Eczema

Eczema is defined as a non-contagious inflammation of the skin. It is a skin condition which can seen in about 15 million people throughout the United States. Much like any other type of skin condition, there is much that a person should know about eczema - such as what is eczema, how it is caused, and ways to prevent it from happening to you.

What is Eczema?

One of the main things that you may be wondering, whether you have been diagnosed or your child has been diagnosed, is what is eczema. Eczema is often characterized by redness and itchiness. Eczema may cause bubbling or oozing in some cases, though in others it may cause dry, scaly-looking skin. When eczema is scratched, the skin may begin to seem leathery in texture. Some of the most common places for infants to get eczema include the forehead, cheeks, arms, legs, scalp and neck. Among both children and adults, eczema is more common in places such as the face, neck, elbows, knees and ankles. Since this skin condition is not contagious, it cannot be passed from person to person.

Causes of Eczema

Although eczema can affect both children and adults, it most often affects infants, who are usually born with it. There is not a known cause of eczema, though there are some factors which may be related to the condition. There is believed to be a genetic predisposition to eczema, as it seems to affect people who are born into families who have a history of allergies. Both asthma and allergic rhinitis are also factors which are known to be associated with eczema, whether it is the person who has it themselves or if it is among their family members.

Symptoms of Eczema

The two main symptoms of eczema are itchiness and redness of the skin, which seems to be true in just about any case of the skin condition. There are some other symptoms, but they tend to vary according to the case of eczema, and the person who has it. Some people tend to experience very dry, scaly-looking skin. There are also others who experience bubbling and oozing of the area of skin that eczema is affecting. When the skin is scratched, it often tends to develop a leathery-type feel.

Treatment of Eczema

As of right now, there is not a known cure for eczema. There are treatments which are available to keep the condition manageable, however. The most important thing to treat is the itchiness of eczema. One of the reasons that someone with this condition may be experiencing the itchiness is because of the dryness, which is why applying creams or lotions which are designed to add moisture to the skin is important. Cold compresses also may help relieve the itchiness of eczema. Nonprescription or prescription corticosteroids are also a very effective eczema treatment option. Sedative antihistamines, in both prescription and nonprescription form, will help relieve itchiness. It is important to see a doctor before deciding which treatment option should be used for eczema.

Prevention of Eczema

Although the eczema condition itself cannot really be prevented as it is usually genetically predetermined, there are a number of measures that one can take in order to reduce the amount and severity of outbreaks. Some of the things that can be done to prevent eczema outbreaks include moisturizing the skin frequently, avoiding changes in temperature, avoiding sweating and heat, avoiding certain materials that may be irritating to the skin, reducing stress, and avoiding certain environmental factors or foods which may lead to an allergic reaction.

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