Eczema Relief

The condition eczema encompasses a wide range of persistent skin conditions and it occurs in different forms. Common symptoms which occur include redness, skin edema (swelling), itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking and oozing or bleeding. Talking about the common types of eczema, they include atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, xerotic eczema and seborrhoeic dermatitis. There are also some forms which are less common and they include dyshidrosis, discoid eczema, venous eczema, dermatitis herpetiformis, neurodermatitis and autoeczematization. Arms and areas behind the knees, are the common places where eczema tends to have its effect. However, it may also appear on other parts, as well. What causes eczema? Well, the answer to this, is still to come under the light of a definite specification. However, a malfunction in the immune system has been assumed to be associated with this condition.

Treatment

The treatment is mainly centered around managing the symptoms of the condition. The affected person's age, overall health and severity of condition influence the treatment.

Corticosteroid medication is generally the first recommendation by the doctor to ease the symptoms of eczema. It may be applied in cream or ointment form and it greatly helps in easing itching and scaling. Apart from this, other medications which may be recommended are antibiotics, oral antihistamines, oral corticosteroids and immunosuppresants. in some cases, patients find relief by using light therapy. However, this method also has its own share of side effects.

It is important to keep the skin well moisturized. For this you can benefit by using coconut oil on your legs, arms, back and the sides of your body. The oil helps in keeping the skin soft too.

Symptoms of eczema can be aggravated if the skin is exposed to hot and dry air, especially that of the indoors. So, to counter this problem, use a humidifier and keep the moisture levels in your home up and adequate. Not to mention, do not forget to keep the unit clean, as it may harbor the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Rough, tight, scratchy clothes or those which are of wool, would be the worst things to go for a while you are suffering from an eczema attack. Wearing cool and smooth-textured clothing such as those made of cotton, also helps relieve the symptoms of eczema.

Applying cool and wet compresses over the affected area helps in alleviating the itching and other uncomfortable symptoms. Scratching is also one thing which can turn out to be the worst thing you could do in an eczema. It is however, difficult to help yourself from itching. So, apply an anti-itch cream or calamine lotion to the affected area and keep it covered with a sterile bandage or dressing. It is also advisable to keep the nails trimmed and hands covered, while sleeping at night.

Certain factors act as triggers in worsening the condition of eczema. Avoid getting exposed to sudden changes in temperature and take measures to prevent sweating and stress. Use mild soaps for bathing and ensure to use an ample amount of water to rinse off the soap from your body.

Home Remedies

• A mix of camphor and sandalwood in equal proportions, when applied on the affected areas, proves beneficial for treating eczema.
• Neem leaves are among the most effective natural methods which have been used for treating this condition since ages. Make a paste using these leaves and turmeric powder and work on the affected areas.
• One fine natural emollient (having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin) has been attributed to shea butter. It has the ability to penetrate the skin and have a deep moisturizing effect. This makes it beneficial in the treatment of eczema. It is extracted from the nut of the shea tree.
• When it comes to treating skin problems at home, it is a must to mention about the use of aloe vera. Its anti-inflammatory properties aids in reducing irritation and skin renewal. It is also a deep skin moisturizer which penetrates the skin rapidly
• Application of the juice of spearmint leaves or using a light mudpack on the affected area also provides relief.
• You can also use mashed papaya seeds to prevent itching or hazel to reduce inflammation of the skin.

As the causes of eczema are not known, so there is no specific way to prevent the condition. However, keeping the skin moisturized and following all other self measures which can make up for an adequate skin care, do help reduce the risks.