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fewer instances of nasal allergies and consequent eczema.

Eczema does not have any differentiation of gender. Both male and

female children have equal chances of developing eczema. Children

under the age of one have 65% chances of developing eczema while

children under the age of five have 90% chances. Eczema can start

in infants of six to twelve weeks. However, chances of eczema

occurrence are very uncommon after the age of thirty.

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9. Eczema in Children

Children in families with a history of hay fever or asthma may have

a higher risk of suffering the severe itching and redness from the

excessively dry skin caused by eczema in childhood. Treating

eczema in children is a challenge because it makes the child very

uncomfortable and you cannot stop him from scratching. The

disease may appear as early as five months of age and sometimes

may go away by the age of three.

However, you must take proper steps to first diagnose the disease

and follow proper treatment with a dermatologist so that the child

gets proper relief. Eczema can result from an allergy to house pets,

dust or mites or specific foods but it is difficult to detect these

allergens even with specific allergy tests. Start remedial action the

moment that the first signs of eczema appear.

Very small children get a rash on their cheeks and under their

diapers. The rash may extend to the neck and the limbs causing

great agony to the child. In extreme cases, the rash may produce

pus and cause skin infections. So, take immediate steps to

moisturize the rash affected area with a neutral cream. As the child

grows, the rash may appear behind the knees, hands and neck. The

child may be allergic to woolen clothes and exhibit dry chapped skin

near the ears.

You must always clothe the child in cotton clothes and avoid

synthetic clothes that trap heat and cause itchiness. You must use a

light moisturizer in summer and a thicker one in winter so that the

child is properly hydrated. Apply this immediately after a bath to

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lock the moisture within the skin. Avoid using perfumes and scented

soaps as they can result in an allergic reaction. You must use

neutral washing soaps for clothes and clean them with vinegar if the

water is hard.

Take care to avoid exposing the child to known allergens. You must

constantly apply moisturizers to prevent dryness. For severe

eczema, consult a doctor who may prescribe stronger creams that

will bring relief. In cases of bacterial skin infections, consult a doctor

for oral antibiotics or creams to treat the infection. There are

several new creams in the market which can reduce the swelling.

These are perfectly safe for children.

In a severe case of eczema, use cold water to bathe your child since

hot water dries the skin, aggravating the eczema. Add some salt to

the bath water if the child experiences a stinging sensation while

bathing. You must use the mildest soap and the softest towels for

your child’s sensitive skin so that he feels no pain.

Eczema may disappear as your child grows up. However, take good

care to change his diet to include healthier foods. This will keep him

safe from allergies and give him the required nutrition. Thus,

eczema in children needs proper care and management to help the

child overcome the fear of the disease.

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10. Recent Research on Eczema

People, and specially children, that suffer from eczema often

endure some mental agony, as they are the butt of jokes from

school friends. This greatly affects their quality of life. Studies that

were conducted by a British magazine show that children become

introverted and lead a restricted life due to their treatment by

society. They do not play with friends or socialize much, for fear of

being boycotted.

Eczema can cause varying periods of itching and redness. Several

studies have shown that hypnosis may be effective in dealing with

this pain since the patients learn how to think positively about

overcoming the disease. Persons suffering from eczema or other

skin conditions undergo a lot of anxiety and hypnosis can help them

relax greatly. So, having a positive frame of mind helps sufferers to

better manage the disease.

Several recent studies indicate that eczema may be a result of

genetic factors. Research is underway to help isolate the specific

genes. Moreover, children have a greater chance of getting skin

disorders if either or both parents suffer from any skin diseases. In

the case of twins, both may have an equal chance of inheriting skin

afflictions from their parents.

Research reveals that the lack of essential fatty acids in some

people makes them susceptible to skin diseases as the body loses

the ability to retain moisture. Some people suffering dermatitis lack

certain blood cells that cause their body to produce extreme

reactions. Some people with eczema have excess amounts of an

enzyme responsible for producing allergic reaction. This causes

itching and redness in the skin because the body thinks it is fighting

an allergen.

