Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common chronic skin condition marked by itching, inflammation, redness and swelling of the skin. Eczema is a form of dermatitis. Eczema itself is not dangerous, and it is not contagious. Eczema is an allergic condition that is most common in babies and children and usually resolves by adulthood.

Eczema occurs when skin is more sensitive to certain substances than normal. The appearance, severity, symptoms and triggers of eczema vary between individuals. There is currently no cure for eczema, but eczema can be controlled with regular medical care and a good treatment plan. Some types of eczema can be prevented by avoiding stress, irritants, and things that cause allergic reactions.

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Eczema is generally not a serious condition, but there is a potential for complications, such as a secondary bacterial or fungal infection of the eczema rash. Seek prompt medical care if you have symptoms of eczema. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce your risk for complications.

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Eczema - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

What is eczema?

Eczema is a general term for rash-like skin conditions. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction. Eczema is often very itchy and when you scratch it, the skin becomes red and inflamed. Eczema affects adults and children, but it is most common in babies.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition. "Atopic" describes an inherited tendency to develop dermatitis, asthma and hay fever. "Dermatitis" means that the skin is red and itchy.

Atopic dermatitis usually starts during infancy and continues into childhood. There are times when the condition gets worse (called flare-ups). Flare-ups are followed by times when the skin will heal and there may be no signs of atopic dermatitis (called remission). Remission can last for weeks, months or even years. Some children will outgrow atopic dermatitis, and others will still have it when they are adults. Flare-ups in adults tend to be less severe.

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Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis | Overview - FamilyDoctor.org

What is eczema?

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a skin rash that usually appears before age 5. In babies it tends to show up on the cheeks and scalp, but it may spread to the arms, legs, chest, or other parts of the body. After a child's first year, it's most likely to show up on the insides of the elbows, the backs of the knees, the wrists, and the ankles, but it can also appear elsewhere.

The rash might look like dry, thickened, scaly skin, or it might be made up of tiny red bumps that ooze or become infected if scratched. Scratching can also cause thickened, darkened, or scarred skin over time.

Eczema typically comes and goes. It isn't contagious, but because it's intensely itchy, it can be very uncomfortable, and scratching can be a problem. If untreated, the rash can be unsightly, so it may present a social challenge for a child, too.

Your doctor can diagnose eczema by examining your child's skin. He may send you to a dermatologist for confirmation and treatment.

No one knows for sure what causes it, but the tendency to have eczema is often inherited. So your child is more likely to have it if you or a close family member has had eczema, asthma, or allergies.

Eczema is not an allergic reaction to a substance, but allergens or irritants in the environment (such as pollen or cigarette smoke) can trigger it. Less frequently, it can be triggered by allergens in your child's diet or in your diet if your child is breastfeeding.

The rash can also be aggravated by heat, irritants that come in contact with the skin (like wool or the chemicals in some soaps, fragrances, lotions, and detergents), changes in temperature, and dry skin. Stress can also trigger a flare-up of eczema.

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About 20 percent of babies and young children have eczema. It usually starts in infancy, with 65 percent of patients developing symptoms in the first year of life and 90 percent developing symptoms before age 5.

There's no way to know ahead of time whether a child will outgrow eczema, but fortunately the condition usually becomes less severe with age. Many children outgrow eczema by age 2, and many others outgrow it by adulthood.

Taking good care of your child's skin and avoiding triggers can help treat and prevent flare-ups.

Bathing and moisturizing Talk with the doctor about how often to bathe your child. Many experts now believe that daily bathing can be helpful for children with eczema. Just don't make the water too warm, because very warm water dries out the skin faster than lukewarm water.

Use a mild soap or non-soap cleanser, and wash and shampoo your child at the end of the bath so he isn't sitting in soapy water. As soon as you get your child out of the tub, pat (don't rub) excess water from his skin with a soft towel or washcloth.

Then, while the skin is still damp, promptly apply a liberal amount of moisturizer or emollient an ointment, cream, or lotion that "seals in" the body's own moisture to your child's skin. Ointments and creams contain more emollient and less water than lotions and are usually best for children with eczema.

"I recommend emollients for children of all ages," says Michael Smith, an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics in the division of dermatology at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. He suggests testing the emollient for a short time to make sure it doesn't irritate your child's skin.

