Secrets to healing your eczema by Depp Johan

SECRETS TO HEALING YOUR ECZEMA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Get to Know Your Skin ............................................................................................. 3 Types of Eczema ...................................................................................................... 14 Medical Intervention of Eczema ............................................................................ 24

GET TO KNOW YOUR SKIN

How well do you know your skin? If you're like most people, you probably take your skin for granted, as people typically do with most of their body. Unless you're experiencing a health problem or physical problem, how often do you think about the functions of your different limbs, organs and muscles? Do you ever think about your lungs unless you're short of breath? Do you ever consider your heart unless it feels like it's going to pound out of your chest? Do you ever think about your eyes unless they're dry, watery, or unable to focus? Most people give very little thought to the functions of the parts of their body until there's a problem, and skin is no exception. Unless it itches, is burning, needs covering, has broken out in acne splotches, has a rash, looks unattractive for some reason, is starting to sag or wrinkle, or is about to get a new tattoo, people rarely think about their skin, its health, its importance to other parts of the body, and what it does overall. This is unfortunate because the skin is actually the largest organ in the body and performs probably more functions than any other organ. It's also one of the most misused and outright abused, as it's constantly forced against uncomfortable fabrics, rubbed raw on all sorts of items, is consistently overexposed to the sun's burning rays or the biting cold of winter, is subjected to harsh chemicals in shampoo, deodorant, and other hygiene products, is mercilessly pierced and tattooed, gets cut and scratched every day often without a person even realizing it, is almost always dehydrated, and the list goes on. Despite all this maltreatment, skin performs a wide array of purposes that are vitally important to your body's health and function. Do you know what they are?

You might assume that you know these functions; of course skin keeps your insides where they belong, but it does so much more than that! Skin is not just a big garbage bag keeping us assembled properly. If you knew everything that your skin did for you, this might motivate you to take better care of it and to pay attention to problems it might have, including eczema. Consider just a few of the skin's functions here.

INSULATOR Yes, the skin keeps our insides right where they belong - on the inside - but it also keeps something else inside other than our organs, muscles, and bones. Do you know what that is? It's body heat! Skin functions like a warm winter coat, keeping our body heat inside which in turn keeps everything on the inside healthy and functioning. Without body heat the heart wouldn't be able to pump blood and oxygen and the muscles would become stiff and unable to move. Body heat is about more than being comfortable; it's necessary for those organs and muscles to stay healthy and supple.

Like a warm coat, skin keeps body heat inside while still allowing some to escape in order to keep the body just the right temperature at all times!

What is so amazing about the insulating factor of the skin is that while it keeps heat in, it still lets some escape. If you've ever felt uncomfortable and stifled from wearing a nylon windbreaker or other thick material, you know how important this balance is. Allowing too much body heat to escape is dangerous but not allowing any out at all is also a problem. The pores in the skin not only allow sweat to be created and escape to the surface of the skin, they also act like little vents for some body heat to get out as well.

HANGING ON Have you ever tried to hang on to something when your hands were wet or when you had just put some lotion on them? The reason that things slip out of your hands when they're wet or covered in lotions and oils is that these substances cover up the fingerprints and the creases in the skin. These creases are not there just for police to identify you if you do something wrong but act as little suction cups which enable a person to hold onto things, even slippery or smooth things like glass. Without the ridges in our skin we would constantly be slipping around as we try to walk and would be virtually unable to hold onto anything. It's interesting how we often see lines in the face as being a bad thing but without these lines on our fingers, toes and feet, we would have an absolutely impossible time functioning in our everyday lives. Without those tiny lines in our fingers we wouldn't even be able to pick up a fork much less hold a scalpel or pencil or a paintbrush. Without lines on our feet, it would be like trying to walk on wet tile near a pool - you would do nothing but slip and slide all the time! So skin is much more than decoration but it helps us to hold things and to walk and maintain balance as well.

PROTECTION Sure, the skin keeps all the inside stuff inside, but it also keeps outside stuff outside as well. What do we mean by this? Simply put, there are many pollutants and irritants in the air that the skin keeps out. Dust, dirt, allergens, and things like these are caught in the skin and washed away or they get rubbed off by the oil on the skin and as dead skin cells flake away. The skin is virtually flawless in acting as a filter in this way and as being a protector for the internal organs and systems. The oils that are present on the skin not only keep it soft and supple but they also help to wash away some of these pollutants and irritants. Your skin is like an umbrella that blocks out sunlight, a scarf that blocks out cold wind, and a thick coat that keeps your body warm and protected. Without your skin there would be a buildup of pollutants and other irritants along your internal organs and this would be damaging and harmful to them.

