Eczema is a term that is used to describe a family of inflammatory skin conditions that millions of people of all ages suffer from. The skin can become irritated, swollen, and itchy. Which eczema treatment you receive may depend on the type of eczema you have. Such types include atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and nummular dermatitis. Examples of eczema include diaper rash in infants, the rash a person receives when they have come into contact with poison ivy, and even dandruff.
In regards to eczema causes, some are as common as the detergent you use to wash your clothes, so the ideal eczema treatment is to avoid such irritants. This avoidance is the same that would occur with someone who ensures they do not come into contact with poison ivy, which if irritation occurs is commonly known as allergic contact dermatitis. Another type, irritant contact dermatitis is the kind of eczema that is caused by irritants within laundry detergent.
Unfortunately, some types of eczema do not have known causes. Atopic dermatitis is one type that fits this description. Other unknown causes can revolve around genetics since eczema has been known to run in families. Even a person with HIV is more susceptible due to their compromised immune system. Certain diseases simply make a person more susceptible and it is this that can make finding the right treatment harder. This is when a dermatologist may use trial and error by starting with common treatments and working from there based on the reaction of the patient.
However, the first eczema treatment step is to focus on prevention. If you can identify what makes your condition flare up, then you can eliminate the cause. Stress, for instance, can cause flare ups and so can a certain laundry detergent. Unfortunately, you usually need more than one flare up to identify the cause. There may also be times in which you come into contact with an unknown cause.
When seeking a way to avoid flare ups completely, a dermatologist will identify the type of eczema you are suffering from and will base an eczema treatment plan on that. The treatment is designed to loosen and eliminate the scaly lesions, reduce inflammation of the skin, reduce the development of new lesions, and eliminate infection.
It is important to note, however, that there are a variety of therapies that make up a successful eczema treatment. Medicated moisturizers, changes in lifestyle, systemic medications, and phototherapy tend to be the favorites of doctors.
Some individuals, however, like to step outside of the conventional treatment methods and try a more holistic approach. Using moisturizers with natural ingredients as opposed to synthetic ingredients tend to be an effective choice. Using an emollient to treat the lesions can also be effective. Other natural treatments include taking Vitamin E, blueberry leaves in lotion form, and Aloe Vera. Some even state that adding a half cup of bleach to warm bath water makes a difference.
What eczema treatment you choose is entirely up to you. You may choose to use the avoidance method, to use medications or treatments prescribed by your doctor, or to take a more natural approach. There are some eczema sufferers that do all three and find that they have success in utilizing a combination of treatments in order to avoid unexpected reactions and to remedy them if they occur.
Anyone who has suffered the symptoms and embarrassment of skin problems is grateful for of real remedies. The victim can now find relief with eczema treatment or dry skin treatment.