Home | Health | Eczema – Types, Symptoms, Causes, And Management

Eczema – Types, symptoms, causes, and management

Eczema – Types, symptoms, causes, and management

Eczema is a prevalent skin disease that causes the skin to become dry, flaky, itchy, and bumpy. It mainly weakens the skin barrier, which is responsible for keeping the skin moisturized and protecting the body from external elements. When this barrier does not function efficiently, it can lead to inflammation and trigger various signs and symptoms. Read on to learn about eczema, its types, symptoms, causes, treatments, and helpful natural remedies.

Types
There are different types of this skin disease, each with unique triggers that can affect the functioning of the skin barrier. Some common examples are:

Atopic dermatitis
This disorder is characterized by skin discoloration and the formation of itchy patches on the skin. Many people develop atopic dermatitis in childhood and face flare-ups through adulthood. While it has no cure, one can manage the symptoms with treatment.

Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction caused due an allergen or irritant. It is not contagious and can be prevented.

Dyshidrotic eczema
It is a condition that leads to blisters on the skin. Individuals may also experience itching and discomfort. Several things can trigger dyshidrotic eczema, including allergies and stress, but the most common trigger is sweaty palms and feet.

Neurodermatitis
Like atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis can lead to itchy patches and skin discoloration. There could also be severe itching and dryness based on the condition’s severity. The itch can occur on any body region but is most commonly seen on the arms, shoulders, elbows, legs, wrists, and scalp. Further, it may cause the skin to have a leathery texture.

Nummular eczema
Nummular eczema is a severe condition that can lead to raised and round spots on the skin. These spots and lesions are typically shaped like a coin and can sometimes ooze clear fluids. It is not curable and can be managed with proper treatment and prevention methods.

Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis appears as red, itchy, and flaky skin on various body parts, including the scalp. Although a common skin disease, it is not contagious.

Symptoms
Eczema can be identified by various symptoms, each with unique characteristics and features. But, experts have found a few signs commonly seen across various types of this skin disease. These include dry skin, itchiness on various parts of the body, rashes, flaky or crusty skin, clear fluids oozing from the skin, swelling, leathery patches of skin, and raised, red, bumps on the skin. These symptoms can appear anywhere, but the most commonly affected areas are the hands, feet, neck, elbows, ankles, face, lips, and in and around the ears. The least affected areas are usually the nipples, breasts, and penis.

It is important to note that eczema can look different on different individuals. For example, eczema rashes may appear purple, brown, or even grayish on darker skin tones. On lighter skin tons, the same rash could look purple or red. The severity of the condition may also affect how the signs manifest. Those with severe eczema may notice more symptoms, discomfort, or pain than those with milder episodes.

Causes
There are no exact known causes for eczema. But, experts say that a few risk factors could increase a person’s chances of developing this skin disease. Some of these common triggers include:

Immune system reactions
In many cases, eczema results from the immune system overreacting to harmless irritants or allergens. It happens when the body’s immune system considers these tiny irritants foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. It then triggers an inflammatory response to tackle the issue. But, of course, in reality, there are no bacteria or viruses, and this unnecessary inflammatory reaction from the immune system leads to eczema.

Genetic predisposition and family history
Genetics also plays a vital role in the development of such skin diseases. Studies have found that individuals are more likely to get eczema when it runs in the family. A genetic mutation could affect how the skin barrier functions. Such individuals may also be at high risk for hay fever, asthma, and allergies.

Environmental factors
Many external factors could lead to the development of eczema. The list includes skincare products, harsh soaps, pollutants, irritants like wool, and allergens like pollen and pet hair. Humidity could also cause the skin to become dry and itchy, triggering eczema.

Poor emotional health
An individual’s poor emotional and mental health could also trigger the ailment. High levels of stress, anxiety, and depression are known to lead to more flare-ups.

Treatments
There is no cure for eczema, but the treatments available can help prevent flare-ups and reduce the severity of the condition. The aim is to enable individuals to live discomfort-free lives and ensure they can function without being bothered by this skin disease. However, the treatments can take time to work and must be used correctly for the best results in the long term.

Several treatment options are available to treat eczema. Most of them help reduce inflammation, itching, and swelling. Light therapy, a popular alternative, improves the skin’s appearance and reduces dark patches. Doctors may also prescribe topical applications to help deal with itchiness and inflammation. Further, skin-sensitive moisturizers and soaps may help people with dry skin.

Natural remedies
Besides treatments recommended by the doctor, individuals may try home remedies to relieve the symptoms. Aloe vera gel is known to have many anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe eczema and help heal wounds. Applying apple cider vinegar to the affected areas can help balance the skin’s acidity levels, reduce dryness and itching, and fight bacteria. Bleach baths, colloidal oatmeal, coconut oil, and tea tree oil are other suitable natural remedies for managing this skin disease. However, it is essential to check with a healthcare professional before trying these home remedies to prevent the risk of complications.

