Eczema and allergies

Most of us have heard of eczema, it encompasses a broad variety of medical conditions that cause inflammation of the skin. Eczema causes the skin to become red, patchy, irritated and marked with fluid filled bumps that ooze occasionally. The most commonly found eczema is commonly known as the atopic dermatitis. The word "atopic" means that this disease often results in other diseases like asthma. Most commonly, children below the age of 1 year start experiencing this particular type of dermatitis. While most children grow out of this symptom by the age of two, some keep experiencing the same trouble throughout their lives.

No matter which part of the skin is affected by the allergic reaction, eczema is always itchy in nature. Most often, the person might find that the itching starts before the appearance of any rash. When a rash appears finally, tends to be concentrated on the exposed area do the body like knees, hands, feet, face etc. Almost always, the affected portions of the skin become dry and itchy and they lead to thickening of the skin. Sometimes, fair-skinned people will find that the rashes first turn red and then transform to a brownish tinge. Sometimes eczema can lead to localized pigmentation in dark skinned people. Eczema can either lighten or darken the affected region of the skin in the patient. When infants are affected by eczema, they develop oozing bump son the face and the scalp, which solidify into crusts.

The human body has an immune system, which helps protect us from germs and diseases. The immune system protects us by identifying the proteins on the surface of germs and viruses. Whenever the antibodies encounter an antigen they cause inflammation on the skin and kill the germ. In some individuals, certain specific substances can lead to an allergic reaction those results in eczema. For some people are exposed to dust, coarse materials or certain types of soaps can trigger eczema.

In certain cases, it has also been found that certain upper respiratory tract diseases like cough and cold can trigger a nasty case of eczema among patients. Although the exact cause is still unknown, scientist believe that eczema is primarily caused when the immune system over reacts to minor triggers.

Pediatricians, general physicians, immunologist and dermatologists can diagnose eczema. In order to be completely sure, the patient might need to go through some allergy tests. The doctors might conduct certain allergy tests to determine the substances that trigger the reaction.

There is no definite cure from eczema that works in all cases; most victims are advised to stay away from stuff that triggers the reaction. The primary goal is to reduce the itching and the dryness of the skin. Sometimes applying lotions and creams on the skin can keep it moist and reduce the itchiness. The lotion is usually applied to skin right after bathing. Patients are advised not to rub the skin dry after bathing, instead they should just dab the skin with a soft towel. Patients are advised not to take hot showers as that increases the blood circulation and increases the itching considerably. Dust and mites in the bedding can also result in eczema. Mites and ticks can defecate on the bedding and those substances can trigger an allergic reaction within a few seconds. Therefore, if you are suffering from eczema, it might be good idea to clean your bedding and keep it free from mites.

Eczema is particularly disturbing problem and prevention is better than cure and you should always stay away from substances that trigger allergic reactions. Contrary to popular belief, eczema is not contagious at all and even if someone comes in contact with the rashes they will not be affected in any way at all. There are certain over the counter medications that have been known to give good results and reduce the itchiness in most advanced conditions. If you are having a severe bout of inflammation, oral corticosteroids can reduce that. You will need a doctor's prescription to get oral corticosteroids from the pharmacy.

• Moisturize the skin with a lotion or splash it with clean water at frequent intervals.
• Avoid hot and humid places, sweat can trigger eczema too.
• Avoid wearing rough clothes like woolen wear<./li>
• Harsh soaps, detergents and shampoos should be avoided at all costs.
• Pollen. Mold, animal fur, dust mites should be avoided at all times.
• Try to keep you room free from dusts.