Eczema - Symptoms, treatment, home remedies for eczema

What is Eczema - Causes and Cures of Eczema

Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is an common inflammatory skin condition. The cause of eczema can be attributed to hereditary or external factors. Eczema is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes," since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of the rash. Eczema is not infectious and cannot be caught by another person. Usually an eczema attack occurs when the person is pre-disposed to skin irritation, or as a direct result of some substance applied or ingested.

Eczema is more likely to occur in children under six, and many children will grow out of the condition. Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. External factors include allergies, tobacco smoke, weather, chemicals, dust mites, grasses, pollens, pets, soaps, shampoos, washing powders and cosmetics. It is more likely to occur in people who have a family history of eczema or other allergy conditions. Eczema skin symptoms include red, dry, itchy or scaly skin. In extreme conditions, the skin may blister, bleed and weep.

For eczema patients, this condition will grow less and less severe as they grow older. However, some eczema sufferers will have the condition for their whole life. There are also specific types of eczema. Eczema occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy. Although there is no known cause for the disease, it often affects people with a family history of allergies.

Symptoms of Eczema

The symptoms of eczema are related to the skin types. Here are some of the eczema skin symptoms -

There is a rash
The skin is itchy
It may be dry, red, patchy or cracked
It may weep
The skin may feel rough
There may be lesions which become infected.

If you have any of the following symptoms and suspect you may be suffering from eczema, see a doctor for a formal diagnosis.

HOME Remedies for Eczema Cure

There are some of the natural and medical remedies for treating eczema. If eczema is left uncured, it can lead to more extreme skin infections, like herpes simplex type 1 and impetigo. They are as follows

NATURAL REMEDIES

There are a number of natural remedies for eczema. These remedies will not cure eczema, but they may help reduce the inflammation and prevent further outbreaks. Before taking any of the following natural remedies, discuss your eczema treatment with your doctor.

Evening Primrose Oil. Either take as a supplement or apply the oil to your skin.
Zinc.
Herbs for eczema include burdock, nettle and red clover. Boil them into a tea and drink.
Calendula, chamomile, St John's Wort and goldenseal can be bought as a topical cream or lotion and applied to the skin.
Eat foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This is an omega-6 fatty acid.
Lavender oil may improve skin rashes.

MEDICAL REMEDIES

There is no known cure for eczema, but there are medications that can help relieve the problem. Your doctor may prescribe an eczema treatment, after making a diagnosis and looking at the cause of eczema. Here are some of the medical treatments available.

Topical corticoteroids and topical steroids. These help reduce inflammation and itchiness.
Antihistamines. These reduce itchiness and help with eczema pain relief.
Antibiotics. These treat any secondary infections.
Systemic steroids. Tablets and injections of steroids may be prescribed in very severe cases.
PUVA therapy. This is a UV treatment.
Topical immunomodulators (TIMs). These are steroid-free creams.