Like many other skin conditions, eczema causes skin inflammation. It makes the skin itchy, dry, and cracked, and sometimes causes discoloration. This condition could appear in any part of one’s body. While anybody can get eczema, it is largely found in infants. Thankfully, many outgrow the disease before they reach adulthood. This article discusses various topics related to eczema to understand the situation better.

Causes of eczema
So what causes eczema? One’s genes could be the culprit. Some families are known to have extra sensitive skin, which is passed down from one generation to the next. Besides, an overactive immune system can also contribute to the disease. There is also a school of thought that believes that any defect in the skin allows moisture (along with germs) to seep through, causing eczema. Some of the trigger facts of eczema include the following:

• Habitat
  People living in extremely hot places tend to sweat all the time. On the contrary, even cold and dry climates are known to be contributing factors for eczema.
• Dry skin
  When the skin gets too dry, it becomes brittle and flaky. This is when moisturizing the skin becomes crucial.
• Stress
  Contact with substances that cause irritation, like synthetic fabrics and wool, can lead to the condition. Cigarette smoking and fragrances could also be trigger factors.

Types of eczema
While there are several types of eczema, the popular ones are:

• Allergic contact dermatitis
  It occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen or substance which the immune system considers “foreign.”
• Dyshidrotic eczema
  Characterized mainly by blisters, this usually happens in the soles of the feet or the palms of the hand.
• Neurodermatitis
  In this type of eczema, the head, forearms, or wrists develop scaly patches, mainly due to an insect bite, which eventually results in a localized itch.
• Discoid eczema
  Also referred to as nummular eczema, this condition causes circular patches on the irritated skin. It can be scaly, highly itchy, and crusty.
• Stasis dermatitis
  Irritation of the skin below the lower leg is referred to as statis. It is largely caused due to problems related to the circulatory system of the body.

Symptoms of eczema
Typically, when one has eczema, their skin would start to itch even before the rash appears. This is a classic symptom of eczema. It usually shows up as patches of thickened skin around the face, neck, hands, legs, and is itchy. If scratched, crusts develop, and the skin tends to get infected. One should look for the following:

• Dry and sensitive skin
• Discoloration
• Inflammation
• Leathery or scalp patches
• Crusting or even oozing
• Irritation both at the mental and physical level

Remember that symptoms can vary from person to person, but some of these flare-ups tend to be common for all. The itch is usually between mild to moderate. Sadly, some people cannot tolerate the itchy sensation and end up scratching until it bleeds.

Treatment options for eczema
It is extremely crucial to consult a dermatologist or specialized doctor to diagnose and provide the right treatment for eczema. Doctors usually examine the skin in detail and discuss the various symptoms experienced, along with the patient’s medical and family history. The treatment plan is generally drawn only after considering these factors.

Some of the basic yet effective treatment options include the following:

• A simple skincare
  If the eczema is mild, just a proper grooming habit is enough. Doctors recommend some changes in daily practices, such as using a mild soap. More often than not, a suitable lotion or moisturizer is recommended. One may have to apply them right after a shower.
• Temperature of water
  Doctors may also insist on showering in warm and not hot water as it may injure the itchy skin further and make it drier. Doctors also disapprove of showering for more extended hours for the very same reason.
• Other lifestyle changes
  Exercising regularly, consuming rainbow-based vegetables, and managing stress levels go a long way in managing eczema. Besides, investing in a humidifier also reduces the influence of dry air on one’s skin. When one has eczema, dry air can be very stressful.

Other forms of treatment that need to be prescribed only by a doctor include:

• Hydrocortisone
  While this is an over-the-counter medicine that helps manage the rash to a large extent, it may not provide long term relief. Besides, it has to be prescribed by a doctor if a person needs it in a higher dosage.
• Antihistamines
  These medicines are orally consumed and make one feel too drowsy. Patients usually consume these pills at night to reduce the chances of itching during sleep (which seems to be the biggest issue that causes infections).
• Steroids
  Steroids are to be taken only with a doctor’s prescription and are mostly recommended when other medications do not work effectively. Corticosteroids are known to be prescribed if the condition is acute.
• Ultraviolet light therapy
  This therapy works very well if the condition is severe and is a sought-after option for many.
• Reducing the immune system reaction
  Eczema is also believed to occur due to an overactive immune system. Medicines like Elidel or Eucrisa are advised in such cases to manage the inflammation and reaction of the immune system. However, these should never be given to children under three and should be prescribed only by a doctor. Besides, one should use these medications only for short-term relief.
• Injectables
  Injecting medications like dupixent control the body’s response to inflammation. They are given every two weeks as an injection and can be used only if the person is 12 years or older.

