What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a commonly used term, which includes many varieties of inflamed skin conditions. Probably the most common of all forms of eczema is what is known as atopic dermatitis. About 10% to 20% of the world's population suffers from this chronic disease, which is a relapsing, and uncomfortably itchy rash during their childhood. On a positive note, many children with eczema will learn that as they get older, this disease should clear up and go away on its own.

According to NIH, the National Institutes for Health, there are roughly 15 million Americans who suffer from some form of eczema. Out of this number, 10 to 20 percent of toddlers develop eczema, but in over half of these toddlers, the disease will fully heal during the ages of 5 and 15 years old. Though there are some forms of eczema which will linger with a person throughout their entire life.

While eczema can and will look different on each person that has it, the characteristics should all be the same. These characteristics are red, dry, and irritated patches on the skin. A commonly used way to describe this skin disease is the itch, which then turns into a rash. The reason for this is that it begins as an itch, but after it is scratched, you will see a rash. You will find that this disease is not limited to just part of the body. Toddlers will normally get this disease around the legs, neck, head, forehead, and cheeks. As one gets older, this disease will target the face, neck, knees, ankles, and elbows. If the rash from eczema gets infected enough, it may begin to fester up and begin oozing.

There are ways in which eczema can be avoided if simple measures are taken. Here are some simple household measures that you can take:

Do not expose yourself to sudden climate changes, avoid intensive sweating, try to moisturize regularly, avoid harsh detergents and solvents that you are not used to, limit stress, and be cautious of any and all foods that might cause some sort of outbreak.

Another vital part of treating an outbreak of eczema is what is known as self-control, which is where you want to make sure that you do not scratch at all. Due to the basic nature of it being itchy and dry, the easiest way to get the itch out is to treat it with lotions, either over the counter or via prescription. This will keep your skin moist, and this should be performed after each bath or shower. Cold compresses that you apply to the skin can provide temporary relief from the itch as well.