The most effective approach, according to Smith, is to hydrate and lubricate the skin at the same time by applying emollient to damp skin. The emollient won't improve the red, inflamed, itchy areas, but it will help restore the skin's invisible protective barrier. (This barrier makes up part of the normal outer layer of the skin and is impaired in kids with eczema.)

Allowing skin to breathe and stay cool Dress your child in smooth natural fabrics, like cotton. Avoid wool and other scratchy materials, which can irritate very sensitive skin. Don't overheat your child by bundling him up more than necessary.

Soaps and cleansers Switch to mild, fragrance-free soaps or non-soap cleansers and shampoos, or those made for sensitive skin. Use mild, fragrance-free detergent for washing clothes and bedding. Don't use fabric softeners.

Prevent scratching Your child may try to get relief by scratching with his hands or by rubbing his face against the sheet during sleep. But scratching and rubbing can further irritate or inflame the skin and make matters much worse.

Use the softest sheets possible in the crib or bed, and keep your child's nails short. Put him to bed with cotton mittens or socks on his hands if he'll tolerate them.

If your child has a lot of trouble sleeping because of the itching, consult your doctor. He may suggest an antihistamine to help your child rest better.

Soothe flare-ups During a flare-up, you can try applying cool compresses to the area several times a day, followed by a moisturizer.

A study published in the May 2009 issue of Pediatrics tested treatments on children with severe eczema. The kids ranged in age from 6 months to 17 years.

Researchers found that soaking for five to ten minutes twice a week in a diluted bleach bath was five times more effective at treating eczema than plain water (used by the placebo group). The improvement was so dramatic that the researchers stopped the study early to allow children in the placebo group to benefit from the method.

Amy Paller, senior author of the study and the Walter J. Hamlin professor and chair of the department of dermatology and professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, says that with their doctor's approval parents of children with moderate to severe eczema might want to try this method, especially if their child gets skin infections.

Paller recommends a scant two teaspoons of bleach per gallon of bathwater (or 1/2 cup per full tub) at least twice a week, taking these precautions: 1) Make sure your child doesn't drink the water. 2) Disperse the bleach in the water before putting your child in the tub (you don't want undiluted bleach to get on her skin).

Nashville pediatrician Smith agrees with Paller's approach. "It's safe and easy to do," he says. "It's basically like a freshly chlorinated swimming pool, which serves to kill germs in the pool. It is very useful for kids with recurrent skin infections related to eczema, but it has also been shown effective just to eliminate bacteria, making the eczema easier to treat."

Smith tells parents to use 1/3 to 1/2 cup for a full tub or 1 teaspoon per gallon. He also suggests rinsing off briefly afterward, to get rid of the bleach smell.

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Eczema in children | BabyCenter

What Is Allergic Eczema?

When your body comes in contact with something that could make you ill, your immune system promotes chemical changes to help your body ward off disease. You are exposed to thousands of substances each day, and most will not cause your immune system to react. However, you may come into contact with substances that are not typically harmful to the body but cause your immune system to overreact nonetheless. These substances are known as allergens, and this overreaction is known as an allergy.

Have a board certified dermatologist examine your skin problem

An allergic reaction can take a number of forms. For some people, breathing becomes difficult, they cough, and they experience burning eyes and a runny nose. Other allergic reactions cause changes in the skin. Allergic eczema is an itchy skin rash that develops when you come into contact with an allergen. The condition often occurs hours after you have been exposed to the substance that causes the allergic reaction.

Allergic eczema is also known as:

Allergic eczema occurs when you come into direct contact with an allergen. This type of allergic reaction is known as delayed allergy because it can take several exposures to the allergen to cause a reaction. Also, the symptoms of allergic eczema may not develop for 24 to 48 hours after you have come in contact with the allergen.

Although allergic eczema can develop because of an immune response to any substance, some common triggers include:

Allergic eczema may also result when the skin is exposed to chemicals in the presence of sunlight. One example is an allergic reaction that occurs after using sunscreen and spending time in the sun.

The symptoms of allergic eczema will be different for each person. They may also change over time. Symptoms typically develop on the skin where contact with the allergen has occurred. In rare cases, symptoms may spread to other areas of the skin.