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Some studies indicate that when the immune system is upset, the

person suffers from several skin infections and allergic conditions.

This is because the enzyme controlling allergy is present in excess

amounts and those controlling skin infections are present in

minuscule amounts. Several other studies are underway to find a

co-relation between the presence of different types of cells and their

effect on the body’s allergic response system.

Other enterprising researchers are hopeful of finding solutions in

alternative medicine and herbs to cure eczema.

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Part-III: Diagnosis of Eczema

11. How to Diagnose Eczema

If you suffer from severe bouts of eczema, consult a doctor for the

proper diagnosis and treatment. Eczema can result in itching,

redness and - in severe cases - it can cause bacterial skin infections.

If you have red patches under your skin, visit a doctor immediately

- it can be a serious affliction.

First, the doctor will take down your medical history, including any

known food and medicine allergies. He will want to know about your

family history and known presence of asthma or hay fever in either

parent or siblings. He will ask about the duration and occurrence of

eczema and examine the affected areas minutely. He will suggest a

few tests, based on this initial conversation, to pinpoint the allergy-

causing factor(s).

You must keep a food diary and note the outbreak of any eczema

after consuming specific foods. Some food colors, like azo dyes, are

known to cause eczema. Other food allergens include milk, eggs,

peanuts, and walnuts. Anxiety and stress, along with very dry skin

can be responsible for eczema. In this case, the doctor will feed you

the suspected allergen and wait for your body’s response. In severe

cases, the response may be immediate, while there may be no

response in other cases.

Before conducting a skin patch test, the doctor will conduct a

histamine test to see your response to allergens. If you do not

respond to this test, it can be difficult to draw any conclusions from

the skin allergy tests. The doctor may also gives you a negative

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saline test that contains no allergy-inducing substance. If you react

to this, it implies you have super sensitive skin and probably cannot

undergo patch tests.

The doctor can put specific materials on your skin or back and cover

them with a patch. He will also place a control patch on another

area of the skin. He will then remove the patch after two to three

days and check for redness or swelling. The presence of

discoloration or swelling indicates a positive allergy to that

substance. For those who have very sensitive skin, the doctor may

conduct the allergy test by putting a needle under your skin.

A dermatologist can also prescribe tests to rule out allergies to

certain perfumes or chemicals that the person may work with at

home or in the workplace. In most skin tests, the doctor will insert a

small amount of the allergen in to your skin. An allergy will cause an

instant reaction, confirming the presence of an allergy inducing

substance.

Sometimes, a blood test may reveal the presence of enzymes that

are responsible for severe allergic reaction, which causes the

frequent bouts of eczema. Your blood may be sent for detailed radio

testing where it will be exposed to different allergens. Ideally, you

should not be consuming any medicines at the time when

undergoing a blood test, as this may impair the test results.

So tell your doctor about any medication that you may be taking

before undergoing a blood test. Based on the response to these

allergens, he may be able to rule out or confirm the eczema-causing

allergen.

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In extreme cases, the doctor may recommend a lesion biopsy if he

suspects some unusual or rare skin disorder.

Once the allergen is known, you will follow the recommended

treatment and keep away from known allergens.

Diagnosis plays an important part in managing eczema and is the

first step in effectively treating it.

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Part-IV: Prevention of Eczema

12. Tips to Avoid Eczema

According to recent research, people that are allergic to dust mites

are prone to severe eczema. If you are allergic to dust mites, you

should change your bedding everyday and free your home of all

dust. Here are some more tips that will help to reduce your eczema

problem.

A Few Tips to Avoid Eczema

Keep a check and avoid all those things that irritate your

skin: There are many household things that could irritate your skin, like detergents, soap, lotion creams, or similar products. If you have

eczema on your hands, wash your hands only when necessary, for

wetness and soap can cause irritation and inflame it even further.

Keep your hands covered with gloves: Good plastic or vinyl

gloves are advisable, if your work requires you to touch water too

often. Do not wear the gloves for too long as this could lead to

accumulation of sweat. During the winter, wearing gloves is

advisable, as cold winds can make your skin dryer and thus

aggravate your eczema.

