Eczema Is A Symptom Of

Eczema Coping Tips Good Hygiene

Skin affected by eczema is more vulnerable to a range of infections, including impetigo, cold sores and warts. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus may cause a secondary infection of impetigo, and possibly contribute to the symptoms of eczema.Suggestions for washing include:

• Take lukewarm baths or showers, and avoid really hot showers.
• Dont use ordinary soap, as the ingredients may aggravate your eczema. Wash your body with warm water alone. For armpits and groin, use soap-free products, such as sorbolene cream.
• Bath oils can help to moisturise your skin while bathing.
• When towelling dry, pat rather than rub your skin.

What Is Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disorder. It causes dry, itchy, scaly patches on the skin, often on the face and scalp in babies. Its most common in infants or very young children. Most will show signs of the condition in the first year of life. Symptoms may last until the teens or adulthood. It rarely starts in adulthood. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious.

Atopic dermatitis tends to run in families. This suggests a genetic link. Its also associated with asthma and allergies. These are immune hypersensitivity disorders.

Treatment for this condition is aimed at calming the skin inflammation, decreasing the itching, and preventing infections. Good skin care and medicine to control itching and infection are used.

Atopic dermatitis is often called eczema.

What You Need to Know about Eczema | FAQ

What Questions Might My Healthcare Provider Ask To Diagnose Eczema

The conversation with your healthcare provider will need to cover a lot of information. Be sure to be specific about your symptoms.

• Where is your eczema located?
• What have you used to try to treat your eczema?
• What medical conditions do you have? Allergies? Asthma?
• Is there a history of eczema in your family?
• How long have you had symptoms of eczema?
• Do you take hot showers?
• Is there anything that makes your symptoms worse?
• Have you noticed that something triggers or worsens your eczema? Soaps? Detergents? Cigarette smoke?
• Is there so much itchiness that you have trouble sleeping? Working? Living your normal life?

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What Are The Symptoms Of Eczema In Older Children

In toddlers under age 5, eczema usually affects the face. It can look red and bumpy. It can look also scaly and dry, or you may notice deep lines on their skin.

Children over 5 years old may have eczema that is red and itchy or rash-looking. It may also look like permanent goosebumps and be thicker. On dark skin, the thickening may be hyperpigmented.

Skin concerns may be a symptom of a different condition, so seeing a dermatologist can help determine whether the cause is eczema or something else.

Certain areas of the body are more likely to be affected by eczema than others. This can change, depending on your age.

Preventing The Spread Of Eczema

Preventing the spread of eczema depends on the type of eczema a person has. For example, contact dermatitis will stop spreading once a person removes the source of irritation. Eczema that has become infected may require topical or oral antibiotic treatment.

One of the main ways people can prevent eczema from becoming more inflamed and itchy is to avoid scratching. Treating flare-ups as quickly as possible can remove the temptation to scratch. It may also help if people keep fingernails trimmed or wear cotton gloves to bed.

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Eczema Is Not A Disease Eczema Is A Symptom Of Something Much Worse

Now that I am 100% well from my eczema problem, it is time for me to look back with a new wisdom and discuss just what my eczema was all about.

My eczema was not a disease. Read that again folks. Eczema is NOT a disease.

My Eczema was a mere SYMPTOM of something more dire inside.

Try going to the Eczema Breakthrough website of Mr. Mark Anastasi.

Skidmarks as symptoms of car accidentsHe has the most logical and factual short discussion of what eczema is:

Eczema is not a DiseaseBut A Symptom of Your True DiseaseInside Your Body: The Root Cause.

Eczema is simply due to excess acidity being eliminated from your body, so that it doesnt damage the integrity of your internal systems and organs, through the largest eliminatory organ of your body: YOUR SKIN!

But what CAUSES this excess acidity in the first place??!

In reality, Eczema is not the disease at all.

Its actually a symptom an outward signal of a damaged inner terrain that simply is too polluted, toxic, and acidic!

So what does this mean, you might ask?

A compromised, toxic, acidic inner terrain is a breeding ground for all kinds of nasties to proliferate.

These collect in the weakest parts of the body and start tearing the bodys processes down.

Thats what these controversial scientists have found. Eczema doesnt just happen, but instead is the direct result of a breakdown inside our body.

Traffic accidents are caused by Skidmarks Disease NOT!

Which means

Eczema on my face and ears 08 Aug 05

Tips For Reducing Outbreaks

Here are a few ways to prevent eczema flare-ups and manage symptoms:

• Apply cool compresses to your skin, or take a colloidal oatmeal or baking soda bath to relieve the itch.
• Moisturize your skin daily with a rich, oil-based cream or ointment to form a protective barrier against the elements. Apply the cream right after you get out of the shower or bath to seal in moisture.
• After you bathe, gently blot your skin with a soft towel. Never rub.
• Avoid scratching. You could cause an infection.
• Use fragrance-free detergents, cleansers, makeup, and other skin care products.
• Wear gloves and protective clothing whenever you handle chemicals.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes made from soft fibers, like cotton.