Common symptoms include:

If you have symptoms of this disorder, your doctor will examine your skin. Although your doctor may be able to diagnose an allergic reaction, he or she may need to do further testing to determine exactly what you are allergic to. Typically an epicutaneous (on surface of the skin) or patch test will be required.

During this test, patches that contain common allergens are placed on your back. These patches remain in place for 48 hours. When your doctor removes the patches, he or she will check for signs of an allergic reaction. Your doctor will check your skin again in two more days to see if there is a delayed allergic reaction.

If your doctor is not able to make a diagnosis based on the patch test, other tests may be needed. Your doctor may perform a skin lesion biopsy (taking a sample of your skin for laboratory testing) to make sure that your skin condition is not due to another health problem.

Treatment for allergic eczema depends on the severity of your symptoms. In all cases, it is important to wash the affected skin with plenty of water to remove traces of the allergen.

If your symptoms are mild and do not bother you, no further treatment may be needed. You may wish to use a moisturizing cream to keep the skin hydrated and to repair damage. Over-the-counter corticosteroid creams can help with itching and inflammation.

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend prescription-strength ointments or creams. Corticosteroid pills or a shot can also be prescribed if needed.

With treatment, you can expect allergic eczema to clear up within two to three weeks. However, the condition may return if you are exposed to the allergen again. Identifying the allergen that caused your eczema and taking steps to avoid it are critical to preventing future reactions.

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Allergic Eczema: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

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Updated January 06, 2015.

Eczema is a chronic skin disorder characterized by itching rashes, which may be red, scaly, dry, or leathery. There may be skin blisters with oozing and crusting.

Eczema usually occurs for the first time in infants, with rashes typically occuring on the cheeks, elbows or knees. Eczema, although often less of a problem in adulthood, can persist, especially if a person is exposed to allergens or chemical irritants or is under stress.

People with eczema frequently have family members with asthma, hay fever, or eczema.

So far, scientific support for the claim that any remedy can treat eczema is fairly lacking.

Studies suggest that babies at high risk for allergic disorders such as eczema have different types and numbers of bacteria in their digestive tracts than other babies, and that probiotic supplements taken by pregnant women and children may reduce the occurrence eczema in children.

A large, long-term study examined whether the use of a probiotic supplement or a placebo could influence the incidence of eczema in infants. Researchers randomized 1223 pregnant women carrying high-risk babies to use a probiotic supplement or a placebo for 2 to 4 weeks before deliver.

Starting from birth, infants received the same probiotics as their mothers had plus galacto-oligosaccharides (called a "prebiotic" because it has been shown to help multiple strains of beneficial bacteria flourish) for 6 months. After 2 years, the probiotics were significantly more effective than placebo at preventing eczema.

In addition to the use of probiotics to prevent eczema, probiotics have also been explored as a treatment for infants and children who already have eczema. Some studies have found that probiotics alleviate symptoms of eczema only in infants and children who are sensitized to food allergens.

Researchers are testing different strains of bacteria to see if one particular strain is more effective for eczema. One of the most commonly used probiotic strains used in eczema studies is Lactobacillus GG. Other strains used include Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-033 PCC, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacteria lactis. The prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides has also been used.

Consult a qualified health professional before using probiotics. Children with immune deficiencies should not take probiotics unless under a practitioner's supervision. For more information about probiotics, read Acidophilus and Other Probiotics.

For example, one double-blind study examined the use of borage oil (500 mg a day) or placebo in 160 adults with moderate eczema. After 24 weeks, the overall effectiveness was not significantly better with borage oil compared with the placebo.

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Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend any alternative medicine for eczema treatment.Supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. Also keep in mind that the safety of supplements inpregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. You can get tips on usingsupplements here,but if you're considering the use of alternative medicine,talk with your primary care provider first.Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.

Sources

Brouwer ML, Wolt-Plompen SA, Dubois AE, van der Heide S, Jansen DF, Hoijer MA, Kauffman HF, Duiverman EJ. No effects of probiotics on atopic dermatitis in infancy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Clin Exp Allergy. 36.7 (2006): 899-906.

Henz BM, Jablonska S, van de Kerkhof PC, Stingl G, Blaszczyk M, Vandervalk PG, Veenhuizen R, Muggli R, Raederstorff D. Double-blind, multicentre analysis of the efficacy of borage oil in patients with atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol. 140.4 (1999): 685-688.