Wear comfortable clothes, preferably of cotton blend:

Synthetic and woolen fabrics generally tend to be more likely to

irritate the skin, so people with sensitive skin should consider

avoiding such fabrics.

Skin-care during your bath or shower: Use less soap, or a very

mild one, while taking a shower or bathing. The water that you

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bathe with should not be hot. If you soak yourself in the bathtub for

at least 15 to 20 minutes, your skin will absorb some water and

keep it moist. Pat yourself dry with a soft towel and apply a good

moisturizer immediately after drying. This will help to seal in the

moisture.

Use a medicine prescribed by your doctor: If your eczema

becomes aggravated, use a medicine from your physician after your

bath. Generally, medicine for eczema probably has a steroid in it.

Read the instructions carefully or follow your doctor’s advice. If the

problem persists beyond three weeks, you should always consult

your doctor.

Use of a good moisturizer is very necessary for your skin to

keep your skin soft and supple. Moisturizers prevent your skin

from cracking. Do not use moisturizers with fragrances or additional

ingredients such as preservatives. Petroleum jelly is a plain and

cheap moisturizer. Your moisturizer should be more greasy than

creamy.

Regular use of a moisturizer helps to prevent your skin drying,

which is common in winter.

Do not rub or scratch the itchy areas: Rubbing and scratching

breaks the skin and can be the cause of bacterial infection.

Avoid heat and too much perspiration: Heat could cause you to

perspire and cause irritation for your skin. When you are most

prone to eczema, reduce activities that will make you perspire.

Keep yourself free of stress: Reduce your eczema by changing

your attitude and learning to cope with stress.

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Care for your skin even after you heal: Continue with the care

even after your skin is free of eczema, or the area may get irritated

again.

A handy, brief review of all the tips:-

To avoid irritation, always keep your skin cool and moist.

For small itchy areas, apply 1 percent hydrocortisone cream

according to your physician’s direction; too much use of this cream

is harmful for the skin.

Bathe, or take brief showers, daily with lukewarm water.

Avoid soap while bathing. Use either a non-soap cleanser or a very

mild soap.

Immediately after bathing, use some good lubricating cream.

For severe itching, take an antihistamine, like Benadryl if approved

by your doctor. (Antihistamines have sedatives which may cause

drowsiness. So, avoid driving and operating machinery or

equipments while you are on this medicine)

You should avoid the use of antiseptic or antihistamine ointments,

creams and sprays.

Your bedroom should be humid or you can turn the humidifier on

while sleeping.

Wear loose, comfortable dresses, which may save you from rashes.

Allergens and irritants increase your problem, so it is better that you

avoid them.

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Wash your clothes properly with mild soap; keep your bed sheets

clean too.

A sudden change of temperature will harm you, so avoid

overheating.

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Part-V: Treatment of Eczema

13. Treatment Options for Eczema

Clear, flawless skin is a gift of Nature that many people do not

have. Your skin is one of the most sensitive body parts and requires

great care. Many environmental and internal factors cause eczema

and there are different treatments for each:

Contact dermatitis: If a patient is suffering from contact

dermatitis, they should identify the exact cause of irritation and

avoid it. Hydrocortisone, a substance found in moisturizing creams

also helps in subsiding itching and redness. The patient will have to

continue using the cream for about two to four weeks.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis: Seborrhoeic dermatitis, or dandruff,

causes skin flaking. Patients should frequently shampoo their scalp

and rinse it carefully. Specific shampoos containing zinc, salicylic

acid, tar, pyrithione and ketoconazole may help in removing this

dermatitis. Hydrocortisone lotions and creams may alleviate itching.

Perioral eczema: It may require treatment with the oral antibiotic,

tetracycline, for several months. During the initial phase, the patient

may sometimes require corticosteroid cream to reduce its

symptoms. Strong dose(s) of corticosteroids may stop the

symptoms for a few months but the infection might recur after a

while if not completely healed.

