Eczema or dermatitis, affects more than 15 million Americans and it's currently estimated that between 15-25% of children are affected by eczema.   Eczema is a dermatological term for extra dry or inflamed skin. It's also known as: atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis and infantile eczema.  Eczema is a chronic skin disorder characterized by itching rashes, which may be red, scaly, dry, or leathery. 

Eczema is usually a persistent, itchy skin condition consisting of skin dryness and inflammation (manifested by redness of the skin, crusting and thickening of the skin).  Eczema is an inflammation of the skin and may be associated with an allergic reaction, although the cause is often unknown.  Eczema is a commonly inherited condition; it often affects people with a family history of allergies, such as allergic rhinitis and asthma. 

Research into the cause of eczema is still in the beginning stages.  Many people do not realize that eczema is not contagious and a child might be unnecessarily sent home from school.  Atopic eczema is a chronic, recurring condition with "flares" (which are active or new patches of eczema) and remissions (when eczema is not as active). 

An attack of eczema is usually described as acute or chronic, but the only distinction lies in the greater or less intensity of the inflammation at the time of description. It doesn't have anything to do with the length of time that the disease has lasted.  A severe attack of eczema is usually accompanied by some slight constitutional disturbance, but the general health seldom suffers appreciably, unless, as occasionally, the itching is so bad as to make sleep impossible.  However, eczema is actually dermatitis that is in advanced, more serious stages. 

Childhood eczema is sometimes found behind the knee or in the bend of an elbow and will often completely clear up by the time the child reaches puberty.  Irritant Contact Eczema is caused by contact with a substance that could be encountered daily, such as soaps, certain chemicals, and detergents.  Varicose Eczema is a condition found in the lower leg.  In adults, eczema is commonly located on the inner elbow or behind the knee. Other more serious types of eczema include nummular, discoid and dyshidrotic.

The eczema creams on the market today can be used for both skin hydration and to reduce inflammation and most eczema creams will give relief from irritation and discomfort almost immediately.  They are usually manufactured according to the highest pharmaceutical standards.

However I prefer natural treatments for eczema and use coconut oil for healing eczema or dermatitis.  Unprocessed organic virgin coconut oil soothes immediately and goes to work on healing eczema, dermatitis or just about any skin condition.

Patients with eczema have skin that is very sensitive to many substances such as soap, wool, detergents, make-up, cosmetics, mascara, lipstick, nail polish, shampoos, etc.  Once skin is exposed to a trigger, it releases chemicals to the surface of the skin causing the patient to itch.

To achieve control of your ski condition it does take time and energy to follow a successful skin care routine.  Skin care routines can be at times time-consuming and may seem monotonous but are necessary and well worth the effort.

We know that when someone is experiencing stress they are more likely to feel itchy and then start scratching their skin.  A school-age child who has poor skin control usually feels isolated from his/her peers and can develop low self-esteem.  For an attack of eczema, two conditions are necessary: a predisposition or special irritability of the skin, and a directly exciting cause.  Another influence that has received increasing attention from skin specialists is that of any shock to the nervous system or prolonged mental stress or strain. 

While we don't understand all the causes of eczema, there is evidence that the following play a role in causing eczema: diet, genetics, the immune system, and abnormalities in the barrier (protective) function of the skin.  We do know however that in eczema-prone people, certain things may cause a 'flare' or 'flare-up' or may 'trigger' an episode of eczema.  There are treatments and remedies that do work for eczema depending on what has caused it.  But some types of eczema have no known cause. However usually patients can achieve excellent control and live quite comfortably. 

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