Kalliomaki M, Salminen S, Poussa T, Arvilommi H, Isolauri E. Probiotics and prevention of atopic disease: 4-year follow-up of a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 361.9372 (2003): 1869-1871.

Korting HC, Schafer-Korting M, Klovekorn W, Klovekorn G, Martin C, Laux P. Comparative efficacy of hamamelis distillate and hydrocortisone cream in atopic eczema. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 48.6 (1995): 461-465.

Kukkonen K, Savilahti E, Haahtela T, Juntunen-Backman K, Korpela R, Poussa T, Tuure T, Kuitunen M. Probiotics and prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides in the prevention of allergic diseases: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 119.1 (2007): 192-198.

Moro G, Arslanoglu S, Stahl B, Jelinek J, Wahn U, Boehm G. A mixture of prebiotic oligosaccharides reduces the incidence of atopic dermatitis during the first six months of age. Arch Dis Child. 91.10 (2006): 814-819.

Patzelt-Wenczler R, Ponce-Poschl E. Proof of efficacy of Kamillosan(R) cream in atopic eczema. Eur J Med Res. 5.4 (2000): 171-175.

Saeedi M, Morteza-Semnani K, Ghoreishi MR. The treatment of atopic dermatitis with licorice gel. J Dermatolog Treat. 14.3 (2003): 153-157.

Sistek D, Kelly R, Wickens K, Stanley T, Fitzharris P, Crane J. Is the effect of probiotics on atopic dermatitis confined to food sensitized children? Clin Exp Allergy. 36.5 (2006): 629-633.

Taylor AL, Dunstan JA, Prescott SL. Probiotic supplementation for the first 6 months of life fails to reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis and increases the risk of allergen sensitization in high-risk children: A randomized controlled trial. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 119.1 (2007): 184-191.

Viljanen M, Savilahti E, Haahtela T, Juntunen-Backman K, Korpela R, Poussa T, Tuure T, Kuitunen M. Probiotics in the treatment of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome in infants: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Allergy. 60.4 (2005): 494-500.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.

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Natural Treatments/ Remedies for Eczema

Eczema: Introduction

Eczema is a chronic skin condition marked by itching, inflammation, redness, and swelling of the skin. Eczema is one type of dermatitis and is a general term that includes a variety of types of eczema, including atopic eczema, allergic contact eczema, dyshidrotic eczema, and seborrheic eczema.

Eczema occurs when skin is more sensitive to certain substances than normal. This often occurs in patches and may appear as rashes that come and go and may disappear altogether. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it is linked to allergies and an abnormal response of the immune system. Exposure to triggers, such as stress, allergens, and skin irritants, precipitate a flare-up of eczema in sensitive people.

Eczema is a common condition, affecting about 10 percent to 20 percent of the world's population, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The appearance, severity, symptoms, and triggers of eczema vary between individuals. Eczema does though frequently occur and reoccur during infancy and childhood and may resolve in adulthood. People who are more likely to develop eczema include those with a personal or family history of allergies, allergic rhinitis or asthma.

Symptoms of eczema can include itching followed by the development of a rash or patch of inflamed skin and more severe itching. For more information on symptoms, refer to symptoms of eczema.

Uncomplicated eczema is generally not a serious condition, but itching and scratching can lead to increased inflammation, open breaks in the skin, and a secondary bacterial infection or fungal infection of the surrounding skin and tissues. This is called cellulitis and can be potentially serious.

A diagnosis of eczema can often be made by taking a thorough health history, including symptoms, and performing a physical exam. For some people, skin patch testing may be performed. In a patch test, small amounts of common allergens are applied methodically to the skin to determine what substances are triggering an allergic response, leading to the eczema.

Because the symptoms of eczema may be similar to other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, hives, or pityriasis rosea, a misdiagnosis is possible. For information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of eczema.

There is currently no cure for eczema, but the condition can be controlled with a good treatment plan individualized to a person's medical history, specific type and severity of eczema, and other factors.

Treatment begins with the prevention of flare-ups. This includes an integrated plan to reduce exposure to irritants and allergens and minimize skin dryness. A variety of topical and oral medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and cure secondary infections. Another type of treatment that may be effective for some people with eczema is phototherapy.

