Also called as dermatitis, eczema is a kind of skin condition that is characterized by inflammation of the outer layer of the skin, which is also known as epidermis. Eczema refers to a broad set of skin diseases that are usually chronic and recurring. It can happen to everyone, even to infants and children. It is essential that you understand this particular concern so that you will know how to prevent these rashes in the event that you or one of your loved ones happens to have it.

Terminology

For those of you who want to know where the name come from, then you are in for a really big treat because you are about to find out how the term started. You see, eczema actually came from an ancient Greek word “ēkzema,” which means “to boil over.” This is basically due to the fact that this condition can cause your skin to look like it was boiled over in water since it looks reddish, swollen, and blistered. As for dermatitis, it also originated from Greek, which simply means skin. These two terms (dermatitis and eczema) are considered the same and synonymous to each other.

Different Types of Eczema

Since this skin condition has a wide range of characteristics particularly in appearance, cause, and symptoms, experts have found a way to classify this to provide a more systematic approach for this disease. These classifications are as follows:

• Atopic Eczema. Also known as infantile (for babies and kids) or flexural eczema, this is the most common form of dermatitis. Atopic refers to being allergic and it is believed that this kind of eczema is caused by allergens found in the environment and/or diet (food, dust, molds, etc.). This is also linked to asthma and it can be inherited most particularly when this sort of condition is included in the medical history of your family. Head, elbows, arms, scalp, neck, behind the knees, and buttocks are often affected by this kind of eczema.

• Contact Dermatitis. This kind of eczema can be caused by two things—through a delayed allergic reaction or through a direct contact from some sort of irritant like nickel, silver, poison ivy, certain detergents, and many more. This is not hereditary and is mostly acquired. Contact dermatitis can easily be treated. All you have to do is to prevent yourself from being exposed to the things that can irritate your skin.

• Xerotic Eczema. This is a very curious type of dermatitis because it is caused by dry skin. The skin is so dry that it cracks and becomes very itchy thus, instantly changing it to eczema. This is common during dry winter months and the parts that are usually affected are the limbs and trunk.

• Seborrheic dermatitis. Also called as the cradle cap, it is a type of eczema that is found in infants, especially in newborns. It is very similar to dandruff and can be seen on the scalp, face, and eyebrows. This is not harmful and the baby will eventually outgrow this condition.

The Cause

Eczema has a lot of causes because there are plenty of things that you need to factor in. However, the roots of this skin condition are pretty straight forward making it easy for a dermatologist to diagnose it. Of course, dermatitis is also known to be a symptom of an underlying disease that is much more serious so it is highly advisable that you consult your physician as well. Below are the things that can lead to eczema.

• Asthma (skin asthma; usually inherited)
• Allergens from environment such as dust, house mites, molds, animal and/or insect excrement.
• Food allergens such as sea foods and peanuts
• Irritants found in plants, minerals, and other ingredients in a certain material or thing
• Extreme weather changes
• Anxiety and Stress

Who’s at Risk?

Everyone has probably experienced a skin rash at some point but not all of these individuals are prone to this condition. People that often go through with this itchy predicament are distinguished by the following factors:

• Hypersensitive skin
• Asthma that runs in the family
• Dry skin
• Food allergies
• Constant contact with hazardous elements such as pollution
• Contact with poisonous creatures
• Poor hygiene
• Nomad
• Stress
• Sweating
• Other irritants such as silver, nickel, etc.
• Cigarette
• Alcohol

Signs and Symptoms

Although this kind of skin condition is broad and has more than one classification, discovering it can be rather simple due to its signs that can easily be seen and felt. Eczema usually has similar symptoms most especially at the onset of the disease. These are:

• Skin patches that can be reddish to grayish brown
• Severe Itching
• Cracked or scaly skin
• Thickened outer layer of the skin
• Small bumps; pus can be present
• Raw and tender skin that burns

Treatment

No known cures have been discovered yet however, there are many medications and creams that you can use to help alleviate your discomfort from Eczema. There are antihistamines for the allergic and asthmatic, antibiotics if the rash becomes infected, ointments and topical creams for instant relief from the itching and swelling, or injected corticosteroids for those with severe inflammation. It is recommended that you first seek your doctor’s advice regarding this problem so he can provide you a proper prescription that can effectively heal and get rid of your eczema.

Alternative Remedy

If you want to try other treatments that do not involve any sort of chemically induced medications, then there are some home remedies that you can apply to your rash-infested skin. You can begin by applying castor oil, apple cider vinegar mixed with salt, or almond oil to the affected area instead of the usual topical cream. Rubbing it with cold freshly peeled apples can provide soothing relief as well. Phototheraphy or light therapy is said to effective most particularly with babies. You can do this by exposing the skin to sunlight. Be careful though because too much exposure can be detrimental. If everything that you have tried did not work and the condition starts to worsen, consult your doctor immediately.

Prevention

Preventing this condition can be a bit tricky when you do not know what is causing it. That is why it is of vital importance that you must first go to your doctor to determine the root cause of these dominant rashes. This way, you can make a conscious effort to avoid that certain reason that irritates your skin. It is also advisable that you maintain a good hygiene by taking a shower everyday. Using gentle soaps can help too. Make sure you keep your skin moisturized to prevent it from getting dry and flaky.