Eczema is an umbrella term for a number of skin condition where the skin erupts into bumpy red rashes. There are many types of eczema, and it is important to note the Eczema symptoms to identify which you are suffering from to treat it properly.

Eczema is a common skin condition, and though it can be uncomfortable, you can manage the condition and learn to live with it if you can identify the causes and try to avoid them.

Symptoms of eczema
Eczema starts as inflamed red patches of skins. Depending on the type of Eczema you have, it can affect different parts of your body.

It starts with an intense itching in a specific part of the body. Soon, a red rash appears. The affected region looks dry, thick, and scaly.

In people with fair skin, the rashes look red. In dark-skinned people, the condition affects the skin pigments, and the affected area may look lighter or darker than normal skin. If you scratch the rashes, it might soon turn into oozing blisters and the region may develop an infection.

Common eczema symptoms

• Red, inflamed skin
• Dry, itchy skin
• Dark patches of scaly skin
• Patches of leathery scaly skin
• Blisters that ooze and crust
• Very severe itching

What causes eczema?

While eczema can be caused by mites or fungal infections, mostly, eczema is triggered by an overactive immune system in response to an irritant. The irritant or allergen can vary. It can be something as simple as the skin coming into contact with a rough or coarse clothing material. The body can also react to extreme heat or cold in the form of eczema. It can be triggered by an allergen like animal dander or specific soaps or detergents or other products that come into contact with the skin. Cold, asthma, and stress can also be triggers. Eczema is not contagious; it cannot be passed from one person to another.

Different Types of Eczema

• Atopic dermatitis
  This is a common form of Eczema. It affects people with hereditary inhalant allergies like asthma. This type of eczema usually starts at a young age, and the rashes appear on the face, neck, ankles, and in front of the elbows and behind the knees.
• Stasis dermatitis
  This affects people with poor blood circulation. The rashes appear on the lower legs.
• Scabies
  Triggered by the human itch mite, the symptoms are very similar to other forms of Eczema.
• Fungal dermatitis
  This type also produces rashes and symptoms indistinguishable from other forms of eczema, but a scraping of the skin examined under a microscope can reveal the fungus causing the infection.
• Pompholyx
  This type of eczema typically affects the limbs. It causes a rash of blisters on the palms and soles or on the sides of fingers and toes.
• Nummular eczema
  This affects older people, appearing as round patches of scaly skin on the lower legs.
• Lichen simplex chronicus
  This causes thickened patches of skin on the neck and shins.
• Seborrheic dermatitis
  This eczema rash affects the face, ears, scalp, and mid-chest. In infants, it can affect even the entire body and takes the form of oozing blisters.
• Xerotic eczema
  This is a dry skin eczema; it causes the skin to crack and ooze.
• Allergic contact dermatitis
  Repeated exposure to the same allergen can cause the immune system to become sensitive to it. The next exposure can begin triggering a reaction in the form of eczema in the region of the exposure.

Treatment for eczema
Generally, eczema makes skin dry and itchy. To prevent this, you need to keep the skin moisturized. To reduce itching and chances of infection, frequently clean the affected area and apply moisturizing lotions and creams. Also, OTC corticosteroid topical applications are recommended. The treatment could include antibiotics if the person develops a bacterial infection in the affected area.

If you have oozing blisters, frequent and gentle cleaning using a very dilute solution of vinegar, or using clean tap water followed by exposing the area to the air and allowing the moisture to evaporate naturally can help. Once the oozing reduces and the region becomes comparatively dry, a corticosteroid topical application can reduce the severity of the condition and help speed up the healing process.

Generally, doctors will prescribe antihistamines to control, the itching. Also, phototherapy and tar treatments may also be used to manage the condition and reduce itching and infection. For those who have a severe case of eczema that does not respond to normal treatments, the doctor would advise the use of an immunosuppressant drug called cyclosporine and also use the best eczema treatment to soothe the pain and discomfort.

Living with eczema
Eczema can be very painful and irritating. If you are prone to this condition, learn to identify the triggers for your eczema and as far as possible, avoid them. For instance, if rough clothes cause a reaction, avoid exposing your skin directly to material like wool.

Extreme changes in temperature, certain products like harsh soaps, certain foods, and sweating can also trigger eczema, depending on the type of eczema you are vulnerable to. Avoid these triggers. Frequently moisturize your skin to avoid skin dryness.

Your doctor and dermatologist can help you learn how to stay clear of known irritants and how to reduce the chances of flare-ups. Follow these instructions strictly to control the condition and stay free of eczema.