Facts about Exzema - What Causes Excema

Eczema is a complicated skin condition, and can be caused by a number of different things. But one thing about eczema that is easy to understand is that it is never a pleasant condition to have. Eczema has several different names to distinguish the different forms, and can affect anybody, regardless of genes, age or race.

All types of eczema affect the epidermis of the skin, but it is further divided into two categories: "endogenous eczema," which has no obvious cause or trigger, and "eczematous dermatitis," which is caused by something external such as an allergy that irritates the skin. We do not fully understand eczema, or the reasons why treatments available on the market work for some people, but are totally ineffective on others.

The main symptom of eczema is the appearance of red, blotchy patches of skin, which are very itchy, especially in folds of skin where the sore area is being constantly rubbed. In some cases, blisters form, which can go crusty, or the affected areas can become scaly or discolored. Eczema can develop anywhere and last for any amount of time, so it is very unpredictable.

Infantile Eczema on back of Baby

If you have eczema, you should try to keep your fingernails short so that if you do scratch, the damage done is reduced. If your children develop eczema, you are advised to put very soft mittens on their hands, which will again lower the damage done by itching the sore areas. The worst consequence of scratching is that the top layer of skin can come off and the result is that the skin becomes open to infection. This allows bacteria free reign on entry to the body, to an already damaged area of skin, which can end up causing the skin to become infected.

Eczema is, fortunately, not contagious. You will get prescribed a treatment specific to your type of eczema. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDs), like naproxen and ibuprofen, and also corticosteroids, which are drugs that mimick the hormones given out by the adrenal glands, will regularly be prescribed to combat any swelling caused by your eczema. Another treatment for the same job is benzocaine, which is applied topically, and the same goes for antihistamines. Both these are sometimes prescribed.

For soothing and cooling the sore areas, calamine lotion works well. This also keeps the area dry and protected. The same can be achieved by applying wet bandages, and the use of cotton clothing and bedding is recommended by dermatologists as it allows the skin to breathe. Various shampoos containing coal tar additives will aid in reducing the size of itchy patches and using UV light can also be used to treat severe eczema.