Eczema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Eczema is a common skin disorder that is shown by inflamed, itchy, and patchy skin. Though it is now known for sure what causes eczema, scientists agree heavily on genetic problems. Though it is not seen by a large portion of people of color, it is still present in them. As for people of lighter skin color, nearly a quarter of the children suffer from it.

Though it is generally categorized as a genetic problem, it needs some trigger to show itself. It can be considered as an overreaction of the immunity system to stimulants. It can occur due to skin irritation from light sensitivity, any strong soap use, types of clothes used, or by eating something you are not good with. 

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What causes Eczema?

It is believed that eczema is a genetic issue and is common to a large portion of the world’s population. But, even though it is genetic it doesn’t happen without reason. There are a few things that can cause a flare-up of eczema. 

• Chemicals found in soap and detergents that sapped your skin moisture
• Strong soap like antibacterial soaps
• Wool cloth
• Foods you have an allergy to ( beef and prawn are some great suspects)
• Synthetic fabrics
• High body temperature
• Sunburn
• Stress
• Seasonal change
• Sudden temperature change
• Sweating

Children who suffer from hey fever have a higher chance of suffering from eczema.

Signs and symptoms of eczema

Eczema usually affects the face, hand, and feet first. In the case of a severe situation, it may affect other parts of the body. 

• Itching: This is the first sign of eczema. It is also the most troubling one, especially for children. In case of itching, they can’t prevent them from scratching the infected body parts resulting in more skin damage. 
• Redness of affected skin
• Dry scaly skin
• Blisters: a grainy appearance to the skin. 
• Weeping when blisters are burst due to scratching of that part. 
• Scabs
• Pale patches of skin. In people of color, this patch of skin may be of brown color
• Rough leathery skin 

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Treatmens

There are currently no sure treatments for eczema. Doctors may give different medications for different ages and severity to heal affected skin and to prevent flare-ups.

Home remedies for Eczema treatments and prevention: 

Though there are not many treatments for eczema, you can use these home remedies and tips to minimize damage and prevent flare-ups.

• Moisturize everyday
• Bath with lukewarm water and avoid a long hot bath 
• Apply moisture after bath to lock your moisturizer
• Use cotton clothes
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes
• Avoid synthetic clothes
• Use a humidifier in dry or cold weather to keep the air humid
• Avoid antibacterial or other tough soaps
• Use soft soap or body wash
• Keep short fingernails to avoid scratching
• Avoid rapid change of temperature
• Avoid food you are allergic to
• Green, black, and oolong tea
• Coconut oil
• Relaxation and imaging techniques like yoga and meditations to be stress-free. Stress is a big part of eczema so try to be stress free. 

Try keeping eczema from flaring up. You can prevent it by a large margin by having a controlled lifestyle. If you can’t and it flared up, try not to scratch the itching parts. In case of severe conditions don’t take any medication without consulting your doctor.