How To Treat Eczema On Arms And Legs

Atopic Dermatitis: What Causes Eczema On The Elbows & Behind The Knees

Eczema is a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the skin. There are seven different types of Eczema, each with several different identifying names and each with a variety of symptoms and different triggers . None of the different types of eczema are contagious, and regardless of the type of eczema, the physical appearance often looks different on different people. There is no known cure for eczema and their lots of different ideas on how to treat eczema depending on the severity and type.

• Common Eczema: the skin becomes dry, itchy, and red. Many people feel a burning sensation of the skin.
• Weeping Eczema: patches of skin become red, scaly and itchy. Sometimes, tiny blisters containing clear fluid can form and the affected areas of skin can weep. Weeping is a sign that dermatitis has become infected, usually with the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus . As the fluid drains the skin usually becomes crusted over.
• Thick scaly eczema: or Lichen Simplex Chronicus neurodermatitis treatment. Not scratching and rubbing the affected areas is key to healing the skin. These symptoms are typical for people that have chronic eczema where the skin tends to become very thick and scaly in lichen simplex chronicus, stronger steroids may be required.

How Is Eczema Treated

There is no cure for eczema. But treatments can help with symptoms. The doctor will recommend different treatments based on how severe the symptoms are, the child’s age, and where the rash is. Some are “topical” and applied to the skin. Others are taken by mouth.

Topical moisturizers. Skin should be moisturized often . The best time to apply moisturizer is after a bath or shower, with the skin patted dry gently. Ointments and creams are best because they contain a lot of oil. Lotions have too much water to be helpful.

Topical corticosteroids, also called cortisone or steroid creams or ointments. These ease skin inflammation. It’s important not to use a topical steroid prescribed for someone else. These creams and ointments vary in strength, and using the wrong strength in sensitive areas can damage the skin, especially in infants.

Other topical anti-inflammatory medicines. These include medicines that change the way the skin’s immune system reacts.

Medicine taken by mouth. These can include antihistamines to help itchy kids sleep better at night, antibiotics if a rash gets infected by bacteria, and corticosteroid pills or other medicines that suppress the immune system.

Other types of treatment can include:

• wet wraps: damp cloths placed on irritated areas of skin
• bleach baths: bathing in very diluted bleach solution

Easy Ways To Get Rid Of Eczema

Hi there! Do you want to know how to finally get rid of your eczema? If you have breakouts on the face, body or hands, then I imagine you probably want to know how to get rid of it fast.

For the longest time I struggled with itchy skin, spots, and redness. At first I didnt know what it was, then according to a dermatologist, I had eczema on my body!

Once I knew I had this rash, what I wanted the most was for it to be gone, forever and fast.

If you feel the same way, and youre also looking to get rid of itchy red skin, then youve come to the right place. I know it may seem to difficult to deal with at first, but the good news is that by doing the right things you can get rid of it!

Today Im going to show you what I did to finally get rid of eczema on my skin in a video. It only took 3 simple steps and Im excited to share them with you!

to join the program!

Also, for those of you following the blog, I wanted to make an easy guide for you below. Hope you enjoy it!

In this guide well cover:

What is eczema How long does it take to get rid of it? Reducing redness on the face Tips for improving hand eczema Removing dark spots and scars

Also Check: Why Do Newborns Get Eczema

How Does Weeping Eczema Affect My Body

The fluid-filled blisters that appear with weeping eczema ooze, causing wetness on the skin. The fluid dries and results in a yellow-to-orange crusty layer on your skin. Eczema is most common in areas where your skin flexes, such as behind the knees, inside the elbows and in front of the neck. However, it may develop anywhere on your body, including your:

• Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the armpit, neck or groin.

Other Types Of Eczema

Eczema is the name for a group of skin conditions that cause dry, irritated skin.

Other types of eczema include:

• discoid eczema a type of eczema that occurs in circular or oval patches on the skin
• contact dermatitis a type of eczema that occurs when the body comes into contact with a particular substance
• varicose eczema a type of eczema that most often affects the lower legs and is caused by problems with the flow of blood through the leg veins
• seborrhoeic eczema a type of eczema where red, scaly patches develop on the sides of the nose, eyebrows, ears and scalp
• dyshidrotic eczema a type of eczema that causes tiny blisters to erupt across the palms of the hands

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

Also Check: Dr John Van Wagoner Eczema

Use A Moisturizer On Your Skin Every Day

Moisturizers help keep your skin soft and flexible. They prevent skin cracks. A plain moisturizer is best. Avoid moisturizers with fragrances and a lot of extra ingredients. A good, cheap moisturizer is plain petroleum jelly . Use moisturizers that are more greasy than creamy because creams usually have more preservatives in them.

