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Eczema Skin Care

Eczema is one of the many conditions which may affect skin.

This condition is categorized by dry and itchy skin in its mildest forms and raw and bleeding in its most severe forms. Eczema is not contagious and it cannot be cured. However, it can be treated and managed. Treatments may reduce the signs of eczema and may prevent future outbreaks but those with eczema will always be prone to the symptoms of this disorder.

Causes of Eczema

There are many different types of eczema and similarly there are many different causes of eczema. Atopic eczema is the most common form of the skin condition and it is often caused by hereditary factors. Those with atopic eczema are unusually sensitive to environmental irritants which do not affect others. Atopy is a form of eczema in which the immune system overreacts and produces an excess of skin cells. Atopic syndrome is an allergic hypersensitivity affecting parts of the body taht are not in direct contact with the allergen.

Treating and Managing Eczema

The first step to treating eczema is to diagnosis the type of eczema. This is important because although different versions of the skin condition may appear similar, they typically react differently to treatments and products. Listed below are a few of the different types of eczema along with the corresponding treatments which are typically most effective for this version of the skin disorder:

• Atopic eczema – emollients which keep the skin hydrated and topical steroids to reduce the inflammation are the most common treatments in this version of the conditions typically categorized by skin which is unbearably itchy.
• Allergic contact dermatitis – can be treated by avoiding known irritants. This type of eczema occurs when the patient comes in contact with a substance which causes an immune system response.
• Irritant contact dermatitis – can be treated by avoiding harsh irritants and keeping the skin moisturized.
• Infantile seborrhoeic eczema – usually occurs in infants. Although most infants outgrow this condition, it can be managed by moisturizing creams and bath oils.
• Varicose eczema – is usually treated with emollients or steroid creams. Ulcers may result if this condition is left untreated.

Comparing Eczema Treatments and Products

Proper diagnosis by a dermatologist is critical for treating eczema. Like many skin conditions, individuals are likely to react differently to different treatments or products. This is especially true in the case of eczema where the skin condition may be a result of a variety of causes. Finding the trigger of eczema will help to find the treatments which will most effectively reduce the symptoms.

Consult a dermatologist before trying any products to treat eczema. They are familiar with the different types of eczema as well as how certain skin types will likely react to different products and treatments. While treating eczema, patients should be mindful of reactions and alert their doctor to any side effects resulting from the treatment. There are many different treatment options and products so if one is not working well, there are other options available.

In the case of moisturizing creams, cost may often be a factor in choosing the cream. There are many affordable creams which work quite well but some experimentation may be required to find a product that not only works well but also falls within the patient’s budget.