Eczema ” an itchy rash which causes great suffering. Learn more about this disease.
Those unfortunate enough to have this disease can suffer greatly. The itching and the mere sight of the rash are enough to try the patience of most souls.
The itchiness in itself is bad enough. And, to add to it, if the rash is visible and not covered by clothing, its ugliness makes the sufferer of this disease feel like a pariah. Youngster are often taunted by their peers because of the eczema rash.
There are four common types of eczema. And, in addition, about 7 to 9 less common types which we will not cover here.
1) Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an allergic disease which is said to have an hereditary component. This type often runs in families whose members have been known to have hay fever and asthma.
Those who suffer from Atopic eczemas itchy rash find it particularly noticeable on head and scalp, the neck, inside of elbows, behind knees, and on the buttocks. Experts are urging doctors to be more vigilant in weeding out cases that are, in actuality, irritant contact dermatitis. Atopic Eczema is very common in developed countries, with a rising in number of infections.
2) Contact dermatitis is subdivided into 2 sub-types: One is Allergic (resulting from a delayed reaction to some allergen, such as poison ivy or nickel).
The second type is called Irritant. It results from direct reaction to a detergent, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, for example. Some substances act both as allergen and irritant (wet cement, for example). Other substances cause a problem after sunlight exposure, bringing on phototoxic dermatitis. About three quarters of cases of Contact eczema are the Irritant type. This makes it the most common occupational skin disease.
Contact eczema may be curable provided the irritating substance can be avoided, and its traces removed from the nearby or working environment .
3) Xerotic eczema (aka asteatotic e. craquele or craquelatum, winter itch, pruritus hiemalis) is dry skin which somehow becomes so very dry that it turns into eczema.
Xerotic eczema worsens in dry winter weather. The limbs and trunk of the body are most often affected. The itchy, tender skin resembles a dry, cracked, river bed. This disorder is very common among older people.
4) Seborrhoeic dermatitis or Seborrheic dermatitis (”cradle cap” in infants) is a condition sometimes classified as a form of eczema which is dandruff like.
This eczema type causes greasy or dry peeling of the scalp, eyebrows, and face, and sometimes the body trunk. The condition is not harmful except in severe cases of cradle cap. In newborns it causes a thick, yellow crusty scalp rash called cradle cap which may be related to lack of biotin. It is quite curable.
It is not in the scope of this article to delve into cures or mitigation of eczema. That would take too many words. In addition to medical doctors treatments there are Naturals (herbs or supplements) which are reputed to be effective against eczema.
Disclaimer - The above information is not meant to diagnose, treat or mitigate any disease or condition. Please consult with your medical adviser or physician before using. This information is not approved by any governments agency. It is for educational purposes only