Eczema is a condition that makes the skin inflamed, red, itchy, cracked and rough, sometimes, blisters may occur. Mostly people have eczema after the age of 5, but then some children below this age also have it but with few symptoms. Some people tend to outgrow this condition, while others continue to have it all through adulthood.
Foods such as nut could trigger the symptoms of eczema, especially itching
Eczema is not contagious
People who develop eczema in childhood might continue to have the symptoms as an adult
One important risk factor for eczema is family history
Eczema could be cause by exposure to irritants such as dusts, pollens, soaps, detergents, and so on. Children are also likely to have eczema if their parents do, the symptoms becomes severe if both parents have it.
Symptoms
Dry skin
Itching which may be severe especially at night
Rashes that commonly appear in creases of the elbow or knee, nape of the neck
Raw swollen skin as a result of continuous scratching
Thickened, cracked, scaly skin.
Treatment
So far, no cure has been found for eczema, however, some self care measures can help relieve itching. The aim of the treatment is to relieve, itching and regain healthy skin.
Home care
Take warm bath instead of hot bath
Use mild soap
When drying the body, avoid rubbing the towel over the skin, instead pat the skin gently
Apply skin moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing.
Avoid rough, scratchy and tight-fitted cloth
Avoid irritants that could trigger the symptoms.
Keep the fingernails low at all times to prevent skin break while scratching
Medications
Applying corticosteroid cream or ointment on the skin
Use of antibiotics if eczema occurs together with a bacteria infection.
