Eczema is a term that is used to refer to a group of medical conditions which cause the skin to become irritated or inflamed. The most popular type of eczema is referred to as atopic dermatitis.
Atopic is a term used to refer to diseases that are have an often inherited tendency of leading to other allergic conditions. At the moment, there is barely a cure for eczema but it is a case that can be easily managed.
Eczema is a word that comes from a Greek word which means boil over or bubble or effervescence. It is important to note that there are many people living with this condition. About thirty million Americans have been diagnosed with Eczema and there is no need to feel embarrassed when you become a victim of it.
Basically, eczema is red, itchy rash that can appear all over the body. Many individuals tend to have it behind their knees and on their elbows. For babies, they usually have it mostly on their faces especially the chin and cheeks. Adults as well as children tend to have eczema on the wrists, neck, ankles and in body parts that bend such as the knee and inner elbow. Symptoms of eczema are usually very severe in children but their severity decreases as they grow into being adults.
Unlike other conditions, eczema is different in various people. It may appear different and even affect different parts of the body with time. It can be severe, moderate or mild. Individuals suffering from eczema tend to suffer from a sensitive, dry skin. This condition is also known for its intense itch which can be so bad that an individual may tear of their skin to the extent of bleeding which can worsen the rash. +There are various factors that trigger eczema. These factors include; stress, cold, dry climates, contact with irritating substances, heat and sweat.
The symptoms vary among different people. Although you may be experiencing signs and symptoms that seem similar to those of eczema, the truth is that only a doctor can make the diagnosis. Usually, the first symptoms of eczema are usually characterized by intense itching on the skin. Once that has occurred, what follows is a red and bumpy rash. The rash causes a burning and itchy feeling. When the rash is scratched, it may result into oozing and finally become crusty.
In the case of adults, chronic rubbing of the rashes can result into the formation of thick plaques on the skin. Another symptom of eczema is having several round areas on the skin, which is referred to as nummular eczema which can be confused to be a fungal infection. Some individuals develop clear fluid-filled bumps or red bumps that appear bubbly and when scratched, they add wetness to the general appearance. With time, painful cracks on the skin develop. The eyelids become red, puffy and itchy. The itching of the eyelids can be so intense that it interferes with an individual’s sleep.
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