Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis in medical jargon, is a condition characterised by skin flare-up, inflammations, in which the skin becomes itchy, red and dry. As in most cases of allergy, the underlying cause is the over-reaction of the immune system to certain substances in the environment, known as allergens.

Moisturising and cleansing the skin is the major means of eczema treatment.

Since infants have more sensitive skin, it is found that they are more susceptible to eczema, generally called infantile eczema. In infants, the usual affected skin areas are the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck whereas in adults, it is usually the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles.

The swelling of the blood vessels leads to redness of the skin, while irritated nerve endings causes itchiness. Dryness is a common feature of eczema. However, in some people, the red skin areas may 'bubble up' and start to 'weep'. So it is usual to see eczema patients having dry scaly patches of skin that can become raw and cracked causing bleeding. Itching, the most irritable symptom of eczema, can further contribute to skin abrasion and bleeding. The scratching also causes very unsightly rashes and the skin takes on a leathery texture due to thickening.

Eczema treatment is usually done with steroids but they also bring side-effects in their wake. This is a worrying factor as apart from a burning sensation, these creams have also been known to cause adrenal damage. Herbal creams containing natural ingredients, are safer options in any case. In fact, there is a growing line of herbal skin care products and creams to treat eczema with a more holistic approach. These creams work to soothe damaged tissue, working from inside out to help the skin to regain lost moisture, thereby improving its texture.