Eczema is a sub-type of dermatitis comprising a combination of conditions that trigger skin inflammation and makes your skin bumpy, itchy, and dry. The condition can weaken your skin’s barrier function, which helps your skin retain moisture and guard your body against outside elements. The kind of eczema you have will determine the rash type you will develop and where it will show on your body. Let us learn more about this condition and its prevention.

Causes
Experts do not know the precise eczema causes. However, doctors believe that a combination of environmental and genetic factors is responsible for eczema. Children are more susceptible to eczema if their parent has one or other atopic disorder. Further, the risk is higher if both parents have an atopic condition. Further, some environmental factors also trigger eczema symptoms, such as:

• Allergens – Mold, pollens, pets, and dust mites may also cause allergic eczema.
• Irritants – Shampoos, detergents, disinfectants, and soaps may also trigger eczema.
• Cold and hot temperatures – Extremely hot or cold weather, perspiration from exercise, and low and high humidity also cause eczema.
• Microbes like Staphylococcus aureus, certain fungi, and viruses also lead to eczema.
• Stress – Though not a direct cause, it can trigger flare-ups.
• Foods – Wheat, soy products, nuts, seeds, or dairy, may also trigger eczema.
• Hormones – Females might note high flare-ups when their hormone levels change, such as during some points in the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.

Symptoms
Eczema or atopic dermatitis symptoms might show anywhere on your body and vary invariably from one person to another. Some common signs are:

• Itchiness (pruritus)
• Darkening around the eyes
• Rash with varied colors on swollen skin based on skin color
• Sensitive, raw skin caused by scratching
• Oozing or crusting
• Cracked, dry skin
• Small bumps on black or brown skin
• Thickened skin

Usually, atopic dermatitis starts before you turn five and continues into the adult and teen years. In some people, symptoms flare and then go on for some time (months or even years).

Diagnosis
For eczema diagnosis, the doctor will perform a physical examination to assess your skin and check if you have any defining rash that giveaway the illness signs. For example, they might even conduct a skin biopsy to diagnose or rule out other skin conditions.
To better assess your symptoms and their probable causes, doctors will also ask questions about your family and personal history related to skin-related issues or allergic conditions. Further, your healthcare professional will also order a blood test to assess the signs of a recent immune reaction and allergic tests to check possible allergic triggers for the flare-ups.

Treatment options
Your primary healthcare professional, allergist, or dermatologist can help formulate the best treatment options for your condition. But the correct treatment depends on the severity and type of eczema. It is almost always beneficial to combine a few treatments. Some treatment options include:

Prescription treatments
The doctor may suggest some over-the-counter creams to reduce itching. They block allergic reactions triggered by histamines. But they lead to drowsiness. Hence, it is ideal to take them when you do not need to be alert. OTC ointments or creams can also relieve scaling and itching but may have side effects, such as discoloration, irritation, and skin thinning, when used long-term. For an infection, the doctor may recommend an oral or topical antibiotic.

Other options include:

Immunosuppressants
These are also prescription treatments that prevent the immune system from overreaction. It helps keep flare-ups in check. However, it has severe side effects, such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, and a heightened susceptibility to developing cancer.

Therapies
Phototherapy or light therapy that employs sun lamps or ultraviolet light can avoid immune system responses that trigger asthma. It will require several follow-ups to clear up or reduce eczema. Light therapy can also help with bacterial skin irritations.

Lifestyle changes
Stress can aggravate eczema symptoms. Some ways to reduce stress are:

• Getting a good night’s sleep
• Practicing yoga
• Listening to relaxing music
• Performing deep breathing exercises
• Meditating

Soaking in a lukewarm or warm bath or a cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes also help alleviate itching.

Alternative treatments
Some alternative therapies can also help ease eczema symptoms. However, they may have side effects. So, always check with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine or using any herbal supplement. Some common home remedies are:

• Relaxation techniques like guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and meditation
• Oolong, black, or green tea
• Acupuncture
• Sunflower, Primrose, borage, or coconut oils
• Aromatherapy