Besides these treatments, doctors may also recommend prescription-based moisturizers that work as a shield on the skin.

Home treatment for eczema
Many people successfully manage eczema through useful home remedies. Some highly recommended time-tested methods remove the chances of an allergy attack in the first place and also provide relief to eczema:

• Bath
  One must shower in lukewarm water and never bathe for more than 10 to 15 minutes. Using a very mild or organic (mild) soap is the best option. Besides, one should not rub their body vigorously after a shower, but pat-dry slowly. Applying moisturizing lotions all over the body and avoiding products that have irritating substances and fragrances help keep eczema flare-ups away. Essential oils like tea tree, almond, and sandalwood oil are also known to provide relief to the affected areas. Some of the popular combinations include tea tree oil (2 drops), ylang-ylang oil (3 drops), and jojoba oil (10 drops). One could also add coconut or sesame oil to this. Besides, evening primrose oil, when taken orally, is also known to control eczema. It contains omega-6 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid, which helps prevent inflammation.
• Witch hazel
  This is an astringent made from the barks and leaves of the witch hazel shrub. For more than a century, witch hazel has been used to treat skin inflammation (a topical remedy). However, it is also essential to note that there has been little or no research to support this.
• Clothing
  If one notices that they are allergic to a particular fabric, they must not wear it, no matter how attractive. One must also avoid tight-fitting and scratchy clothes. When it comes to laundry, it is best to use mild detergent powders only.
• Do not strain
  One should always regulate their activities, not sweat much, and prevent exposure to chillness. During flare-ups, exercises must be avoided.
• Do not scratch
  It is undoubtedly easier to manage eczema than to cure it. The condition leads to extreme craving to itch the affected area. Remember, doing so only makes it worse. If one cannot stop themselves from scratching, they must cover the area with a mild dressing. Using gloves at night will also help.
• Just relax!
  One should eat light, have activities that do not exert much, get adequate sleep, and carry a cheerful disposition. This will reduce flares significantly. It is quite unclear as to how stress induces eczema flare-ups. Still, techniques like visualization, meditation, deep breathing, music therapy, yoga, and other mindful practices help significantly deal with the stress levels.

In case of severe rash, add bleach to warm water and soak the affected area for ten minutes. If the inflammation still does not subside, use an anti-inflammatory cream to lessen the allergic response. It would also be ideal to use a menthol or camphor-based cream, like calamine.

Foods to have for eczema
Allergies and eczema go hand in hand. Therefore, if a person is allergic to a particular food, it is best avoided no matter what. Generally, the following foods are known to be associated with an allergic response. If one has eczema or is inclined towards getting it often, it would be prudent to avoid them.

• Milk (mostly from cows)
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Gluten
• Soy products
• Nuts
• Shellfish

One must ascertain if any of these foods cause allergies in their body. Many people are allergic to ginger. All it takes is a closer observation of one’s body to make a list of triggers.

Having discussed why allergic reactions are best avoided, here are some great foods that have anti-inflammatory properties and can help manage the symptoms of eczema.

• Quercetin
  Foods containing quercetin are known to manage eczema symptoms. Quercetin is a plant-based flavonoid, a chemical found in pretty much all fruits and vegetables that give them their color. It has antioxidant and antihistamine properties, thereby reducing the levels of histamine (inflammation) in the body. Apples, blueberries, cherries, broccoli, kale, and spinach high amounts of quercetin.
• Fatty fish
  This is one of the best choices to manage eczema symptoms. Fish like herring and salmon are replete with omega-3 fatty acids, which by itself is anti-inflammatory. On the other hand, one can also opt for supplements daily. It is recommended to have at least 250 mg per day.
• Probiotics
  Foods that naturally contain probiotics are known to have live cultures that facilitate a robust immune system. This could also reduce flare-ups and other allergic reactions. Yogurt, for example, is one of the best possible probiotic foods. Others include miso soup, gouda (soft) cheese, kefir, unpasteurised sauerkraut, naturally-fermented pickles, and tempeh. However, one should ensure that they are not allergic to these foods.
• Whole grains
  Buckwheat, oatmeal, brown rice, millets, and barley fall under the category of whole grains and are not only anti-inflammatory but also fiber-rich.

In general, the Mediterranean diet is largely advised for eczema. It contains fruits, vegetables, fish, and other healthy fats, such as olive oil. The diet also includes red wine – a quercetin-rich food. Another advantage of the Mediterranean diet is that it has fewer sugary desserts, and there is also very little red meat involved.

To summarise, it is quite impossible to expect an immediate response to treatment when it comes to eczema. While it is easier to control than cure, it also largely involves being patient and aware that if one starts scratching the surface of the affected area, it could make things worse.