A combination of treatments that include lifestyle changes with medications and other treatments as appropriate is the most effective way to best control eczema. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of eczema. ...more

Eczema: Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by skin inflammation and irritation. The severity of extent of the condition is highly variable. It may be caused by allergies, irritants or other factors such as stress. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Eczema is available below.

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Eczema Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments and Causes ...

Updated December 15, 2014.

It is important for people with eczema and their loved ones to understand how to take care of their skin because using the wrong soap or moisturizer can cause flare-ups that are itchy or painful. On the other hand, using the correct soap or moisturizer can calm down inflamed skin or prevent flare-ups.

Sources:

Boguniewicz, Mark. "Atopic Dermatitis: Beyond the Itch that Rashes." Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America 25(2005): 333-51.

Chamlin, Sarah, et al. "Ceramide-dominant barrier repair lipids alleviate childhood atopic dermatitis: Changes in barrier function provide a sensitive indicator of disease activity." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 47(2002): 198-208.

Choi, Myeong Jun, and Howard Maibach. "Role of Ceramides in Barrier Function of Healthy and Diseased Skin." American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 6(2005): 215-22.

Coderch L, et al. "Efficacy of stratum corneum lipid supplementation on human skin." Contact Dermatitis. 3(2002):139-46.

Halvarsson, K, and M. Loden. "Increasing quality of life by improving the quality of skin in patients with atopic dermatitis." International Journal of Cosmetic Science 29(2007): 69-83.

Hanifin, Jon, et al. "Guidelines of Care for Atopic Dermatitis." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 50(2004): 391-404.

Simpson, Eric, and Jon Hanifin. "Atopic Dermatitis." The Medical Clinics of North America 90(2006): 149-167.

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Eczema - Skin Care Recommendations - Dermatology

Acute Phase of Eczema. Photo Heather L. Brannon, MD

Updated December 15, 2014.

Eczema is a term that is used often, but can be confusing because it's often used incorrectly. As technology improves, we are learning more about the actual causes of eczema. This has led researchers to divide eczema into two groups, atopic and non-atopic, based on whether certain parts of the immune system are overactive.

While there are some subtle differences between the appearance of these two eczema types, they often look the same depending on how long the rash has been present.

Both rashes can go through the different stages of eczema the longer they persist.

This difference in stages is important because certain treatments work better on different stages of the rash. All three stages respond to antihistamines like Benadryl or Zyrtec and topical steroids. Oral antibiotics like cephalexin and dicloxacillin are useful in all three stages if bacteria have invaded breaks in the skin. Some of the treatments that tend to be useful for each stage are discussed below.

Source:

Habif, Thomas. "Eczema and Hand Dermatitis." Clinical Dermatology, 4th Edition. Ed. Thomas Habif, MD. New York: Mosby, 2004. 41-9.

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Eczema - Description, Treatment, Stages - Dermatology

Atopic dermatitis can be persistent. You may need to try various treatments over months or years to control it. And even if you respond to treatment, your signs and symptoms may return (flare).

It's important to recognize the condition early so you can start treatment. If regular moisturizing and other self-care steps don't help, your doctor may suggest the following treatments and drugs:

Light therapy. The simplest form of light therapy (phototherapy) involves exposing your skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight. Other forms use artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) and narrow band UVB either alone or with medications.

Though effective, long-term light therapy has harmful effects, including premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. For these reasons, phototherapy is not used for infants and young children. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of light therapy in your situation.

Treatment for infantile eczema includes:

See your baby's doctor if these measures don't improve the rash or if the rash looks infected. Your baby may need a prescription medication to control the rash or to treat an infection. Your doctor may recommend an oral antihistamine to help lessen the itch and to cause drowsiness, which may be helpful for nighttime itching and discomfort.

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Atopic dermatitis (eczema) Treatments and drugs - Mayo Clinic

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders seen in infants and children, affecting 10 to 15 percent of the childhood population. There could be many causes of atopic dermatitis, including allergic or immune mediated components. In adulthood, the disease typically worsens and the skin becomes thicker and drier.

Brought to you by: National Eczema Association

Take care of your skin with the eczema treatment that's right for you.

Your skin becomes dry when it fails to retain water. Good skin care habits including bathing are an important part of managing eczema, use a gentle cleanser and avoid scrubbing with a washcloth or rubbing with a towel; pat instead.

