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The Symptoms and Causes of Eczema
A large number of people of all ages are afflicted with
the skin condition known as eczema. The most common symptom of eczema
is inflamed and irritated skin that itches or burns. Not only is it
unsightly, but it can also be painful and distressing to the sufferer.
Eczema,
a skin disorder that commonly causes itchy, reddened, dry skin, can be
hereditary, but it can also be caused by environmental factors. These
factors can be household chemicals, soaps, detergents, perfumes,
colognes, and other irritants, and even too much stress can be a cause
of eczema. The most common symptoms of eczema are reddened, dry skin
that burns or itches, but its appearance can vary depending on the type
of eczema and also from person to person, so it may appear as blisters
or oozing sores. Thickened, crusty skin may result from constant
scratching.
Some objects and chemicals that contact the skin,
including jewelry, detergents, clothing, cosmetics, soaps, and even
sweat, can bring on some types of eczema. Allergens or irritants in the
environment may also cause this skin condition. Mental stress or
changes in humidity and temperature are other factors that can bring on
eczema in some cases.
Wherever it appears on the body, eczema
is usually itchy. Eczema most commonly appears on the face, feet,
hands, or knees, and the area affected may begin to itch before the
rash is apparent. But it can also appear on other parts of the body.
Soon
the areas that are affected become thickened and dry, or they may
become scaly. On people with light skin, the affected areas may become
reddish and later darken to brown. On people with dark skin, the areas
may become either darker or lighter.
Both children and adults
may be affected with eczema, and it may appear anywhere on the body,
but the usual parts affected are the face and neck and the insides of
the ankles, knees, and elbows. Infants also can have outbreaks of
eczema, commonly occurring on the neck, scalp, cheeks, forehead,
forearms, and legs.
There are short-term cases of eczema where
the condition only lasts for several hours or a few days, and there are
other cases, called chronic dermatitis, where the eczema lasts for a
long period of time.
It is believed that eczema is caused by
the immune system of the body overreacting to some unknown factor, but
the exact cause has not been pinpointed. Avoiding the irritants and
initiating factors given above may help to relieve the symptoms of
eczema or prevent a recurrence of the condition. If you are prone to
attacks of eczema, you should keep track of the food you eat, the
detergents or other chemicals with which you come in contact, the
fabric of your clothing, and any other environmental stimuli that might
be causing the disorder.
For severe cases, you can get help
from a dermatologist. These professionals have the experience, the
training, and the resources necessary to diagnose and treat your skin
disorders.Back to Articles
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