You should also avoid any known triggers.

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How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Eczema

There are steps you can take that may prevent eczema outbreaks:

• Establish a skin care routine, and follow your healthcare professionals recommendations for keeping your skin healthy.
• Wear gloves for jobs where you have to put your hands in water. Wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves to absorb sweat, and wear gloves outside, especially during the winter months.
• Use mild soap for your bath or shower, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. Apply a moisturizing cream or ointment immediately after drying your skin to help seal in the moisture. Reapply cream or ointment two to three times a day.
• Take baths or showers with tepid rather than hot.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Water helps to keep your skin moist.
• Try to avoid getting too hot and sweaty.
• Wear loose clothes made of cotton and other natural materials. Wash new clothing before wearing. Avoid wool.
• Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
• Learn to recognize stress in your life and how to manage it. Regular aerobic exercise, hobbies and stress-management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, might help.
• Limit your exposure to known irritants and allergens.
• Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas of skin.

When To Call Your Doctor About Eczema

No matter what type of eczema you might have, schedule a visit if:

• You get an itchy rash and have a family history of eczema or asthma.
• The inflammation doesn’t respond within a week to treatment with over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams. You may need stronger forms of treatment.
• You get yellowish to light brown crust or pus-filled blisters over patches of eczema, especially if youâve been scratching. You could have a bacterial infection that should be treated with an antibiotic. In fact, youâre also more likely to get viral and fungal skin infections.
• During a flare-up of eczema, you have contact with anyone with a viral skin disease such as cold sores or genital herpes. Having eczema puts you at higher risk of catching the herpes simplex virus.
• You get many painful, small, fluid-filled blisters in the areas of eczema. You may have eczema herpeticum, a rare but potentially serious complication caused by the herpes simplex virus.

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Favorite Annual Meetings For Eczema Patients

The NEAs annual expo provides a vacation retreat for people and families affected by eczema. The four-day event includes activities educational seminars camps for infants, children, and teens and hotel accommodations that are as free of potential allergens as possible. The next Eczema Expo is June 25 through 28, 2020, in Orlando, Florida. The organization offers a limited amount of needs-based scholarships to help people attend.

Signs Of An Infection

Occasionally, areas of skin affected by atopic eczema can become infected. Signs of an infection can include:

• your eczema getting a lot worse
• fluid oozing from the skin
• a yellow crust on the skin surface or small yellowish-white spots appearing in the eczema
• the skin becoming swollen and sore
• feeling hot and shivery and generally feeling unwell

See a doctor as soon as possible if you think your or your child’s skin may have become infected.

Page last reviewed: 05 December 2019 Next review due: 05 December 2022

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How Is Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will ask about your health history and whether you have allergies or asthma. He or she will also ask about any family history of dermatitis, allergies, or asthma.

A healthcare provider can often diagnose atopic dermatitis by examining your skin. You may also have a patch test. This is used to find allergies by placing small amounts of allergens on the skin and watching for a response. A skin biopsy may also be done to rule out other causes of the rash.

Is Eczema A Sign Of A Weak Immune System

No, having eczema doesnt automatically mean you have a weak immune system. It does mean that your immune system is sensitive, often overreacting to things that arent real threats to your body.

Some people with eczema have a primary immunodeficiency disorder that may make them more likely to get infections. But eczema can also affect people with healthy immune systems.

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Eczema Coping Tips Reducing Skin Irritation

People with eczema have sensitive skin. Irritants such as heat or detergents can easily trigger a bout of eczema.Suggestions for reducing skin irritation include:

• Avoid overheating your skin. Wear several layers of clothing that you can remove, as required, instead of one heavy layer. Dont put too many blankets on your bed and avoid doonas.
• Dont use perfumed bubble bath or bath products labelled medicated.
• Wear soft, smooth materials next to your skin, preferably 100% cotton. Avoid scratchy materials, such as pure wool, polyester or acrylic. You could try a cotton and synthetic mix material this is fine for some people with eczema. Remove labels from clothing.
• Always wear protective gloves when using any type of chemical or detergent. You may want to wear cotton gloves inside rubber or PVC gloves.
• Avoid chlorinated pools. If you have to swim in a chlorinated pool, moisturise your skin well when you get out.

Massage And Physical Therapy

One clinical study looking at essential oils for treating children with eczema found that massage with and without essential oils helped improve dry, scaly skin lesions. Children with this scaly, itchy skin problem seem to have less redness, scaling, and other symptoms if they had massage between flares. DO NOT use massage when skin is actively inflamed. The essential oils most often chosen by the mothers in the study included sweet marjoram, frankincense, German chamomile, myrrh, thyme, benzoin, spike lavender, and Litsea cubeba.

Exercise

In one clinical study, participating in regular group sporting activities for 3 weeks improved eczema symptoms. Exercise may improve symptoms because of the positive impact it has on emotions. Sports should be avoided during the worst stages of an outbreak.

