Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis is caused by a combination of immune system activation, genetics, environmental triggers and stress.
Eczema is a condition in which patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough. Some types can also cause blisters. If you have eczema, your immune system overreacts to small irritants or allergens. This overreaction can inflame your skin.
Eczema appears as red, inflamed patches of skin, often on the face, neck or hands, but it can also be found in other areas, like behind your knees and inside your elbows. The skin can also look brownish-gray in color, and feel bumpy or scaly.
A variety of viruses, bacteria, and fungi can cause infected eczema. However, staphylococcus aureus (staph infection) and fungal infections, such as Candida albicans.are some of the more common microbes responsible for causing infected eczema:
The occurrence of eczema, as may be the case with other skin conditions, can also be triggered by stress. Stress causes a spike in the hormone cortisol (sometimes called the stress hormone). When your body produces high amounts of cortisol because of stress, your skin can become abnormally oily.
Some symptoms of Eczema may include dry skin, Itching – which may be severe, especially at night. Red to brownish-gray patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in infants, the face and scalp. Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched.
Usually, most children outgrow eczema. However, for adults who continue to suffer, it is a serious condition. Adult eczema is a chronic condition that involves inflamed, red, itchy patches of skin that can erupt in oozing flare-ups. Different areas of the body can be affected for adults, including face, hands and even eyelids.
Eczema can also suddenly appear for the first time in later life, for reasons that can be difficult to determine. It is widely believed that the skin becomes drier as we get older, which can lead to roughness, scaling and itchiness.
Interestingly, there’s no known cure for eczema, and the rashes won’t simply go away if left untreated. For most people, eczema is a chronic condition that requires careful avoidance of triggers to help prevent flare-ups.
The good thing is that, no matter the type of eczema, you can’t catch it from someone. And if you have eczema, you can’t give it to someone else. One reason people may wonder if it’s contagious is because most types of eczema tend to run in families.
It is important to seek medical attention for treatment. However, to help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, you may try the following self-care measures:
- Moisturize your skin at least twice a day.
- Apply an Anti-Fungal or Anti-Bacterial cream to the affected area.
- Take an oral allergy or anti-itch medication
- Avoid bathing very cold water
- Choose mild soaps without dyes or perfumes.
- Avoid scratching
Food Sensitivities: Peanuts, Citrus fruits, dairy, milk, soy, wheat, fish, eggs, tomatoes, spices, such as vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon are the most common foods to avoid if you have eczema? However, because kids need a well-rounded diet, don’t stop giving them foods you think might cause eczema flares. Talk to a pediatrician or dermatologist first.
