Eczema

Facts About Eczema

If you suffer from Eczema, you are not alone. It is estimated that over five and a half million people in the United States alone suffer from this condition. There could be as many as one in ten people throughout the world who will develop it at some point in their life.

For the most part, rashes occur only in children and adolescents and most commonly under the age of 12. In fact, 90% of patients diagnosed with it developed the condition before the age of five. Although it is not impossible, it is uncommon for eczema symptoms to occur when one has reached adulthood.

It can be hereditary. There is a greater likelihood of developing it if a parent or close family member also had it when they were young.

Facts About Your Skin

There are two main purposes your skin – the largest organ on the human body – was designed for. For one, it offers a layer of protection to all the muscles, bones, and organs that lie beneath it. A second purpose is to regulate body temperature.

Acne is your skin’s reaction to a clogging of the pores. This is a common occurrence in adolescence, and even beyond. But it is not the only problem your skin might encounter. It can be sensitive to certain ingredients in soap, skin cream, cosmetics, and other products. The resulting itchy rash just may be some form of this unsightly skin condition.

Defining The Problem

The term applies to a group of skin conditions. It is characterized by redness, itch, irritation, and in some cases, fluid-filled pustules that can ooze.

Atopic eczema, which is often referred to as dermatitis eczema, is the most common form. It is also the most severe.

The body’s immune system reactions, as well as skin allergies, have been linked to possible causes. Many people who suffer from it are also asthmatic and allergic. Food allergies, most commonly caused by dairy products, wheat, fish, or soy, tend to make the symptoms worse and could even cause an outbreak. Some sufferers may find that an allergic reaction to dust mites or animal dander can trigger an attack.

It is not contagious. It may not look pretty, but there is no harm in appearing in public when an outbreak occurs.

Handling Eczema

Although the signs of an eczema rash may cause embarrassment, the good news is that, just like teen acne for most people, by the age of 25 it is likely to be gone for good. It is also good practice to alternate medications if symptoms last for any extended period of time.  This will ensure that the rash does not become resistant to the medication.

Managing the condition is important for preventing future outbreaks and lessening the duration of current ones. Pay attention to the timing of the rash in conjunction with using a new cosmetic or cologne. If you are very susceptible to allergies from dyes and perfumes, it is a good idea to avoid them in all products that touch your skin such as laundry detergent. Heavily chlorinated pools and excess sweat can cause a problem for some patients.

You can use makeup to help camouflage eruptions, but ensure that it is non-comedogenic.

Eczema is a very common skin condition. Take heart that there are ways to effectively manage it until you outgrow it.