Eczema is a general term used for several inflamed skin conditions, and one of the most common types of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Eczema affects people of all races and ages, but the condition is quite common in infants, and as many as 20 percent of kids get affected. The causes of eczema are not well known, but widely accepted norm is that it is an abnormal response of immune system of the body. In some people, eczema is dry, scaly and red, and for some, it my bubble up and ooze.
There are many triggers for eczema patients, and some of the most common causes include coarse or rough material coming in contact with the skin causing itchiness, feeling too hot or sweaty, coming in contact with certain detergents, soaps, juices, mites, saliva, animal dander, stress and upper respiratory infection. Use a mild body cleanser or soap, dry yourself carefully, and immediately apply the fragrance-free moisturizer or body lotion. One of the simplest eczema treatment routine is to avoid scratching. Eczema is usually itchy and dry, and it is really beneficial to keep the skin moist by using creams and lotions, and it is most effective when applied just after a warm bath so that the moisture gets locked in.
If it is not possible to identify and remove allergy-causing agents, you can lessen the allergy inflammatory response. Potent prescription corticosteroids ointments and creams are alternatives to non-prescription corticosteroids, however, these can have some side-effects such as thinning of skin. Avoid foods like watermelons, oranges, and papayas and salad vegetables such as radish and cucumbers. Add 3-4 tsp of turmeric powder to water, boil and allow it to cool down, and wash the affected area with this solution.
You can also prepare a paste of nutmeg and water, and apply to the affected area twice or thrice a day to cure eczema. Pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are two commonly used topical medications approved by FDA, and they work by modulating the immune response. Steam bath and sunbath are also well known to treat eczema as they kill the bacteria and other germs responsible for causing infection and rashes. Phototherapy and tar treatments are also effective, but tar can be quite messy, and phototherapy requires use of special equipments.
Pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are two topical medications that have been approved by FDA to treat atopic dermatitis. Barrier repair moisturizers are used to treat atopic dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis and radiation dermatitis. To treat moderate to severe cases, phototherapy is prescribed where patient is exposed to UV light for a controlled amount of time, and this treatment is used as a part of total treatment plan including topical treatment, lifestyle modification to prevent flare-ups, and stronger therapies such as medications that can be injected or swallowed.
