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 believed to have an hereditary component. This form often runs in families whose members have also been known to have hay fever and asthma.
Those who suffer from Atopic eczemas itchy rash find it particularly noticeable on their head and scalp. And, also on the neck, inside of elbows, behind the knees, and on the buttocks. Experts are urging physicians to be more vigilant to weed out cases that are, in actuality, really irritant contact dermatitis. Atopic Eczema is very common in developed countries, with rising numbers of infections.
2) Contact dermatitis is subdivided into 2 types: One is Allergic (this results from a delayed reaction to some allergen, such as nickel or poison ivy).
The second type is named Irritant. It may develop from direct reaction to a detergent, such as sodium lauryl sulfate. Some substances act both as allergen and irritant (wet cement, for example). Other substances cause a reaction after sunlight exposure, bringing on phototoxic dermatitis. Almost three fourths of cases of Contact eczema are of this 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 becomes so very, very dry that it becomes 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 disease sometimes classified as a form of eczema which is closely related to dandruff.
This type of eczema causes dry or greasy peeling of the face, scalp, and eyebrows and often of the body trunk. The condition is harmless except in bad cases of cradle cap. In newborns it causes a thick, yellow crusty scalp rash called cradle cap which seems related to lack of biotin. It is quite curable.
It is not the scope of this article to cover cures or mitigation of eczema. That would take just too many words. In addition to medical doctors recomendations, 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