FEELING Can you imagine never being able to feel anything on your skin again? You might think that would be a blessing since it would mean no more pain when you cut

yourself or burn yourself or at any other time, but even feeling pain serves a purpose. We need to feel to function and you may not realize it, but your skin is picking up sensations at every moment of the day. The brain often tunes out these sensations from our conscious thought so that we're not overwhelmed with everything surrounding us, but our minds are still processing them nonetheless. This sensation is what causes us to sit the way we do and enables us to walk and make every other movement. When you sit in a chair, your muscles automatically adjust their movement as the skin feels the chair pressing up against you. Your feet know to pick up and push forward because of the sensation of the floor underneath them. Feeling is a protection for the body. When we feel cold we protect ourselves by adjusting the thermostat or putting more clothes on. When we feel hot we get out of the sun or turn on a fan. Even pain tells us that something is wrong and needs correcting. While sensations on the skin can be pleasurable they can also serve as a warning sign of a problem that needs attention. So no matter how unpleasant pain may be, it's a necessary part of human survival.

INDICATOR OF HEALTH CONCERNS Did you know that your skin is often an indicator of health problems or concerns? When a person is dehydrated their skin gets very waxy and wrinkles up easily. Liver problems can make a person look jaundiced or yellow as toxins build up in the body. And some skin problems like rashes are actually a result of immune problems. The skin also reacts to a person's health and habits. A person that smokes is depriving their skin of necessary oxygen and is introducing toxins both internally and externally, and it's not unusual for a smoker to have prematurely aging skin. Skin that's very dry might also mean that a person is not exercising enough as physical activity increases circulation which means more moisture to the skin's surface. Of course not all skin problems are major concerns. Acne is often embarrassing to those who suffer from it but it doesn't necessarily mean that a person is not taking care of their skin properly. Everyone has dirt, oil and bacteria on their face but not everyone breaks out. A rash or excessive dry skin can be the result of one's climate or environment as many people get dry skin during the winter months where there is much less moisture in the air. Oily skin and hair can simply mean that a person eats many oily foods in their diet, some good and some perhaps not so good. These things may be a bit embarrassing or

inconvenient to the sufferer but again, they're not necessarily indications of serious health problems or concerns. Eczema as a health indicator. Did you know that some forms of eczema can actually work as an indicator of health problems? Very often these cases are the result of allergies or sensitivities to elements in the air such as pet dander, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and so on. If your skin reacts with redness and rashes to these things, it's best to avoid them as much as possible. Your lungs and immune system may be compromised as well if you continue to be exposed to items to which you have a sensitivity. Sometimes eczema is also the result of harsh environmental concerns, such as for those who work with chemicals or the fumes and vapors from chemicals. If these things irritate your skin so severely that eczema results, then this may be an indicator of your lungs also being at risk and that you should be taking additional precautions to protect yourself around these things. There are cases where eczema is just a sensitivity or a genetic issue, but sometimes it can be and often is a sign of a problem that should be addressed. There are some skin problems that can and even should be addressed by those who suffer from them. Let's take a quick look at them here.

SKIN PROBLEMS So by now you probably understand the importance of skin; it's more than just pretty to look at but it performs many valuable functions that are actually necessary for survival! And yet there are also many problems that can crop up with the skin. Ask anyone that struggles with acne or blackheads and they'll tell you that sometimes skin can seem downright ugly or embarrassing. Dry skin can also be a constant irritant as you feel the urge to scratch it, which of course just makes the problem that much worse. Uneven skin tone and blotchiness may not be a health problem but can make a person feel very unattractive. Rashes are not just irritating but they're typically a symptom or sign of something such as an allergy or injury to the skin. A burn, including a sunburn, can be painful for hours and even days. Scars don't always heal and can be unsightly for the rest of one's life.

Problems with the scalp are also problems with the skin. Dandruff is not a problem with one's hair but of the skin on the head, as is oily hair. This problems originate from the skin even though it's often assumed that they're caused by the hair. Here are some other common skin problems, their causes, and potential solutions as well: Acne. Many people who have acne believe that their skin is not clean; it is true that acne is typically caused by dirt and oil that gets caught in the pores and builds up into what we call a pimple. However everyone has dirt and oil on their face and not everyone has acne. Those who suffer from breakouts have a type of defect wherein the skin doesn't break the way it should and allow these elements to be rinsed or rubbed away. When someone has acne, it is good to use those products that dry up the excess oil since this does help, but thinking that the skin just needs to be cleaned more or with harsher products can actually make it worse. When you clean you skin too much you strip its natural oils, and the skin can react by producing even more to make up for this. It's actually good to moisturize the face with something that won't clog the pores when you do have acne. Wrinkles. Every time you move your skin, it pulls and presses against itself. This means every time you move your fingers, smile, and open your mouth to talk. Typically the skin is springy enough to snap back into place like a new rubber band. However as a person ages they lose collagen and elastin, two substances that give skin its springy texture. As these substances break down, every time the skin gets pulled or folded it's not so quick to go back into place and little lines that we call wrinkles start to appear. Dry skin tends to wrinkle quicker as of course moisture helps to plump up skin and make it softer, which means it will smooth itself out easier. Hydrating from the outside is good but so is drinking water and other hydrating beverages. Dry skin.

