Eczema is the inflammation of the outer layer of the skin and is a general term used to describe various skin ailments. Eczema looks differently from one person to another. However, it is usually characterized dry, red, itchy patches or rashes in the skin.

Eczema could be developed in almost any part of the body though it is typically occurs in the forehead, hands, legs, scalp, neck, elbows, knees and ankles.

Most common among the kinds of eczema is the atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. It is commonly developed during childhood. Though it seemed to have no cure, this kind disappears over time or the child grows older. This condition is believed to be a reaction of the immune system to external factors.

Eczema is currently incurable; however, it is not contagious. The inflammation of the skin is typically a reaction of the skin to irritating substances that causes the person suffering from it to scratch it. It is the avoidance of the triggers that can prevent the eczema to become itchy.

These triggers are sometimes allergic substances like dust, dust mites, pollens, molds, animal saliva and other coarse surfaces that come into contact with the infected skin. Certain detergents, soaps, disinfectants can also aggravate the condition of the skin. Sudden change of temperature and stress can also affect the disease.

Since eczema is incurable, there are various treatments that could be done to avoid the occurrence of itch and rashes. Since the skin is dry and itchy, it is advisable to keep the skin moisture by applying lotion or ointment prescribed by doctors. These lotions of ointments may contain substances that could cause allergic reactions to the skin.

Other patients are advised to take oral medications to prevent the inflammation or kill the bacteria that cause the infection.

Eczema is not only a skin disease. More than that it affects the physical appearance of a person; most patients have developed psychological illness as well. The eczema they are suffering causes them to loss their self-esteem and confidence in presenting themselves in public. Moreover, they also developed self pity especially that there is no cure, only treatment, to their sickness.

Patients with eczema tend to just stay home, as they could be required to, to avoid the triggers the environment could give them. The outside environment becomes a threat to their health. In children, their scratches could be suspected for domestic abuse or violence that could cause their peers to reject them.

With the misconception that eczema is contagious, many people avoid suffers. They often find themselves discriminated in the workplace or in school. These people could be banded to have an unclean lifestyle that made them acquire such skin disease.

Eczema has not only become a medical problem but a societal problem as well. As long as science can not find cure to this skin disease, the stigma, discrimination and self psychological effects of which could also not be cured.