Use of an OTC moisturizer several times every day helps to relieve the irritation and itch to improve skin hydration and protect the skin moisture barrier. Moisturizers are more effective when applied to skin that has been soaked in water and still wet.

Brought to you by: National Eczema Association

Take care of you skin by following these eczema management tips.

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Eczema Creams, Lotions & Treatments | AVEENO

Have you ever had a red, itchy rash that does not go away? Chances are, it may be eczema. While mild eczema is not life threatening, it may be extremely uncomfortable with an itch. Symptoms usually vary depending on the individual, and may include dry, scaly, red and itchy skin. If left untreated, constant scratching may lead to bleeding, crusting, or broken skin open to possible infection. It is usually easily diagnosed by doctors by a physical check-up, and most of the time, does not require biopsies or additional testing.

According to the National Eczema Association, the term "eczema" is a general term used to describe dermatitis and can be interchangeably used. Although it comes in many forms, eczema mostly describes a dry skin condition that may be relieved by moisturizers and emollients. This skin condition is not contagious, so you cannot pass it on to other people or catch them from someone else.

A specific cause for eczema has yet to be identified. Many believe that this skin condition is attributed to a combination of factors that include:

Many of these factors are still speculation, with further research needed to confirm a specific cause for eczema. Factors like asthma and hay fever that are often associated with eczema could pose as possible leads. However, not all people who have been diagnosed with eczema have shown these particular medical conditions.

Since eczema can refer to various types of irritated skin, the types can almost be endless. Here are some of the more common types of eczema:

The most common symptom of eczema is red, swollen and itchy skin. The symptoms may vary depending on the specific type of eczema you are dealing with. Blisters and scaly patches are also possible symptoms of eczema. These blisters might also ooze, crust and even bleed. Skin color may also change, and can even become thick and leathery. These outbreaks can appear practically anywhere on the body, and the location of the affected area can be used to classify the particular type of eczema that the person is suffering from.

Unfortunately, there is no known treatment for eczema, but there are many ways to relieve symptoms. For example, there are several easy home remedies that can help relieve itch and irritation should a breakout take place.

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Eczema, Causes, Tests, Diagnosis & Treatment

Definition of Eczema:

Eczema, or dermatitis as it is sometimes called, is a group of skin conditions which can affect all age groups. The severity of the disease can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. Although it can sometimes look unpleasant, eczema is not contagious. With treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced, though the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care.

The following drugs and medications are in some way related to, or used in the treatment of Eczema. This service should be used as a supplement to, and NOT a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

See 32 generic medications used to treat this condition

Alternative treatments for Eczema

The following products are considered to be alternative treatments or natural remedies for Eczema. Their efficacy may not have been scientifically tested to the same degree as the drugs listed in the table above. However there may be historical, cultural or anecdotal evidence linking their use to the treatment of Eczema.

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Symptoms and treatment for:

Drugs.com Health Center:

Synonym(s): Atopic Eczema; Dermatitis, Atopic; Discoid Eczema; Infantile Eczema

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Eczema Medication | Drugs.com

You haven't been near poison ivy in weeks, you aren't allergic to latex and you don't have allergies that give you hives -- at least, you don't think you do. So what's that red patch of itchy dry skin? It could be a type of eczema. An estimated 15 million Americans are affected by it [source: EczemaNet]. The name eczema is actually an all-encompassing title for a range of skin conditions that produce the same itching and redness, the most common of which is called atopic dermatitis (or atopic eczema).

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema found in infants and children under the age of two. In fact, about 10 to 20 percent of infants have eczema [source: UVA Health System]. The disease occurs less frequently in adults, but they can still be affected through periodical flare-ups that are triggered by different allergic reactions or reactions to skin irritants.

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis are overshadowed by one major characteristic -- itchiness. Atopic dermatitis is almost always itchy; it can be itchy even before a rash appears, and scratching can both cause and worsen the rash. In babies, eczema most often occurs on the face, arms, legs, scalp and neck. In children and adults, it usually shows up in the folds of elbows and knees. Skin affected by eczema can appear dry, thickened and scaly. Fair-skinned people who have the condition may have reddish patches of skin that turn brown, while dark-skinned people can experience changes in pigment that either darken or lighten the affected skin [source: WebMD].