Regular use of a moisturizer can help prevent the dry skin that is common in winter.

Eczema Symptoms In People Of Color

In People of Color, an eczema rash may appear gray or brown. This can make outbreaks harder to see.

However, People of Color who get eczema may also get dark or light skin patches even after eczema symptoms go away. These can last a long time. Doctors call these patches hyperpigmentation and depigmentation or hypopigmentation.

A dermatologist can evaluate these patches, which may respond to treatments like steroid creams.

The following atopic dermatitis symptoms are common in babies under the age of 2:

• rashes on the scalp and cheeks
• rashes that bubble up before leaking fluid
• rashes that can cause extreme itchiness, which may interfere with sleeping

Also Check: What’s The Best Thing To Put On Eczema

When To Seek Medical Advice

See a GP if you have symptoms of atopic eczema. They’ll usually be able to diagnose atopic eczema by looking at your skin and asking questions, such as:

• whether the rash is itchy and where it appears
• when the symptoms first began
• whether it comes and goes over time
• whether there’s a history of atopic eczema in your family
• whether you have any other conditions, such as allergies or asthma
• whether something in your diet or lifestyle may be contributing to your symptoms

Typically, to be diagnosed with atopic eczema you should have had an itchy skin condition in the last 12 months and 3 or more of the following:

• visibly irritated red skin in the creases of your skin such as the insides of your elbows or behind your knees at the time of examination by a health professional
• a history of skin irritation occurring in the same areas mentioned above
• generally dry skin in the last 12 months
• a history of asthma or hay fever children under 4 must have an immediate relative, such as a parent, brother or sister, who has 1 of these conditions
• the condition started before the age of 2

What Causes Eczema To Wax To Flare

Different “triggers” can make eczema worse. For infants, these can be irritants such as wool, certain detergents or extreme temperatures, or other immune triggers, such as food allergies and asthma, and even pet dander.

Most kids with the condition have the hardest time in winter, when the air is cold and dry. A small percentage has a harder time in the summer, when it is hot and humid.

Read Also: Can Eczema Look Like Bruises

Remedies To Improve Eczema Scarring

Treating eczema scars ranges in difficulty, depending on the severity. The key is to return moisture to prevent itching, lichenification, and cracking on your skin. There are a number of treatments available to improve symptoms and prevent scarring. In some cases, treatment can also help to reduce scarring.

Before pursuing alternative treatment, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. While homeopathic remedies can help reduce symptoms, more severe cases of eczema may require traditional medical treatment.

Eczema Coping Tips Diet

In most cases, eczema isnt caused or made worse by diet. If you notice that your eczema seems to get worse after eating a particular food, you may be an exception to this. See your doctor or dietitian for proper allergy testing and dietary advice.Never self-diagnose or you risk depriving yourself of enjoyable and nutritious foods for no good reason. Unnecessarily avoiding certain foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Read Also: Eczema And Food Allergy The Hidden Cause

How Is Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosed In A Child

The healthcare provider will ask about your childs symptoms and health history. He or she may also ask if you or other family members have atopic dermatitis, asthma, or nasal allergies such as hay fever or allergic rhinitis. He or she will also ask about allergy symptoms in your child. The healthcare provider will examine your child, looking for signs of atopic dermatitis. There is no specific test for atopic dermatitis. Testing is usually not needed, but it may be done. Tests may include:

• Blood tests. Your childs blood may be checked for levels of immunoglobulin E . IgE is released by the body’s immune system. Its high in most children with allergies and with atopic dermatitis. Other blood tests may also be done.

• Skin tests. Skin tests may be done to check for allergies or other skin conditions.

Managing Eczema In Winter And Year Round: A Parents Guide

Cold, dry outdoor air and indoor heating can rob skin of its natural moisture in the winter. Red, crusty, dry patches can be common on a baby’s skin, particularly in winter, and cause concern for parents. Such symptoms can be treated, however, and many babies and children do outgrow the dry, itchy skin of atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.

We spoke with pediatric dermatologist Katherine Puttgen to learn more.

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Wear Gloves To Protect The Skin On Your Hands

Wear vinyl or plastic gloves for work that requires you to have your hands in water. Also, wear gloves when your hands are exposed to anything that can irritate your skin. Wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves to soak up sweat from your hands. Take occasional breaks and remove your gloves. This will prevent a buildup of sweat inside your gloves.

Wear gloves when you go outside during the winter. Cold air and low humidity can dry your skin. Dryness can make your eczema worse. Wear clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend. Wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate your skin.

Rash On Arm Causes: Itchy Red Treatments And Remedies

When do you have an arm rash? You get an arm rash if there is a change in texture, color or appearance in the skin on parts or whole of your arm skin. Rashes can be presented in varying ways such as raised patches, scaling formation of bumps. Your arm skin can also get damaged with cracks or develop a characteristic dry skin.

