Eczema Causes, Eczema Treatment and A Personal Story

Eczema is a skin condition that affects people of any age or race.  It’s generally a type of inflammation that causes severe dry skin, usually in patches that itch and burn.  Eczema comes in various forms but the most common form is called Atopic Dermatitis.  It can affect any part of the body but most commonly affects the following areas: neck, arms, ankles, crevices behind the ears and elbows.  Repeatedly scratching the skin can cause the skin to become crusty, blistery and to ooze and/or bleed.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of Eczema but they know it’s triggered by coming in contact with certain things such as soaps, detergent, skin care products with harsh chemicals, pollen, dust, and mold.  It’s even speculated that certain foods such as wheat, gluten and other food allergens may contribute to an outbreak of Eczema.

Dermatologists are the best doctors to see to diagnose the condition.  Sometimes Eczema is mistaken for other skin problems such as psoriasis.  Some doctors will do an allergy test either by blood or direct skin contact with allergens to determine if there are any particular reactions to certain substances.  If it is determined that a person has an allergic reaction, the doctor will suggest avoiding that substance to see if the Eczema improves.  (Tip: Many times what is exposed on the outside of the body, in this case the skin, is often a reflection of what’s going on inside the body.  Check your diet and drink plenty of water)

Some people experience mild cases of eczema while others experience more severe cases.  In both situations, it’s a miserable condition to have.  Often, people with Eczema have a history of it in their families.  My daughter suffers with Eczema on her forearm and behind her ears.   From the time she was a baby straight through here preteen years, she would be treated with topical steroids and injected with steroids in the affected area.  The problem with these treatments is it thins the lining of the skin.  Thinning of the skin makes it easier for the skin to be injured, cracked or bruised.  Of course, I didn’t want this for my daughter so I began to search out natural treatments.

There are various natural products on the market for the treatment of Eczema.  Honestly, it’s a matter of trying different remedies to see what’s best for you.  Since there are different types of Eczema, what treats one type may not necessarily treat the other as effectively. 

There are also natural body balms and creams available on the market that can soothe eczema.  It’s important to do your research on the ingredients in the products and then try one natural treatment for a while before trying another.  If you find that one is effective, great.  Stick with it.  Sometimes however, one treatment may seem to be working and then after a period of time, it may not seem as effective.  If that happens try something else.  Be diligent when caring for Eczema.  I know how uncomfortable and miserable Eczema can make a person after having my daughter experience it.