Recent Topics

9 Simple Steps to Create a Lush Green Lawn

9 Simple Steps to Create a Lush Green Lawn

The grass can be greener where you want it to be! Learning to take care of your lawn appropriately and maintaining it can help you create a lusher, greener yard for hosting cookouts, picnics, barbecues, or a relaxing yard for you and your loved ones. You can take some quick, easy steps to avoid faded or dead patches and create the lawn of your dreams. Check out nine ways to maintain a green lawn. Test the soil To create a vibrant green yard, you must start by caring for the most critical factor – the soil. Since grass needs nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to thrive, it is important to ensure your soil is enriched with them. To ensure the best grass growth, it is also important to have a soil pH level of 5.5 to 6.5. Using a home soil test kit or hiring an agency can help you take the guesswork out of soil profiling. These tests usually cost around $20 and are the foundation of a beautiful, well-nourished lawn. Aerate the lawn If your lawn is used to a lot of walking and trundling by your children or pets, it may be wise to aerate it before planting any grass.
12 Smoothies to Manage Arthritis and Relieve Joint Pain

12 Smoothies to Manage Arthritis and Relieve Joint Pain

Arthritis is characterized by swelling or tenderness of the joints. It affects over 50 million people in the country. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which tend to worsen with age. It may be inherited or caused by immune problems or metabolic conditions like gout. Making changes in daily meal plans can help manage arthritis symptoms. One of the easiest ways to introduce inflammation-relieving foods into one’s life is with delicious smoothies. Try these twelve arthritis-friendly smoothies at home to alleviate joint pain. Pineapple and turmeric smoothie Blend a quarter of a pineapple with water, orange, turmeric, lemon zest, mango, ginger, carrot, and salt. This delicious yellow smoothie is rich in antioxidants from pineapple, orange, and turmeric, which can reduce oxidative stress in the body. The main active component of turmeric, curcumin, inhibits COX-2, the enzyme that causes joint pain and inflammation, helping reduce symptoms of arthritis. The pineapple, orange, and mango add vitamin C to the smoothie, which also helps fight inflammation. Pineapple also contains the enzyme bromelain, which can help reduce arthritic pain. Kiwi and kale green smoothie Blend two kiwis with a bunch of kale, one mango, one orange, and some water to create a quick and easy green smoothie.
10 types of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis

10 types of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. It causes damage to the myelin sheath, which is a covering that protects the nerve fibers, and leads to several debilitating symptoms. It is a complex health disorder without any cure and its exact cause is unknown. However, lifestyle changes such as eating mindfully may help manage the condition. Certain types of foods worsen the symptoms and should be avoided. Saturated fats Saturated fats are mostly found in animal-based products and by-products. Additionally, they are present in certain types of oils. Saturated fats increase inflammation levels in the body as these raise the level of LDL or bad cholesterol. This increases the risk of heart disorders, which most people with multiple sclerosis are highly prone to have. So, it is best to avoid foods with saturated fats, such as: Red meat Full-fat dairy Butter Processed snacks, such as cakes, cookies, and chips Palm oil Coconut oil Trans fats Another group of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis is those containing trans fats. Just like saturated fats, trans fats also increase the level of inflammation in the body. Trans fats are known to increase inflammation levels within blood vessels.
7 early and noticeable signs of Parkinsons disease

7 early and noticeable signs of Parkinsons disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder primarily affecting the nerves communicating signals from the brain. An intricate network of nerves runs throughout the body carrying electrical impulses and signals to control a specific part or function. Parkinson’s disrupts these communication channels, making it difficult to control automatic reflexes and movements. It is only possible to manage Parkinson’s with early diagnosis as the disease has no cure. Tremors One of the first signs of developing Parkinson’s is tremors. People might experience different intensities of this motor function, but often, resting tremors are the first indicators of the neurological disorder. Resting tremors develop when the body is active and subside when the body is at rest. For example, one might not notice the tremors while using the hand actively. But when the hand is in a rested position, these tremors develop abruptly and are more noticeable while walking or sitting. Tremors that get worse with time start to interfere with regular activities like writing or shaving, among other actions that require fine gross motor skills. The uncontrolled shaking starts with just the thumb or one of the fingers, usually affecting one hand. However, the intensity of these tremors varies depending on how quickly the condition progresses.

Most Popular

Overactive Bladder – Management Options, Prevention, and Causes
01

Overactive Bladder – Management Options, Prevention, and Causes

An overactive bladder (OAB) results in frequent, unexpected urges to urinate. When one is dealing with an overactive bladder, they can experience frequent urges during the day and at night, along with incontinence. However, simple changes, such as better food choices, timed voiding, and bladder-holding techniques utilizing the pelvic floor muscles, can help one manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Here are a few things one should know when affected by OAB: Signs One may experience the following symptoms: Sudden and frequent urge to urinate Accidental urination right after experiencing an urge to urinate (urgency incontinence) Frequent urination, typically two or more times every few hours Need to go to the washroom more than two times every night (nocturia) Even if one can urinate normally when dealing with an overactive bladder, symptoms like unexpected frequent urination and nighttime urination can disrupt daily routine and cause discomfort. Doctors may refer the patient to a urologist, who focuses on illnesses and conditions of the reproductive system and urinary tract. One should consult a doctor as soon as they notice any of the signs. Overactive bladder is common in older adults, but some women can develop the issue at about 45. Ways to manage an overactive bladder People with overactive bladder may respond to a variety of therapies.
Read More

© 2024 EntryNotes.com. All Rights Reserved.