Eczema

The Eczema is an inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by redness of the dermis , which takes a rough look. Sometimes it is accompanied by small vesicles. In developed countries, it is estimated that atopic eczema affects about 25% of children under seven months of age, the age at which it occurs for the first time is three months. As for contact eczema, it affects around 27% of the population of Europe; This type occurs mainly in adults as a reaction to perfume, ammonia, hair dyes …

What is eczema?

Eczema is how the skin peeling process is known. Despite the fact that in the vast majority of cases it is not a serious disorder, it generates great itching and a very intense burning sensation.

Types

We can differentiate two types of eczema, each with its own characteristics and symptoms.

• Atopic: it is known as that in which there are scaly and reddish lesions on the skin. These injuries are mainly concentrated in the flexures of the extremities such as the hands or the back of the knee. It is related to different allergic processes, such as asthma or allergic rhinitis. This type of eczema can also develop from extreme skin dryness.
• Contact: in this case, scaly plaques appear on the surface of the skin. As its name suggests, it is due to skin irritation due to contact with toxic substances.

The atopic eczema is much more frequent. It can appear for the first time in childhood, especially in areas such as the face and the diaper area. In these cases, the disorder disappears once the patients reach puberty; only skin dryness remains. It is not very common for this type of eczema to appear in adults for the first time.

However, contact eczema only occurs in patients with allergies to a certain substance; therefore, every time they have direct contact with that allergen, the skin lesion will appear.

Causes

The causes that lead to eczema are not precisely known despite the many studies and research that have been carried out. The genetic factor is considered to have a great influence; is related to an alteration of the immune system , which greatly impairs the function of the body’s protective barrier on the skin.

Eczema symptoms

Eczema is a relatively easy skin disease to diagnose as it produces a very clear set of symptoms. In general, patients have deep red, scaly plaques in different areas of their body , which give rise to a significant itching and stinging sensation.

In those cases in which the lesion gives rise to inflammation, small vesicles with serous content can be observed around the desquamative plaque .

It is very important to control scratching so as not to worsen the condition as it further alters the skin barrier and increases the risk of infection.

Diagnosis and treatment

At the slightest suspicion of eczema in any area of ​​the body, it is important to see a doctor. In the first place, he takes a medical history of the patient based on the symptoms he presents, as well as his general health and family history.

Next, if it is a contact eczema, we proceed to carry out epicutaneous contact tests to determine which allergen has been responsible for the skin lesion.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor proceeds to administer the most appropriate treatment for each specific case. Atopic eczema can be persistent, so in certain patients it is necessary to try different treatments over a long period of time to control this skin lesion.

Early detection of the disease is essential. The most common treatment consists of the application of corticosteroid creams, which help control itching and repair the skin. These types of creams should be administered under medical recommendation since their prolonged use can lead to side effects such as thinning of the skin.

If there is a bacterial infection on the skin, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream or ointment.

How to prevent eczema?

Although there is no 100% foolproof method to avoid this skin lesion, there are a series of preventive measures that can be of great help.

• In order to avoid contact eczema, it is important to avoid contact with any type of substance that may irritate the skin in any way .
• When choosing garments for both children and adults, it is better if they are made of cotton or 100% natural materials.
• When you are going to carry out any type of activity that involves being in contact with toxic substances for a long period of time, the use of gloves is practically mandatory.
• Before the slightest irritation of the skin, it is advisable to avoid those activities that may increase sweating in any way .

Avoid dry skin

One of the main causes of eczema is extreme dryness of the skin. Well, there are a series of measures to consider to avoid it.

First of all, it is essential to choose the right soap for cleaning both the face and the body . It is best to choose one of neutral pH, without perfumes or any type of fragrance that can cause irritation. At the time of the shower, it is better to opt for soft sponges and plenty of warm water.

