Also, the scratchy feeling in reduced as well.
Use mild and gentle soap with warm water when bathing. Fragrance free soaps are gentle on skin. Use a cloth to apply the soap and never rub the skin roughly.
Regular moisturizing of the skin could help. Use creams and ointments that are advised by the doctor to maintain the skin's moisture and reduce irritability.
Tell your child to avoid scratching and rubbing the affected areas. This may just worsen the situation and in the long run, start up painful flare.
Make sure to keep your child's nails trimmed down and clean.
Keep your environment clean and dust-free. Also restrict pets on some areas at home.

It is always safer to have things in the natural way. There are less worries of experiencing side-effects because, basically, they have no harsh ingredients; all because of one bold reason- they are natural.

Now, in dealing with eczema, we could always rely on the power of natural treatment.

%u2022 Regular intake of water aids in hydrating and retaining skin moisture. This way, dry skin is relieved and can somehow give liberation from so much pain. Two liters of water daily is recommended for persons going through eczema.
%u2022 Probiotics or good bacteria are found in the digestive tract of a person. These are live micro-rganisms that fight against bad bacteria to strengthen the digestive tract and immune system. If probiotics are taken by children, chances are, the development of eczema can be reduced. These are really helpful for children especially in avoiding the symptoms of eczema.
%u2022 Taking of natural supplements such as vitamins C and E and virgin coconut oil helps make up skin damages. These can repair damaged cells because of the anti-oxidants properties of the mentioned vitamins plus the powerful moisturizing effect of virgin coconut oil's natural oils.
%u2022 An oatmeal bath is one yummy way to sooth skin's dryness and inflammation.
%u2022 Get rid of stress to avoid eczema symptoms attack. Manage stress by inhaling flower essences that can lower the increasing stress levels.
%u2022 Healthy lifestyle is always the best. Nothing beats clean living with discipline. Avoid smoking, drinking of alcoholic drinks and other dirty activities to maintain a clean life.

All of these methods will indeed treat eczema. However, none of these methods will cure eczema.

In fact all of the above suggestions for treating eczema unfortunately are just that, "treating". None seem to cure the disease.

I found an excellent product with Susan Clark. She developed a cure for Eczema and was I glad. Itchiness for me was torture, I would much rather "hurt" from scratching then itch. So, when I found this product it was heaven sent. The fact that I don't have to go to the doctor, get medicines, struggle with being uncomfortable from the effects and sight of eczema is wonderful.

I invite you to take a look at Susan's program and advice and see if this doesn't work the miracle that it has with me.

http://bit.ly/1CgXq