Eczema Causes and Information
Eczema is a broad term that refers to multiple skin conditions. These skin conditions tend to produce rashes, redness, itching, swelling, bleeding, and dryness on the outside of one's skin. This disorder is also often referred to as dermatitis. It is uncomfortable for victims and many complain of an embarrassment factor with this condition as it tends to be very visible. Eczema causes are unfortunately unknown, but there are some theories as to the causes. Weather plays a part in eczema as the winter tends to be the worst season for those with this skin condition. Certain clothing or other materials that one comes into contact with may also cause what is commonly referred to as an eczema flare-up. Some common materials that cause this condition include polyester, wool, and synthetic apparel. Certain chemicals or cleaning materials may be the cause of eczema for some people as well. In fact, many doctors believe that washing one's body excessively may in fact cause this skin disorder. Other eczema causes are possibly stress and hormones. Many women tend to experience the worst eczema during their period. Some foods and allergens may cause this skin disorder to flare-up as well. Dust, for example, may be a cause of this condition in many people.
Eczema Symptoms
Eczema causes many uncomfortable symptoms. This skin disorder appears differently on everyone it affects. For example, one person might experience chronically dry skin that itches on a regular basis while another person might experience redness and a burning rash. It depends entirely on the person and each case is different. In most cases, however, severe itching is the initial sign that this skin disorder is present. Eczema causes blood and pus sometimes as well. This skin disorder can appear on any part of the body but in more people it surfaces on the face, neck, arms, and legs. Specifically, it tends to appear on the knees and elbows. In babies eczema causes rashes and itching on the scalp or cheeks. For some people this skin disorder appears then disappears quickly while for others it lasts for prolonged periods of time. A red, itchy, dry patch of skin may very well be eczema. Looking out for these symptoms is important as there are ways to treat this unfortunate skin condition.
Eczema Treatments:
There are a variety of ways to treat this condition. Most doctors recommend various lotions and creams to soothe the discomfort and dryness. Creams to treat this skin disorder are available both over the counter and as a prescription. Another way to relieve the itching is by using an ice pack. Light therapy is another treatment that is often used for more severe cases. This form of therapy aims various light rays at the affected areas on the skin. Steroids are also used as a beneficial treatment, but only in severe cases. If the area of skin is bleeding or leaking pus, antibiotics are also an important part of the treatment course. Doctors also agree that stress may increase the likelihood of having a flare-up and they encourage their patients to avoid stressful situations whenever possible. Finally, the best treatment is prevention. Once an individual experiences a flare-up of this condition, they are often able to identify the cause. For example, someone might wear a wool sweater one day then find a red, itchy rash the next. That person would like avoid wool in the future as it is a suspected cause of this skin disorder. While this is certainly an uncomfortable condition, it is treatable. The main thing to keep in mind if one thinks they may have this disorder is to keep the area moist and try to avoid itching.
