Facts about Eczema

  • Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition
  • Eczema is not contagious
  • Eczema is red and itchy
  • Eczema has no cure
  • Eczema is often associated with asthma and hay fever
  • Eczema runs in families
  • Eczema affects both children and adults
  • Eczema is equally common in males and females
  • Eczema is often outgrown by the age of 7 years

So these are some of the facts about eczema but there is more to know about the condition for you to understand it and be able to treat it and live with it.

Learn about eczema

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition of the upper layers of the skin. The actual cause of eczema is unknown however it does tend to run in families and have some common triggering factors. The most common things that will trigger eczema are allergies, both food and environmental, as well as emotional and physical stress and climatic changes.

Eczema appears on the skin in a variety of forms and indeed there are many types of eczema. The three main common features of eczema that distinguish it from other ailments are dry skin, sore rash and itchiness. Although written in this order it is difficult to determine which is the most severe of the symptoms and which comes first. Indeed this may vary from person to person.

Treating eczema

Not only does eczema appear differently but it will require different treatments from person to person. A regular daily regimen is required, however what will be most effective will vary according to a person’s skin type and severity of the condition. We are all different and we all have different skin so it stands to reason that our skin will respond to different treatments.

It can be a long drawn out process searching for the right skin care solution. It is important to remember that in your search you are seeking something that will control all of the symptoms. Hence you are looking for a daily treatment regimen that will calm the redness, ease the itching, soothe the irritating rash and help to heal the damaged skin. Treatment may be one simple emollient or it may involve a combination of bath oils, soap substitutes, creams and internal supplements. Removing the factor causing the allergy also plays a major role in treating your eczema.

Eczema summary

Eczema is a very involved inflammatory skin condition with many different forms and often proves difficult to control. It is important to remember that you are not alone. Eczema affects thousand of people in our community and there are many support services and information outlets available.

Control your eczema, don’t let it control you.

Mel Sinclair, RN