Climatotherapy

Climatotherapy uses sunlight and water as therapy. The Dead Sea in Israel is known for its healing properties, and many people with eczema go there to sit in the sun and swim in the water. Scientific studies support the benefits. One clinical study looked at the experience of more than 1,500 people with eczema and found that 95% of skin was cleared in people who had stayed at the Dead Sea longer than 4 weeks.

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Key Points About Atopic Dermatitis In Children

• Atopic dermatitis is a long-term skin condition. It’s common in babies and children.

• A child with allergies or family members with atopic dermatitis has a higher chance of having atopic dermatitis.

• Itching, dryness, and redness are common symptoms.

• The goals of treatment are to ease itching and inflammation of the skin, increase moisture, and prevent infection.

• Staying away from triggers is important to manage the condition.

• It usually gets better or goes away as a child gets older.

Diagnosing Food Allergy And Eczema Flare

• Your child’s doctor may suggest the steps listed below:
• Remove the suspected food or foods from your child’s diet for 2 weeks. The eczema should greatly improve.
• Then give your child that food when the eczema is under good control. This is called a “challenge.”
• If the food is causing flare-ups, the eczema should become itchy and red. The flare-up should occur quickly within 2 hours of eating the food.
• If this occurs, avoid giving this food to your child. Talk to your child’s doctor about the need for any food substitutes.
• If the eczema does not flare-up, your child isn’t allergic to that food.

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How Is Atopic Dermatitis Treated In A Child

Treatment will depend on your childs symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. There is no cure for atopic dermatitis. The goals of treatment are to ease itching and inflammation, add moisture, and prevent infection.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis includes:

• Staying away from irritants, as advised by your child’s healthcare provider

• Bathing with a gentle cleaner or body wash advised by the healthcare provider

• Keeping your child’s fingernails short, to help prevent scratching that can cause skin irritation and infection

• Using moisturizing lotion advised by the healthcare provider

Your child’s healthcare provider may also prescribe medicines. They may be used alone or together. The following are most commonly used to treat atopic dermatitis:

When To Talk To Your Doctor

Dry skin is often easy to treat yourself with moisturizers and other home remedies. Call your doctor if:

• Your symptoms don’t improve with treatments you’ve tried or they get worse
• The itching really bothers you or keeps you awake
• You have open cuts or sores from scratching

If you think your child has eczema, see their pediatrician for a diagnosis. The doctor can send you to a pediatric dermatologist if your child needs a prescription medication.

You may be able to manage eczema in yourself with home remedies and over-the-counter treatments. If your symptoms don’t improve, see your primary care doctor or a dermatologist for advice. Also call if a treatment your doctor prescribed hasn’t helped, or you have signs of an infection like redness and pain.

Show Sources

American Academy of Dermatology: “Dermatologists’ Top Tips for Relieving Dry Skin,” “Dry, scaly, and painful hands could be hand eczema.”

Boston Children’s Hospital: “Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema Symptoms & Causes.”

Cincinnati Children’s: “What is Eczema?”

Cleveland Clinic: “Dry Skin,” “Eczema.”

Intermountain Healthcare: “Eczema.”

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Key Points About Atopic Dermatitis

• Atopic dermatitis is commonly called eczema.
• Its an inherited and chronic skin disorder that is most common in infants or very young children.
• Atopic dermatitis causes dry, scaly, red skin that has red bumps that open and weep when scratched.
• Its important to find and avoid things that make atopic dermatitis worse. Triggers include stress, high or low temperatures, bacterial infections, fabrics such as wool, and detergents.
• The goals of treatment are to reduce itching and inflammations of the skin, to keep the skin moisturized, and prevent infection.

Emollients For Treating Eczema

Emollient creams add moisture to the skin. Apply moisturisers each day to clean, dry skin. It is especially important to moisturise after showering and bathing, and when living or working in an air-conditioned or heated environment. You may need to try several different brands until you find the emollient that works best for you. Ask your doctor, dermatologist or pharmacist for advice.

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Where Is Eczema On Babies

In babies, eczema is often found on the scalp and face, particularly the cheeks. Itâs most often found on the head, but it can be found anywhere. It is not typically in the diaper area.

A baby may rub their face or head on the carpet or their sheets to scratch the itchy skin. This can further irritate the skin and lead to infection.

As they start to crawl, eczema may be more frequently seen on their elbows or knees. This is because these are areas that are prone to rubbing as they crawl.

In toddlers, eczema may often be seen on their face, around their mouth, or on their eyelids. It may also be on wrists, elbow creases, and knees.

How Do I Take Care Of Myself

Reducing your stress is very important. Try these tips:

• Count to ten as you take a deep breath.
• Exercise daily.
• Try not to drink as much caffeine and alcohol.
• Sleep eight hours a night.
• Eat healthy.
• Try to have a positive attitude.
• Journal every day.
• Talk about your life with friends, family and a therapist.

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