Eczema: Facts and Tactics

Eczema is a type of dermatitis; in fact, it is often referred to as “dermatitis eczema.” The condition by either name is an inflammation of the skin that is usually itchy and appears as an area of red skin that can be flaky, cracked, scaly, crusty or may even exhibit tiny bumps or blisters.

An Allergic Reaction

Eczema is a fairly common medical problem that affects an estimated 3% of Americans. The most common form of eczema is called atopic eczema; the word 'atopic' is used to mean that it is a type of allergic reaction that is usually hereditary and quite often chronic (long lasting). Chronic eczema does not imply that it is always present; many times a person with atopic eczema will appear to be cured but these periods of remission are usually only temporary. The sad fact is there is no guaranteed cure for eczema. Because atopic eczema is triggered by an allergic reaction, people with atopic eczema may have other allergies such as hay fever or food allergies.

Outbreaks -- Don't Scratch

Eczema can occur anywhere on your body. The first indications of an outbreak is a hot and itchy sensation that tempts you to scratch the itch. Its a temptation that is best avoided. The skin has already, by that time, become irritated by some airborne or contact allergen or, perhaps by a reaction to something you ate, if you scratch you are only adding to the irritation.

Treatment by a Physician

A dermatologist is best prepared to help you cope with and perhaps avoid eczema outbreaks. There are prescription creams and ointments available that a physician can provide that will ease the itch and add moisture to the skin. Tests by the dermatologist can then identify your allergies and isolate the triggers that cause the outbreaks so you can avoid them. There may also be medications like antihistamines or corticosteroids that the physician can prescribe that will help you control reactions to allergens that are impossible to avoid.

Tips for Avoidance

There are many things that may irritate your skin that you may want to avoid if they may possibly be causing your eczema to act up; some of these irritants are detergents, solvents, some soaps and cosmetics and gasoline.

Some things that are so common they are hard to avoid altogether, for example traces of gasoline on your hands when filling up your car's gas tank; there are a couple things you can do to avoid accidentally spreading irritants that you come into contact with: always have some moist towelettes handy so that anything that might cause an eczema outbreak can be wiped away before it is accidentally spread to other parts of your body, or slip on a pair of disposable vinyl or latex gloves before any possible contact with these irritants.

Cold weather can dry out your skin and dry skin is a playground for eczema; protect your skin by covering up and wearing gloves when you are exposed to cold winds and low temperatures.

If you have sensitive skin, soft cotton clothing will make you feel much more comfortable than clothes made of wool or synthetics materials.

Some soaps, as mentioned before, will irritate sensitive skin but there are certain soaps made especially for sensitive skin; use unscented non-allergenic soaps in the bath or shower and, even when using these soaps, don't overdo it.

Most importantly, see a doctor or dermatologist and take the doctor's advice. Eczema is likely to be a genetic trait and likely to be with you, on and off, for life.