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What Causes Weeping Eczema

Weeping eczema is the result of active inflammation in the skin. Prominent inflammation results in dilation of skin blood vessels. These dilated blood vessels then leak serum into the soft tissue of the skin, causing mild swelling and oozing of the serum onto the skin surface.

Importantly, when your skin becomes too dry, cracked or inflamed, infection can enter the skin and cause your eczema symptoms to worsen. Infection can occur with weeping eczema, but is a different condition. The most common infection in people with weeping eczema is staph , a common bacteria. The herpes simplex virus the same virus that causes cold sores can also cause weeping eczema if it enters the skin.

What Can I Expect If I Have Weeping Eczema

When treated promptly, weeping eczema should clear up within two weeks. People with severe cases may develop scarring.

Left untreated, weeping eczema can lead to more severe symptoms and an increased risk of developing secondary infections. If you develop the condition, its important to seek medical care immediately.

Also Check: How Do I Stop My Eczema From Spreading

Eczema Coping Tips Avoid Changes In Temperature

Abrupt temperature and humidity changes can sometimes irritate the skin for example, going in and out of air-conditioned buildings on hot days or heated buildings on cold days.Hard physical activity or exercise that makes you sweat heavily can also trigger the itch of eczema.Suggestions include:

• In winter, dont overheat your house. Dress warmly when going outdoors and remove the extra layers as soon as you return.
• In summer, dont over cool your house. Air conditioners can dry out the air and irritate your skin.
• Avoid hard physical activity in hot weather. For example, do your gardening first thing in the morning, or in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky.

How To Treat Eczema On Legs

Do you suffer from eczema on legs and cantfind relief from relentless scratching and overall irritation? Leg eczema can becaused from a variety of external issues such as allergens and season allergiesor from internal factors such as a stress, hormones, an unhealthy gut and more.

However, eczema on legs can also be easilytriggered from clothing that contains chemical dyes and unnatural fibers . Eczema caused from clothing actually has its own name: Textile Dermatitis.

Although eczema on legs can cause a varietyof symptoms, the most common are:

• Red to brownish-gray patches onknees or behind knees
• Small, oozing bumps
• Thickened, cracked, scaly skin

Many suffer from eczema on thighs andeczema on calves as well.

Regardless of where your eczema appears,there are a variety of natural treatments that can help diminish your symptomsand triggers.

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Do Not Scratch Your Legs

Discomfort and itching can lead you to scratch your legs. You must never scratch areas affected by eczema. No matter how much you feel like scratching, you should resist the temptation. Scratching will make your skin bleed. If you scratch your legs, you may develop another infection because the disease will cause microorganisms.

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:

Read Also: How To Dry Up Weeping Eczema

Gentle Soaps And Detergents

Laundry detergent can contain harsh chemicals that aggravate eczema.

Many body washes and cleansers contain detergents, which help provide a soapy lather. Detergents and other lathering agents can dry out the skin, especially in people with eczema.

Bar soaps can also be harsh on the skin because of their alkalinity.

Try using a gentle, no-lather, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid products with rough particles for scrubbing or exfoliating, as these can further irritate the skin.

Many people with eczema also find that switching to a more gentle, fragrance- or color-free laundry detergent can help improve symptoms.

Additionally, try skipping fabric softener, which lingers on clothes and often contains fragrances and chemicals that can irritate the skin.

Sitting next to a fireplace or near a furnace may feel good, but it can worsen eczema symptoms. The hot, dry air can dehydrate the skin and aggravate the itchiness of eczema.

Use a humidifier during the dry winter months and avoid getting too close to heaters and fireplaces.

Other Symptoms You May Have

Sometimes an eczema flare can become more serious.

• Superinfections occur when an open wound from an eczema flare becomes infected. Its usually a bacterial infection. The eczema becomes more painful, the bumps become crusted over, or start to drain.
• Severe or full-body eczema can develop into a condition called erythroderma. Erythroderma can cause severe distress and dehydration. It may require hospitalization.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Eczema On Feet Fast

Causes Of Atopic Eczema

The exact cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but it’s clear it is not down to one single thing.

Atopic eczema often occurs in people who get allergies. “Atopic” means sensitivity to allergens.

It can run in families, and often develops alongside other conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.

The symptoms of atopic eczema often have certain triggers, such as soaps, detergents, stress and the weather.

Sometimes food allergies can play a part, especially in young children with severe eczema.

You may be asked to keep a food diary to try to determine whether a specific food makes your symptoms worse.

Allergy tests are not usually needed, although they’re sometimes helpful in identifying whether a food allergy may be triggering symptoms.