What is eczema?

Eczema (also known as dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. It is characterized with dry, scaly, red and itchy skin.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. The word "atopic" refers to a collection of immune-mediated diseases, including atopic dermatitis, asthma and hay fever, to which a person can inherit a predisposition. "Dermatitis" means inflammation of the skin.

Atopic dermatitis tends to begin early in life especially in those with a predisposition with inhalant allergies. Doctors does not know what exactly causes atopic eczema, but they think it could be a difference in the way a person’s immunity system reacts to different things.

Atopic eczema can affect any part of the body, but the most commonly affect parts are:

-          Cheeks

-          Elbows

-          Backs or fronts of the knees

-          Neck

-          Scalp

Other not so common types of eczema are:

-          Irritant dermatitis;

-          Allergic contact dermatitis;

-          Dyshidrotic eczema (pompholyx);

-          Infantile and adult seborrheic eczema;

-          Xerotic (dry skin eczema);

-          Varicose eczema (stasis dermatitis).

Causes of eczema?

What exactly causes eczema is unknown, but it is believed that eczema develop due to a combination of environmental factors and hereditary. Maybe you have a family member who has eczema or asthma or hay fever. Many doctors think eczema causes are linked to allergic diseases such as asthma or hay fever (allergic rhinitis). These three are called atopic triad.

Although the reason of eczema is unknown, there are many triggers that can make it get worse:

-          Irritants (soaps, detergents, dish-washing liquids, disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits, meats or vegetables);

-          Hot and cold temperatures;

-          Allergens (pets, dust mites, molds, pollen);

-          Microbes (viruses, bacteria, fungi);

-          Foods (dairy products, eggs, soy, nuts and seeds, whey);

-          Hormones (when hormone levels are changing, for example during pregnancy or some points at menstrual cycle some women can experience worsening of eczema symptoms);

-          Stress (some people with eczema have worse symptoms when they are stressed).

Coconut oil

Coconut oil does a great job as a skin moisturizer. Coconut oil is filling in the intercellular space that’s opened up and caused to lose moisture. There is also an evidence that coconut oil has antibacterial properties that reduces the risk of infected eczema. As an oil it prevent the skin from drying out and becoming more irritated. Apply coconut oil onto the affected areas through the day as needed.

Aloe vera

You can use aloe vera from aloe products, but it is better to use it from the plant directly. Squeeze the gel of an aloe leaf and smear it to the affected skin area and leave to soak in. Many people have found that this gel-like sap from the aloe vera plant is effective in the treatment of eczema because it soothes itching and moisturizes the skin.

Sunflower oil

Cold presses sunflower oil is another effective natural moisturizer. It is though that a lack of essential fatty acids can contribute to some causes of eczema, and sunflower oil is rich with this fatty acids which are readily absorbed through the skin.

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil isn’t actually an oil, but a liquid wax. Molecular structure of jojoba oil is the most similar of all the oils to that of our skin natural sebum. This oil penetrates the skin deeply and it is great moisturizer. 

Oatmeal and Vinegar bath

Another popular way of healing and relief of eczema symptoms are oatmeal and vinegar baths.

Vinegar kills bacteria and promotes the skin’s healing. Add a cup or more vinegar in the bath for treating eczema symptoms.

Oatmeal relieves the itching caused by eczema. Blends oats up in to a fine powder and add to bath until it becomes with milky look.