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Eczema |
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Eczema is one of the common allergen related health problem. Eczema is a skin condition as a result of which the skin becomes red irritated and itchy. Sometimes small bumps or hives filled with fluid develops that become moist and starts oozing. Dermatitis is another name for eczema. There are many types of eczema. The atopic eczema is the most common and severe types of eczema. The causes of eczema are still unknown. The immune system of different person’s reacts differently to various substances. All skin allergies are some forms of eczema.
Eczema is very common and occurs to anybody, all races and ages even to infants. Statistics shows that almost 1-2 percent of the people suffer from eczema and as almost 20 percent of the children are affected with eczema. In most cases it is seen that eczema has occurred at a very early age almost before 5 years. The atopic people who are very sensitive to skin irritation usually experiences eczema by just coming in contact with anything. The skin becomes red and dry and flacky causing inflammation and itching and they have a burning sensation. For such people eczema is a chronic and recurrent disease. They suffer from eczema throughout their life.
The accurate causes of eczema are quite unknown. It is very much related to the immunity system. The allergic reactions are very different in case of eczema. The people who are sensitive to eczema have IgE antibodies produced by the immune system as part of the allergic reaction. The skin becomes red and irritated. Eczema develops within a day to week from the first contact with the allergen. Soaps, detergents, jewelry, creams, gloves, clothing, bacteria, rubbing, mental stress are the common causes of eczema. Eczema is a risky and powerful allergic reaction. People suffering from eczema usually have high fever and asthma. It is believed that eczema is hereditary and not contagious.
The first and foremost symptoms of eczema are severe itching. The rashes appear on the skin. The skin becomes dry and flacky, reddens and inflames. The rash itches causing a burning sensation. With too much scratching the skin starts oozing. In adult the skin becomes scaly, brownish and thickens. The skin cracks and in some cases red bumps appears which when scratched starts oozing. The rashes are found in the exposed parts of the body mostly in face and arms and legs.
A doctor can identify eczema by just looking at the rashes. The scaly rash, severe itching and hereditary or family history towards asthma and other allergies are some of the characteristic features of eczema. The scales scraped off from the skin can be examined under the microscope to rule out other forms of bacterial infections.
Prevention
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The best way to prevent eczema is to avoid contact with all the substances that triggers allergic reactions.Avoid coming in contact with too much of water. Use a glove if you are needed to work in water for long. Immediately pat your hand dry after you finish your work. Wear cotton clothes. Scratching the rashes aggravates eczema. Try to avoid scratching.
Dealing with eczema is no doubt very painful but that does not mean you will stop your daily life. Your self-esteem and your social life should not suffer because of eczema. Get involved in all the activities you like which helps you to get your mind out of itching. Only swimming and pool activities might aggravate eczema. So refrain from such activities. Doe exercise, ride bicycles and engage in other sports that keeps your skin dry and cool.
For more information on eczema visit www.allergieshub.com
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