Eczema - What You Need to Know
Richard Sutter
May 21, 2007
Skin is the biggest organ we have and since it is the most exposed one to all the elements, the skin witnesses several ailments. Eczema, which is also known as dermatitis is one of them. This is basically an allergic state where the skin starts to itch and when scratched, becomes inflamed and red. Other symptoms of eczema include dryness of the skin, cracking, bleeding, flaking, blistering and even bleeding. The red rashes that are associated with the disease can look very ugly and threatening.
Surprisingly, eczema is extremely common in the US and beyond, with in excess of 15 million cases being reported in the US alone. The disease is also genetic, and so, if someone had it in the family, the likelihood of getting it increases manifold. Though adults (both men and women) can get the disease, but eczema is mainly seen in babies. In fact, as many as 20% babies develop eczema, whereas, only about 1 to 2% of adults suffer from the disease.
Why does eczema happen? When various genes in the body interact with environmental factors, it causes irritation and leads to inflammation. Actually it is the T lymphocyte cells that cause the inflammation in the skin.
Sadly eczema cannot be completely cured ever. But the symptoms can definitely be treated and the rashes removed. However there is always this chance that the redness may return. While in most people, eczema is treatable over time, but there are those in whom the disease is recurrent and so, it keeps coming back. So one good way to avoid the disease is to identify the external factors that are interacting with the genes and causing the disease, and once they are identified, avoid using or getting exposed to them.
Eczema the skin disorder can be further classified as…
Atopic Eczema: It affects the elbows, knees and the face and looks like small pimples to begin with, and upon scratching deteriorate. Atopic eczema happens mostly in babies aged between 2 months to 1 and half years. The condition improves if the baby is kept in a cool place.
Stasis Eczema: This type effects mostly on the legs.
Hand Eczema: Experts are now saying that too much exposure to water and using detergents for long hours can lead to hand eczema. It affects mostly adults since they are the ones who are mostly exposed to detergents and water.
Nummular Eczema: When there are circular patches on the skin looking with scales, the condition is referred to as nummular eczema. They can happen anywhere on the skin.
Since eczema happens when the genes interact with external elements, there are few simple ways in which this skin disease can be avoided…
Identify what causes the irritation and try to avoid coming in contact with them.
Using gloves is a good idea.
Cotton is a skin friendly fabric and so wear clothes made of cotton.
Never let the skin become too dry – use a moisturizer daily.
Try never to scratch, though this can be difficult given the itchiness.
Remember, eczema can return – so take care of the skin even after the eczema is gone.
Surprisingly, eczema is extremely common in the US and beyond, with in excess of 15 million cases being reported in the US alone. The disease is also genetic, and so, if someone had it in the family, the likelihood of getting it increases manifold. Though adults (both men and women) can get the disease, but eczema is mainly seen in babies. In fact, as many as 20% babies develop eczema, whereas, only about 1 to 2% of adults suffer from the disease.
Why does eczema happen? When various genes in the body interact with environmental factors, it causes irritation and leads to inflammation. Actually it is the T lymphocyte cells that cause the inflammation in the skin.
Sadly eczema cannot be completely cured ever. But the symptoms can definitely be treated and the rashes removed. However there is always this chance that the redness may return. While in most people, eczema is treatable over time, but there are those in whom the disease is recurrent and so, it keeps coming back. So one good way to avoid the disease is to identify the external factors that are interacting with the genes and causing the disease, and once they are identified, avoid using or getting exposed to them.
Eczema the skin disorder can be further classified as…
Atopic Eczema: It affects the elbows, knees and the face and looks like small pimples to begin with, and upon scratching deteriorate. Atopic eczema happens mostly in babies aged between 2 months to 1 and half years. The condition improves if the baby is kept in a cool place.
Stasis Eczema: This type effects mostly on the legs.
Hand Eczema: Experts are now saying that too much exposure to water and using detergents for long hours can lead to hand eczema. It affects mostly adults since they are the ones who are mostly exposed to detergents and water.
Nummular Eczema: When there are circular patches on the skin looking with scales, the condition is referred to as nummular eczema. They can happen anywhere on the skin.
Since eczema happens when the genes interact with external elements, there are few simple ways in which this skin disease can be avoided…
Identify what causes the irritation and try to avoid coming in contact with them.
Using gloves is a good idea.
Cotton is a skin friendly fabric and so wear clothes made of cotton.
Never let the skin become too dry – use a moisturizer daily.
Try never to scratch, though this can be difficult given the itchiness.
Remember, eczema can return – so take care of the skin even after the eczema is gone.