Eczema is a common term given to many type of skin inflammation. It can affect people of any age even though it is most commonly seen in infants. Statistics show that about 85% of people have an onset of it before 5 years of age. People with eczema often have a family history of the condition or a family history of other allergic conditions, such as asthma or hay fever.

What causes Eczema?

Though doctors are unable to identify the exact reason for the occurrence of eczema it is commonly found that the following reasons lead to its occurrence.

• Extreme or sudden changes in weather conditions
• Undergoing a lot of stress
• Consumption of too much of alcohol or cigarettes
• Chemical sensitivity towards any particular dye used in the manufacture of the cosmetics used by the person
• Hereditary factor. If any one from the family has the history of asthma or hay fever
• Abnormal function of immune system combined with a defect of the skin
• Environmental allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions) may also cause outbreaks of eczema
• Some forms of eczema can be triggered by  the chemical substances  that are used in soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelry and it comes in contact with the skin.

Symptoms of Eczema:

• Intense itching is the first symptom in most people with eczema.
• Sometimes you may find blisters and oozing lesions in the affected area.
• It may lead to dry, reddened skin that itches or burns.
• Repeated scratching in the affected area may lead to thickened, crusty skin.
• Eczema can sometimes occur as a brief reaction that only leads to symptoms for a few hours or days, but in other cases, the symptoms persist over a longer time and are referred to as chronic dermatitis.

Treatment for Eczema:

Doctors may advise a change in the life style of the affected person and give medication. Some times both are advised for better results. The main aim of the treatment given in such cases are to prevent itching, inflammation and the worsening of the condition.

Moistening the skin by the application of creams or oils/ointments is a very important step for the treatment of Eczema

Natural Cure to Eczema:

• Neem, also known as Sarbaroganibarini meaning “cure for all disease”, due to its anti bacterial and anti fungal properties can be used both externally and internally to cure eczema
• Tulsi also has extensive medicinal properties. The combination of neem  and tulsi leaves can offer a natural cure for eczema
• Applying a paste of garlic powder on the affected area is beneficial.
• Mudpack offers a soothing relief from the sense of itching.
• The grounded seeds of Palasha can be mixed with lime juice for preparing the medicinal mixture useful in treating eczema
• A proper diet is vital in curing your eczema.. Scientists have proved that high levels of acidity have a direct impact on eczema. So make sure you have a good diet.
• Applying moisturizer to your skin everyday will give you great relief and stop the itching within a few days.

Tags: dry skin, itching, reddened skin

This entry was posted on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 6:54 pm and is filed under Diseases. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.