Neurodermatitis: It is a chronic kind of eczema. A neurodermatitis

patient suffers from an irresistible urge to scratch the skin. This

results in thickening of the skin. The disease is more common

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among women and follows a continuous scratch-itch-scratch cycle.

Cotton clothes reduce irritation and wet compresses may provide

much-needed relief. In extreme cases, doctors may prescribe

sedatives and tranquilizers to stop the scratching for a few hours.

Stasis dermatitis: Patients suffering from Stasis dermatitis

require treatment of the accumulated fluids in legs and ankles that

has been there for a long period. The patient may have to undergo

varicose vein surgery or wear elastic support hose. Wet dressings

sometimes also help softening the thickened skin and provide timely

relief.

Atopic dermatitis: Application of hydrocortisone-containing lotions

helps in relieving the irritation of Atopic dermatitis. The doctor

may prescribe wet dressings if the skin cracks. The mildly astringent

properties of wet dressing help in contracting the skin and

minimizing secretion. Under severe itching conditions, the doctor

may even prescribe antihistamines. Immunomodulators are special

drugs that maintain normal skin conditions and reduce flare up.

These drugs can also treat atopic dermatitis, though their prolonged

use risks undesirable side effects.

Apart from the specific medication treatment that a patient has to

undergo, they should avoid certain common conditions that can

aggravate itching and irritation such as:

Avoid ‘Triggers’: Even if your skin is prone to dermatitis, you can

help to keep it in good condition if you avoid ‘triggers.’ Many

conditions or substances can act as a trigger and culminate in skin

irritation, rashes and itching. Some people cannot bear scorching

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sunrays and develop rashes. Similarly, salty seawater may also

cause skin irritation.

Use emollient: Eczema makes the skin prone to dryness and

cracking. Emollients, or moisturizers, oil the skin, soften it and

reduce thickening. They also reduce flare-ups of the skin. Regular

use of moisturizers helps in eczema treatment. Thick emollients stay

longer and moisten the skin adequately. You should not stop its use

even when the skin problem seems to have gone as it may crop up

again. Calendula ointment, chickweed ointment, primrose oil, etc.

are some effective emollients.

Avoid bubble baths: Use of bubble baths and soaps makes the

skin dry. Soaps are highly alkaline and tend to remove the natural

greasiness of the skin. A soap substitute with a high percentage of a

moisturizing agent may help with your eczema. Detergents can

have content that may irritate when in contact with your skin if your

clothes are not rinsed properly.

Use Topical steroids with caution: Topical steroids are

commonly used for treating eczema. They can be categorized as

mild, moderately potent, potent and very potent depending on their

effect. Mild steroids are generally used to treat inflammation but

you should be cautious, and discontinue its use immediately after

the inflammation subsides. Prolonged use of steroids may result in

undesirable side effects. Usually, a treatment course of 7 to 14 days

is enough to treat eczema, but some patients may need to repeat

its use now and then to reduce the chance of a sudden flare-up.

Stay away from allergens: Allergy from dust mites is common

among people suffering from eczema. Regular cleaning of your

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furniture and, especially, your bedroom, sheets, pillowcases,

blankets and mattresses may help. It is not easy to do away with it

completely.

Some food items may also cause an allergy. Eggs, cow’s milk,

wheat, soya, fish, and nuts are some common edibles that cause

allergic reactions. Small children are more prone to it. The best way

is to avoid such food items that seem to trigger your eczema. Other

factors such as pollens, dander, and mold also cause dermatitis.

Pets sometimes cause itching when you come into contact with

them. The causative bacteria settle on your skin and cause

irritation. Sometimes, continuous scratching may also worsen the

skin condition.

Unavoidable factors like hormonal changes, stress and pregnancy

might trigger temporary skin allergies. When the body comes to

normalcy, eczema also subsides. Acupuncture is good for relieving

stress and can thereby help in managing eczema as well. You can

even resort to natural supplements such as fish oil and vitamin C

rich food that greatly reduce itching. Good external and dietary care

can help to wipe away eczema and your skin may glow with a

healthy shine again.