Dermisil 100% Natural Eczema Relief

What is Eczema?

Eczema, often called dermatitis (inflamed skin), affects people of all age groups, but is most common in infants and young adults.

Early stages of eczema can cause the skin to turn red, blister, and ooze. Later stages of eczema can cause the skin to turn a brownish color and be scaly. In almost every case, eczema itches. Eczema can be widespread or limited to a few areas. Atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is the most common form of eczema.

Atopic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Atopic eczema is a condition in which there is excess inflammation of the skin, which often hereditary. Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a disease that causes itchy, inflamed skin. It typically affects the insides of the elbows, backs of the knees, and the face, but can cover most of the body. Even though most people with atopic eczema have a family member with a similar problem, approximately 20 percent of those suffering from atopic eczema may be the only one in their family bothered by this condition.

Often the problem fades during childhood, though people with AD have a lifelong tendency to have:

• Dry skin—easily irritated
• Occupational skin disease—hand dermatitis
• Skin infections—Staph and herpes ("cold sores")
• Eye problems—eyelid dermatitis, cataracts
• Family and social relationships disrupted
• Work loss

AD is a very common disease, present worldwide, though it is more common in urban areas and developed countries. An estimated 10% of all people are at some time affected by AD. It affects men and women of all races equally.

Eczema is a general term for any type of dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most severe and chronic form of eczema. Although the term eczema is often used for atopic dermatitis, there are several other skin diseases that are eczemas as well, including:

All types of eczema cause itching and redness, and some will blister, weep, or peel.

What Are the Symptoms?

No matter which part of the skin is affected, eczema is almost always itchy. Sometimes the itching will start before the rash appears, but when it does the rash most commonly occurs on the face, knees, hands, or feet, but may also affect other areas.

Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened, or scaly. In fair-skinned people, these areas may initially appear reddish and then turn brown. Among darker-skinned people, eczema can affect pigmentation, making the affected area lighter or darker.

In infants, the itchy rash can produce an oozing, crusting condition that occurs mainly on the face and scalp, but patches may appear anywhere.

What Causes It?

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it's thought to be linked to an overactive response by the body's immune system to an irritant. It is this response that causes the symptoms of the disease.

In addition, eczema is commonly found in families with a history of other allergies or asthma.

Some people may suffer flare-ups of the itchy rash in response to certain substances or conditions. For some, coming into contact with rough or coarse materials may cause the skin to become itchy. For others, feeling too hot or too cold, exposure to certain household products like soap or detergent, or coming into contact with animal dander may cause an outbreak. Upper respiratory infections or colds may also be triggers. Stress may cause the condition to worsen. The condition is not contagious and can't be spread from person to person.

How Is It Diagnosed?

A pediatrician, dermatologist, or your primary care provider can make a diagnosis of eczema. Since many people with eczema also suffer from allergies, your doctor may perform allergy tests to determine possible irritants or triggers, especially among children.

How Is It Treated?

The goal of treatment is to relieve and prevent itching, which can lead to infection. Since the disease makes skin dry and itchy, lotions and creams are recommended to keep the skin moist. These solutions are usually applied when the skin is damp, such as after bathing, to help the skin retain moisture. Cold compresses may also be used to relieve itching.

Over-the-counter or prescription creams and ointments containing corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, are often prescribed to reduce inflammation. For severe cases, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids. In addition, if the affected area becomes infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection-causing bacteria.