Eczema Diagnosis and Treatment

Eczema is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. Cause of eczema include other diseases, irritating substances, allergies and your genetic makeup. Signs and symptoms of eczema can vary widely during the early phases. Between 2 and 6 months of age (and almost always before the age of 5 years), children with eczema usually develop itchy, dry, red skin and small bumps on their cheeks, forehead, or scalp. The rash may spread to the extremities (the arms and legs) and the trunk, and red, crusted, or open lesions may appear on any area affected. People with eczema also may have asthma and certain allergies, such as hay fever. For some, food allergies (such as allergies to cow's milk, soy, eggs, fish, or wheat) may bring on or worsen eczema. Allergies to animal dander, rough fabrics, and dust may also trigger the condition in some people.

Approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of the world population is affected by this chronic. 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. Eczema cannot be cured, but you can prevent some types of eczema by avoiding irritants, stress and the things you are allergic to. Try not to scratch the irritated area on your skin even if it itches. Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage & irritation to the skin. Capsaicin applied to the skin acts as a counter irritant. Other agents that act on nerve transmissions, like menthol, also have been found to mitigate the body's itch signals, providing some relief.

Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Avoid physical and mental stress. Eating right, light activity, and adequate sleep will help you stay healthy, which can help prevent flares. Soaps and harsh detergent should not be used on affected skin because they can strip natural skin oils and lead to excessive dryness. Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander). Avoid wearing tight-fitting, rough, or scratchy clothing. Naloxone hydrochloride and dibucaine suppress the itch cycle in atopic-dermatitis model mice as well. Oral cortisosteroids such as prednisolone may also be prescribed in severe cases. Do not expect a quick response. Light therapy using ultraviolet light can help control eczema.

Eczema Treatment and Prevntion Tips

1. Avoid physical and mental stress.

2. Avoid wearing tight-fitting, rough, or scratchy clothing.

3. Light therapy using ultraviolet light can help control eczema.

4. UVA is mostly used, but UVB and Narrow Band UVB are also used.

5. Oral cortisosteroids such as prednisolone may also be prescribed in severe cases.

6. Apply an nonprescription steroid cream (hydrocortisone) along with anti-itching lotion.

7. Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander).

8. Avoid excessive scrubbing and toweling after bathing your child. Instead, gently pat your child's skin dry.

9. Apply a teaspoon of sandalwood paste mixed with a teaspoon of camphor to the affected areas.

10. Apply cool compresses (such as a wet, cool washcloth) on the irritated areas of your child's skin to ease itching.