Eczema types, cause, symptoms, eczema treatment, natural remedies

Eczema may happen to anyone and there is no need to feel depressed about it as it is a common skin condition which affects almost 20% of world population. Unfortunately people harbor several misconceptions about it.

Let us try to understand eczema and discuss some easy remedies to get rid of it.

What is eczema?

Eczema or dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin and is distinguished by dry, itchy skin. Eczema is an allergic reaction that affects our skin. It can affect people of all ages but children are at higher risk.

Symptoms of eczema

The most common symptoms of eczema is dry and reddened skin that itches and causes burn. It affects hands, arms, wrists, necks, elbows and other parts of the body. The appearance of it varies depending on the type and also from one individual to another. Strong itching is commonly the first symptom of it and it may lead to blisters and lesions. In severe cases it may cause bleeding or oozing.

Types of eczema

Eczema can be of several types some of which are chronic but it is not a contagious disease. Let us try to distinguish the variants of eczema.

Atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis

This is the most common type of eczema which is characterized by dry and itchy skin. Children mostly suffer from it and it appears at around their first birthday and may continue till the age of three.
This is a chronic dermatitis which is caused when the skin gets exposed to allergens. The children often get it genetically.

Contact eczema

This is a localized reaction which flares up when the skin comes in contact with allergens like nickel, chemicals or perfumes. Laundry detergent is a common trigger. The skin gets dry and itchy with redness.

Seborrheic Eczema

This type of skin inflammation occurs mostly on the face, neck, around the nose and scalp line. In children it is also known as cradle cap and in adults as dandruff.
Emotional stress, improper cleaning and dirty hair often trigger this eczema.

Nummular eczema

This variant of eczema mostly occurs in elderly men and is characterized by coin-shaped patches on the skin which are very itchy. They are found on the back, buttocks, arms and lower legs.
It is chronic and runs in the family.

Varicose eczema

It is also known as statis dermatitis and is found on the lower legs mostly in elderly people. It is related to blood circulation and the skin gets discolored with patches of red or brown. This should be treated immediately as it may cause blisters and ulcers.

Hand eczema

This eczema typically occurs on the hand due to overexposure to harsh detergents and chemicals. The shiny red blisters that are formed on the hand can be very painful.

Apart from these types, several other types of eczema are also found like vaginal eczema, dyshidrotic eczema and discoid eczema.

Treatment of eczema

The most effective treatment is to remove the allergens that are causing the reaction. This may be your detergent or the environment where you are staying. But identifying the allergen and removing it becomes very difficult sometimes. To curb eczema your entire lifestyle, starting from diet to skin care regime demands special attention.

Eczema diet

• High mineral content foods like ginger and onion should be avoided if you have eczema.
• Avoid salad vegetables like cucumber and radish.
• Fruits like papayas, oranges and watermelons should be consumed less.
• Aerated drinks and ice creams should also be avoided.
• Nuts, especially cashew nuts may aggravate the problem.

Eczema care while bathing

• Take baths in lukewarm water instead of hot water to prevent excessive drying of your skin.
• Always use mild soaps.
• Pat dry your skin thoroughly and do not forget to apply moisturizer.
• Try to wear clothes that do not feel scratchy or hard.
• sunbathe and steam bath are very good for eczema.
• To avoid scratching the rashes, you may dress the affected areas.
• Sweating often causes irritation. So avoid strenuous work outs.

Natural remedies for eczema preventive measures

• Try to keep your house free from dust. Regularly clean it.
• If the allergen cannot be removed then you may have to take medication.
• Steroid creams along with anti-itching lotion may ease your problem.
• Doctors often prescribe Benadryl pills.

Eczema natural remedies or home remedies

• Applying coconut oil on the infected skin will keep it smooth and soft.
• Paste of bitter neem leaves and sandalwood is an excellent cure for eczema.
• Boil pulp of a mango in water and allow it to cool. For ten to fifteen days apply this on the affected region.
• Paste of sandalwood powder and camphor is known to be a good remedy for eczema.

Having a balanced and healthy lifestyle with less stress and plenty of rest combined with light activity will definitely help you in fighting eczema.