How to Deal with Eczema
Eczema is the common term for a variety of skin conditions known as dermatitis. Symptoms include dry, scaly skin, blisters that ooze, skin lesions that cause a burning sensation and severe itching. The disease is not contagious but it can be unsightly if left untreated. Follow these steps to treat the condition.
Instructions
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Identifying the Cause
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Determine if you recently came into contact with a substance that could have caused an allergic reaction. Soap, lotions, laundry detergent and plant life are known to cause itchy red irritated skin, known as contact dermatitis.
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Eliminate allergens as the cause and the diagnosis may be atopic dermatitis. The cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown. It occurs more frequently in families that have a history of allergies and asthma and many professionals believe it may be a malfunction of the immune system. Stress often exacerbates atopic dermatitis.
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3
Focus on whether clear, deep and itchy blisters appear on the bottom of your feet and on your hands. You may have dyshidrotic dermatitis. Causation is unknown though the disease appears to have a seasonal connection for some people. Dyshidrotic dermatitis presents before the age of forty in most patients.
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Assess if you are experiencing an "itch cycle." An itch cycle occurs when a small itch results in scratching and the itch increases in intensity. The irritated skin eventually can develop a thick leathery texture. This type of eczema is neurodermatitis and is a chronic condition.
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Check for a red rash with oily, yellowish scales. This is symptomatic of seborrheic dermatitis. This type of eczema is common in people with oily skin or hair. Stress is suspected as a cause of seborrheic dermatitis and individuals with neurological conditions are prone to this type of eczema. Cradle cap in infants is seborrheic dermatitis. Perioral (around the mouth) dermatitis is also thought to be this type of eczema.
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Look for a rash on your lower leg; it indicates a form of eczema known as stasis dermatitis. The cause of stasis dermatitis is fluid accumulation under the skin which prevents the skin from receiving adequate nourishment.
Treatment Recommendations
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Contact a dermatologist or your family doctor to diagnose eczema and suggest treatment options. An accurate diagnosis and early treatment can prevent secondary infections from occurring in the affected areas.
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Identify and eliminate any irritants that could cause an allergic reaction. If the rash is recent, identify any new products, foods or plant life that have recently been introduced to your home.
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Search for symptomatic relief of atopic dermatitis as there is no cure. It occurs more frequently in children, most of whom will outgrow the condition. Topical hydrocortisone creams, antihistamines or a short course of treatment with oral corticosteroids is often recommended. Dyshidrotic dermatitis, a recurring condition, is treated in much the same manner.
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Follow your doctor's orders to tightly bandage the affected area if diagnosed with neurodermatitis. Bandaging the affected area prevents continued irritation and helps break the itch cycle. Sedatives and antihistamines are often prescribed to assist in dealing with the intense itching. This is a chronic condition but can be controlled with proper treatment.
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Visit the doctor for prescription shampoo to cure seborrheic dermatitis. Perioral dermatitis often requires a tetracycline prescription.
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Treat the fluid retention in your legs and you will treat stasis dermatitis. Contact your physician for fluid retention treatment options.
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Tips & Warnings
Nummular dermatitis, a relatively rare chronic condition, is characterized by coin shaped patches of irritated skin. It affects mostly elderly men with family history eczema.
Atopic dermatitis and eczema are used interchangeably. While atopic dermatitis may be the most common, it is not the only form of eczema.
Medications that affect the immune system can be used to treat atopic dermatitis but these are recommended only if all other treatment options have failed. Consult a medical professional concerning these treatment options.
Secondary infections are a risk of leaving eczema untreated. Contact a medical professional to correctly diagnosis your skin condition.
Home remedies that soothe one eczema sufferer may increase the discomfort of another eczema victim. Consult with a medical professional before applying any home treatment.
