Eczema is a group of conditions that occur in the skin and make it inflamed or irritated. It’s almost often associated with allergic conditions such as hay fever or asthma. About 10%-20% of children in the US suffer from this skin condition. However, some may overgrow this condition after ten years old. 3% of the adult population suffers from this condition in the US. In the following article, we’ll discuss briefly the causes, effects, and treatment of Eczema.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Eczema can vary from person to person. Even flare-ups won’t always happen in the same area in two different persons. Generally, eczema is almost always itchy and can cause a serious-looking rash on the skin.
Symptoms in infants
The Eczema rash can promote oozing, crusting conditions, primarily on the face and scalp of the baby. But it can also spread to its arms, legs, back, and chest.
Symptoms in children
Rash behind the elbows, behind the knees, neck, wrists, and ankles are commonly seen in children and teens. The rash looks scaly and dry in these cases.
Symptoms in adults
For adults, the face, back of the knee, wrists, hands, or feet are affected most by Eczema. It can feel very dry, thick, or scaly. In fair-toned skin, the affected area may start out reddish then turn to brown. Among darker-skinned people, eczema can lighten up the color of the skin.
Causes of Eczema
The exact reason for eczema has not yet been discovered. The experts suggest that this could be the response of the immune system to something harmful. It may promote the loosening of skin moisture and the infiltration of germs in the skin. Often the people having a history of asthma or other allergies in the family suffer from this condition.
Although, some people may suffer from itchy rash or inflammation in response to things like:
- Rough fabric
- Feeling too hot or cold
- Exposure to soap or detergent
- Cold or other respiratory infections
- Stress
- Fur or feather of animals and birds
Eczema Diagnosis
There’s no specialized test for eczema available recently. A larger population with eczema may have other allergies. The doctor may order some allergy tests to look for what triggers eczema and the agents that promote it. Then the doctor can provide a diagnosis for your skin.
Treatment
The itching associated with eczema causes infection in the skin. So to treat eczema, preventing itching is the first and foremost step.
As eczema turns the skin dry, the doctor may suggest some creams and lotions to intact the moisture in the place. These products should be used in damp skin, which ensures a longer presence of moisture in the skin. A cold compress can also help to soothe itching.
Light therapy can also significantly help in healing eczema. When the patient exposes himself to blue light, it kills all the harmful germs and bacteria in the skin. This can substantially decrease the irritation in the skin. So the damaging effect of eczema cannot spread.
Moreover, red light therapy increases the production of collagen and elastin proteins in the skin cells. That revives the cells and fills the pores of the skin. Therefore, harmful bacterias cannot enter the skin. Redlight also promotes the healing of the skin. That can solve the eczema problem for a while.
When to Consult a Doctor
In some cases, eczema can seriously damage one’s skin. So before the problem gets bigger, one must consult a doctor. You need to see a doctor if:
- You notice signs of infection like fever, redness, warmth, or blisters.
- Sudden change of eczema affected the area, and the condition is turning worse.
- Treatments aren’t working.
Complications Due to Eczema
Eczema can cause severe damage to one’s skin and lifestyle. It can promote extreme skin conditions if not treated when complications occur. Some commonly known complications may be:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Loss of sleep because of itching
Inflammation Prevention Due to Eczema
Although there is no certain medication that can prevent eczema from happening, one can take the following measures to keep it in control. That way, the flare-up, and infection can be reduced significantly.
- Keep your skin moisturized
- Avoid sudden temperature or humidity changes
- Manage stress
- Scratchy materials like wood should be avoided
- Prevent yourself from using harsh soap or detergent
- Avoid foods that may trigger your allergic reaction
- If possible, use a humidifier in your bedroom
- Avoid places that may trigger sweating
Although there’s no cure for eczema, certain protective measures can help you avoid the effects of this condition. Eczema is not contagious; it cannot spread from person to person. And often it can be cured with the increasing of age. Many people have also benefited from light therapy in controlling eczema. Instead of fearing this condition, take certain steps that will help you control this skin condition for you.