What is Eczema or Dermatitis?

Eczema or Dermatitis are non-contagious skin rashes. Rash, which occur chronically without any external cause is called Eczema. In Dermatitis symptoms, are caused by specific triggers that affect a lot of people in the same manner. It can be further classified –

1. Atopic Dermatitis – Chronic skin irritation and is characterized by allergy or hypersensitivity to common substances. This is usually inherited. Symptoms appear during childhood and flare up during adulthood.
2. Contact Dermatitis – Acute rash or irritation caused by cosmetics, soaps, detergents and other chemicals that come in direct contact with the skin.
3. Seborrheic dermatitis – It is also a cause of dandruff around the eyes, face and scalp and there is scaling and flaking.
4. Statis Dermatitis – caused by pooling of blood in the lower legs, is common in middle age. Red, scaly, patches appear around the ankles and inside of the lower leg

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Symptoms of Eczema or Dermatitis

1. Itching, swelling and redness on the scalp, face, wrists, hands, in front of the elbows and behind the knees.
2. Blisters ooze and crust.
3. Peeling and chafing.
4. In cases due to scratching, thick patches of skin scale causing dermatitis.

Causes of Eczema or Dermatitis

• There may be no apparent reason. Eczema maybe caused by irritants, allergies, infections and sweating
• Detergents and soaps
• Woolen and silk clothing
• Food like eggs, milk, seafood and wheat, medications
• Plants (oak, poison ivy, rumac), antiperspirants, stressful situations and substances made from nickel
• Dyes, cosmetics, leather are other common allergens.

Home based cures for Eczema or Dermatitis

1. Wear loose cotton cloth’s, which allows perspiration to evaporate early.
2. Bathe in lukewarm water and limit yourself to 2 showers per week.
3. Resist scratching urge as it can worsen dermatitis.
4. In mild irritation or allergy, cortisone creams and ointments can be used (only on dry rashes). Lotion or liquids can be used for lesion oozing out.
5. Cold water or milk compresses when applied for an interval of 3 minutes throughout the day can provide temporary relief.
6. For statis dermatitis circulation of blood in the legs can be improved by wearing special support stockings..

Preventing Eczema or Dermatitis

1. Chlorine is an abrasive chemical so avoid swimming in chlorinated pools.
2. Keep away from substances that you are allergic or hypersensitive.
3. Avoid contact with detergents, use dishwasher and clothes washer, and for bathing use mild soaps.
4. Apply unscented moisturizer to damp-skin immediately after bathing to seal moisture. Apply moisturizer regularly to your hands in cold weather, to keep them soft. Use cool-mist humidifier to moisten indoor air.
5. Use meditation or yoga to maintain emotional stability and to ward off dermatitis triggered by stress.