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A group of medical conditions which is known to cause the skin to be inflamed or irritated, eczema is refers to a broad range of persistent skin conditions. It may include recurring skin rashes or dryness of the skin. This may be characteristic of skin edema (swelling), redness, dryness, itching, blistering, bleeding or even flaking. The skin may also be discoloured temporarily and the repeated scratching may give rise to a healing lesion which may result in scarring as well as enlarge the rash. The most common types of eczema are atopic eczema and atopic dermatitis. People suffering from this type of medical condition are also extremely susceptible to developing hay fever as well as asthma. The areas which are infected most often are dry, scaly as well as thickened. For fair-skinned people the patches may appear as reddish which may turn brown. For those who are dark-skinned, the eczema can affect the pigmentation of the person and the affected area may even appear lighter or darker than the skin colour. The itchy sensation that is experienced may often cause an oozing, crusting condition. This condition is known to mainly affect the scalp as well as face; although the patches may appear on other areas of the body. Development of this skin condition is yet unknown but is strongly linked with those people who have an over reactive response by the body’s immune system when in contact with an irritant. The response to this irritant is what causes the symptoms of eczema. Many people are known to have flare-ups of the itchy rash which is in response to certain substances/conditions. Colds or even upper respiratory infections may trigger this condition as well. Having no known cure, it is possible to manage this disease through various medical treatments as well as avoiding the irritants. The main aim of the treatment is to reduce as well as prevent further itching which may also lead to infections. Various types of lotions as well as medicated ointments are recommended to keep the skin as moist as possible. Very often people may use cold compresses to relieve the itching. Some of the eczema treatment includes antihistamines which are used to reduce severe amount of itching, phototherapy i.e. therapy using ultraviolet light that is applied to the skin, tar treatments which are chemicals designed to reduce itching as well as the drug, cyclosporine which is used for those people who do not respond to any other form of treatment. Some of the important self care tips for dermatitis include: 1) Moisturise the skin with lotion frequently.
2) Avoid using soaps or solvents which are harsh on the skin.
3) Avoid wearing synthetic materials which may be harsh on the skin. Instead opt for loose, cotton clothes.
4) Try to avoid stress and incorporate activities such as yoga, meditation, etc.
5) It is important to have good hydration in the body by drinking plenty of fluids.
6) Maintain short and trim nails so as to avoid any scratching inadvertently.
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