Eczema is a type of inflammation that occurs to the outer layer of the skin. The actual cause is not known, but it is believed that the immune system of the body is reacting to a particular irritant. The term is used quite broadly and applies to many different types of conditions that cause dry, itchy, red, and irritated skin. There are a variety of different types of the condition that may present. The term dermatitis is often used to describe cases of eczema that are acute.
In order to further explain the condition it was broken into classification types. There are approximately ten to twenty percent of infants and almost three percent of all adults and children in the United States that become affected by some form. The atopic form is the most common and has been linked not only to asthma, but is also believed to be hereditary and allergy related. Some of the particular symptoms may include a rash, and itch. They may be located in several different areas including the head, elbows, knees, and butt.
Contact dermatitis has two different forms that may present. One form is allergic and the other is irritant. For some individuals it is possible to experience the onset of both at the same time due to an exposure. Almost seventy-five percent of cases in this particular category are related to occupational exposures.
Xerotic is actually just skin that is so dry it becomes the serious condition of eczema. This condition usually occurs during the winter months and effects tend to affect the trunk and limbs especially. The skin begins to not only become dry and itch, but it cracks open as well.
Most people are familiar with dandruff, but it is also known as seborrhea dermatitis. When it has to do with an infant, it can be referred to as cradle cap, and may be considered serious in some cases. The only serious cases are those that have to do with infants.
Therapies for the prevention of the condition at home should include keeping the skin moisturized with lotion to prevent the skin from becoming dry and cracking. Extra attention needs to be paid to the skin during the colder months of the year. Topical steroids can be an excellent treatment in most cases and corticosteroids are used. There is no particular cure, but the symptoms can be controlled. There are some side effects with the use of steroids of extended periods; weakening of the skin.
Antihistamines are excellent to assist with the symptoms of rash and itching and will often be suggested as treatment. If scratching has caused an issue of infection to present itself, then antibiotics may also need to be prescribed.
Do you have problems with dermatitis? Well, if you do, you should check into a dry skin cream. You will find our creams can help keep the skin healthy and moisturized like it should be.