Other diseases grouped under the label of eczema include:

[source: InteliHealth]

Similar factors cause these types of eczema, and you treat most of them in similar ways. Read on to find out more about what can cause those itchy red patches.

Read more from the original source:
How Eczema Works - HowStuffWorks

Posted by Forloveford (Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada) on 02/27/2013

I have suffered from eczema for 14 years, this past year it has gotten out of control due to high stress and anxiety. Recently my Husband had an abscessed tooth and I looked on here for some remedies when I came across the activated charcoal, it draws out toxins so he used it and it drew out the abscess (in the bone) in two days, he is now pain free.

Anyways, I have been unable to sleep through the night or even function normally for months, I got another rash on my hand and decided to take some of the poultice I made for my Husbands tooth and put it on my new rash. I left it on for a few minutes and washed it off, which proved to be the most frustrating part of this cure!

A few days later (which brings me to today) I ended up itching severely on my lowers legs, this has been my area of most irritation, I popped open two capsules and mixed them with organic coconut oil and applied it to the most painful areas. WARNING; this stuff will stain everything: skin, clothes, tubs I mean EVERYTHING! I ran a bath as I allowed to stuff to sink in, grabbed a book (after washing my hands a million times) and got into the tub. I stayed in for about 20-30 minutes after which I proceeded to wash my skin over and over and over with an organic all natural bar of soap and a clean washcloth (I wash all my laundry with a solution of borax, grated and diluted organic lavender bar-soap and a few drops of lemongrass essential oil, this has helped allot with my skin irritation and allergies) My skin was a dingy grey after wards and so I drained my black rimmed tub and showered, again washing my skin thoroughly but not too much as to irritate my skin again, then I washed out my tub, dried off with a fresh towel and relaxed for a few minutes (this I found to be highly important in stress management, which contributes to eczema).

My skin never felt better and I actually had some energy. I still have black lines and dingy skin but I really don't care, it will wash off the next shower I have. I have also decided to take one charcoal tablet a day to help with the IBS I frequently experience and know that it contributes to low immune function and the plethora of health issues I have faced since I was about 10.

Anyone with severe skin issues I highly recommend a healthy non-gmo diet, elimination of industrial chemicals in household products, elimination of fluoride and as odd as it seems placed in this list: Inner Child therapy (I find the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh the best, he treats the body, mind and world as a whole) Most of these immune issues stem from severe stress and trauma experienced during childhood, things we didn't and still have not faced that resurface as health problems.

Recipe for skin poultice: - 2 caps activated charcoal Aprox. 1 Tbls - equal amount of Organic Coconut Oil - Mix together and apply for at least 30 minutes.

Like others have stated you may experience a urine-like smell and this indicates that it is working (not sure why, will have to look into that) First time I did this I smelled urine, very strongly in the tub until I washed the charcoal from myself and the tub, its gross and quite pungent, perhaps this is the toxins that are drawn out? If anyone has information on this mechanism please reply with your info!

An FYI in case anyone is interested, I have tried the prescription meds since I was very young, every other home remedy on this site as well as other but nothing has provided the immediate relief I experienced from the charcoal poultice. The itching, burning, swelling, redness, and small pimple-like lesions have disappeared all that is left of it is the scabs where I have scratched so much I opened the lesions.

Please drink plenty of fluoride free (if possible) water after ingesting or applying charcoal as it dehydrates the body.

Original post:
Natural Eczema Treatment - Earth Clinic

Facts about the skin from DermNet New Zealand Trust. Topic index: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Dermatitis affects about one in every five people at some time in their lives. It results from a variety of different causes and has various patterns.

The terms dermatitis and eczema are often used interchangeably. In some cases the term eczematous dermatitis is used. Dermatitis can be acute or chronic or both.

An in-between state is known as subacute eczema.

Psychological stresses can provoke or aggravate dermatitis, presumably by suppressing normal immune mechanisms.

An important aspect of treatment is to identify and tackle any contributing factors (see above).

Dermatitis is often a long-term problem. When you notice your skin getting dry, moisturise your skin again and carefully avoid the use of soap. If the itchy rash returns, use both the moisturiser and the steroid cream or ointment. If it fails to improve within two weeks, see your doctor for further advice.

Read the original:
Dermatitis (eczema). DermNet NZ