Eczema is an allergic condition that affects the skin. Another name for eczema is dermatitis. Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. There are several different types of dermatitis, but the one people usually mean when they say eczema is atopic dermatitis. Atopic refers to a lifelong tendency to allergic conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

What happens if I have eczema?

If the diagnosis is eczema, the dermatologist will explain what type of eczema you have and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.

Before prescribing a treatment plan, a dermatologist considers the type of eczema, extent and severity of the eczema, patient's medical history, and a number of other factors.

Eczema is a kind of dermatitis whose classification till yet is not done accurately. Nevertheless, there are various types of Eczema namely atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, Xerotic eczema, Sebohrrheic dermatitis, dyhidrosis, discoid eczema, venous eczema, dermatis herptiformis, and neurodermatis. There are various reasons for which a particular type of eczema appears on the skin. Generally, pathogens, parasites, allergy, and many physio-psycho factors like hypertension, depression can also cause eczema.

Usually no biopsy is required for the diagnosis of eczema; doctor starts his treatment on the basis of appearance of the skin, intensity of itching and delicacy of eczema affected part of the body. Before starting eczema treatment, a good dermatologist always wants to get knowledge about dietary habits and sensitiveness to allergies of the patient. Any history of eczema in the family is also given proper consideration. This provides him a good insight to reach at a particular diagnosis. However, whenever it becomes difficult to diagnose root cause of the disease, biopsy is done by cutting a small part of affected skin and observing it in laboratory.

Treatment of eczema follows a general pattern. The eczema affected skin becomes dry, so maximum efforts are diverted towards providing it moisture. The regular use of non-scented creams or lotions provides moisture to the skin and reduces itching effect of eczema. This also provides necessary moisture to cells and tissues of the skin to recover from the disease. These creams could also constitute non prescription creams. The basic thing which should be followed in eczema treatment is don't let the skin to dry up. Substances which dry up the skin should be strictly avoided. Soaps, shampoos, and detergent come under this category. Putting eczema affected skin under shower of fresh and clean water also helps. While taking bath adding emollient bath oils also provide moisture to the skin. After taking shower, apply moisturizer on the affected area, this can help in retention of moisture for a long duration. Thick coat of moisturizer should be applied so that skin may not dry up again.

Home Remedies for Eczema

Home remedies for eczema may be as simple as changing your laundry detergent or as difficult as moving to a new climate or changing jobs. Removing whatever is causing the allergic reaction is the easiest and most effective treatment.

Prevent dry skin by taking warm (not hot) showers rather than baths. Use a mild soap or body cleanser. Dry yourself very carefully and apply moisturizing skin lotions all over your body. Avoid lotions with fragrances or other irritating substances.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting, rough, or scratchy clothing.