Second, having well-hydrated skin is also key. A good tip is to use a body lotion or cream after showering; the products must be suitable for each type of skin. For the skin to be well hydrated, it is also important to drink two liters of water daily, as well as fruits and vegetables with a high water content.

And finally, remember that high temperatures worsen skin dryness. Thus, in the shower it is not recommended that the water temperature is higher than 33 ºC. As for closed spaces, the recommended ambient temperature is between 20 and 22 ºC. A good trick is to use humidifiers to maintain relative humidity.

Complications

The complications of this disease can be several; We explain them below.

• Hay fever : the disease in which asthma and allergic rhinitis occur is known as such. Eczema is precisely one of the most common causes of it. It is estimated that 50% of children with atopic dermatitis develop hay fever before reaching puberty.
• Neurodermatitis: a disorder that begins with a simple itch in a certain area of ​​the body. By natural instinct the patient scratches, causing it to itch even more, until a time comes when scratching the skin has become a habit. A disorder that can lead to serious skin complications, such as thickening or discoloration.
• Infections – Repeated scratching of the skin can lead to open sores and cracks, greatly increasing the risk of infection from microorganisms such as herpes.
• Sleep problems: Eczema can also cause various sleep disorders due to the itch-scratch cycle. This significantly impairs the quality of life of patients.

Eczema: Best Home Remedies

In addition to medical treatment, there are a series of 100% natural home remedies to alleviate the symptoms of eczema.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a powerful anti-inflammatory . It helps significantly to relieve itching and also accelerates the healing process of eczema. A natural ingredient that soothes irritation, reduces inflammation, and also lowers the risk of infection.

The preparation and application of this remedy is very simple. You only need four tablespoons of dried chamomile flower and a bathtub. The procedure is as follows: pour the chamomile into the bath water and leave for a few minutes. Then soak in the bathtub for 10-15 minutes; the feeling of calm on the skin is practically instantaneous.

Oatmeal

The oatmeal has great anti – inflammatory properties, so it is a very effective remedy for relieving inflammation of eczema own . Thus, it helps to alleviate the symptoms of the disease, such as itching and stinging.

You only need a cup of oatmeal and a bathtub full of warm water. Pour the oatmeal into the bath water and let it act for a few minutes. Then soak in it for 10-15 minutes. When you get out of the bathtub, gently pat your skin dry with a cotton towel and apply a moisturizer.

Coconut oil

The coconut oil is a lipid that prevents the skin from drying , thereby avoiding this type of skin lesion. Once eczema has made an appearance, coconut oil instantly relieves itchiness.

To apply this home remedy you only need coconut oil. Rinse your hands with this ingredient and rub the area affected by the skin lesion. It is very simple and, above all, fast.

Honey

Honey has properties that help relieve the signs of eczema on the skin . A natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory ingredient, which accelerates the skin’s healing process. In addition, it is deeply hydrated, which is a great advantage since dry skin is precisely one of the most frequent causes of this disorder.

You just have to apply a thin layer of honey on the affected area. Then you simply have to let it work for 20 to 30 minutes. Once the time has elapsed, rinse with plenty of warm water. You can apply this remedy up to three times a day.

Clay

Clay is a 100% natural ingredient rich in magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium and other minerals . Therefore, you can create a very beneficial ointment with it to say goodbye to pain, itching and inflammation.

To make this remedy you only need half a cup of green clay and water. Mix both ingredients and apply directly to the affected area and let it dry. Once the paste has dried, rinse with plenty of cold water and pat the area dry with a cotton towel.

Conclution

Eczema is a very common skin lesion in both children and adults. It is a relatively simple disorder to avoid in some cases, paying attention to a series of basic precautions: keep the skin well hydrated, use gloves when handling toxic products with your hands …

It is essential to pay attention to the condition of the skin. At the slightest suspicion of eczema, it is advisable to go to the doctor to establish the proper diagnosis and treatment. In addition, home remedies can be of great help to relieve the itching and stinging caused by the skin lesion