Many people have dry skin because of genetics whereas others are affected by the environment in which they live; skin also tends to get drier as a person gets older. Dry skin can be very uncomfortable and can also lead to wrinkles and other problems as skin needs to be moisturized to be smooth and healthy. There are many moisturizers and lotions available for skin today; browse any skincare aisle of any pharmacy or cosmetics store and you'll find plenty of options for you. Some work very well and others not so much. Some have found that simple and natural solutions like vitamin E oil are even preferable to high-end products. The key is to find something that works well with your skin's natural composition and to use it consistently. Think of your environment as well if you have dry skin. Warm mist humidifiers are great to use especially during the winter months and especially at night when the cold makes your skin even drier. Try one in your office if where you work is particularly dry. Avoid soaking in a hot shower as this dries the skin as well. It's also good to protect it from the elements in both winter and summer, but the biting cold of winter is very bad for skin's health! Eczema. If you're reading this book you're obviously concerned about eczema, which is a type of dry skin rash that actually takes many forms. Anyone can be affected by eczema, from adults to babies, and it can start to become a problem later in life for those who've never had a problem before. Eczema is not typically what you would call a life threatening condition, but if left untreated severe cases can leave the skin open and vulnerable to bacteria and infections. These infections can travel in the body and attack weakened areas which can lead to serious complications. For instance, a small chip in a bone can be the host to an infection that may eventually require surgery to correct! Eczema is also painful and difficult to deal with for the sufferers. Because the patches of eczema are dry and itchy, it's not unusual for the sufferer to scratch endlessly which in of course makes the problem much worse. And because the skin is compromised, many products that a person might try to address the problem only make it worse. There are things that one can do to address and treat eczema, and we'll go into those details in later sections.

SKIN'S COMPOSITION

Understanding how the skin is composed will make it that much easier to address problems that crop up and to keep it healthy as well. This is true of everything about one's body - if you understand how and why and the heart works you can understand how to keep your cardiovascular system healthy; if you understand how the ears work you can better protect your hearing from damage, and so on. The skin is actually quite complicated, more so than most people realize. Because it's so very thin, most don't realize how many layers there are to the skin. However, dermatologists and The skin's composition is not simple by any even tattoo artists need means. Understanding it can make it easier to be familiar with the to address skin problems, including eczema. layers of the skin and their purpose. Tattoos need to be inked so deep or else they won't be permanent. Because so many parts of the skin are buried in deeper layers, it's easy for problems to crop up from beneath the skin's surface. The color or pigmentation of the skin is caused by melanin, which absorbs much of the potentially dangerous ultraviolet radiation contained in the sun's rays. Epidermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin. This layer contains no blood vessels; this is why you can sometimes cut yourself and not necessarily bleed. A cut needs to reach layers underneath the epidermis where blood vessels are in order to actually bleed.

One reason the epidermis has no blood vessels is that it needs to be thick enough to handle the contact of the skin with everything around it. Without this thickness, skin would not only cut but be rubbed off completely just by everyday activities and function. Dermis. The dermis is the layer of skin beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue and cushions the body from stress and strain. Nerve endings are actually in the dermis layer so things like heat and other sensations need to reach through to this layer to be experienced. This helps to protect the body of far too many sensations at once and from overreacting to every bit of warmth and contact. The dermis also contains the hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, apocrine glands, lymphatic vessels and blood vessels. This is why skin and pores can get clogged at times - the epidermis is covering this very active layer of skin called the dermis. If for example hair does not push up through the epidermis the way it should it becomes trapped in its own pore or follicle. Hypodermis. The hypodermis is not technically part of the skin but is what connects the skin to bone and muscle. Nerves and blood vessels are also part of the hypodermis. Some 50% of the body's fat is also contained in the hypodermis, and this fat serves as an insulator for body heat but also moisturizes skin and keeps it supple.

UNDERSTANDING ECZEMA With this "crash course" about the skin, you may be wondering about eczema what causes it, where in the skin can it be found, and of course how can it be prevented and treated? While no one can say what skin problem is worse than another, and certainly anyone suffering from acne or overly wrinkled skin or any other situation deserves sympathy and support, eczema can be more than just a minor annoyance to its sufferer. Severe cases are downright painful and unsightly. They can also be a sign of a health concern or condition in the body, as most cases of eczema are caused by issues with the immunity system, not just the skin itself. Sufferers of eczema may do well to visit a doctor but often do so only to find that they know very little about their condition and treatment options. It's difficult to get an education from one's physician about any condition overall, which can

mean that you may actually be making your problem much worse! There are also typically things a person can do to treat their conditions, whether eczema or anything else, without medical intervention - and of course your doctor will never tell you those things either! If you suffer from eczema you're probably tired of the rashes, the cracking, the bleeding, and the pain. You may be frustrated with trying useless creams and ointments and may wonder how to actually get to the root cause of your condition in order to treat it once and for all. And of course if your child is suffering from this condition you may be just as concerned and just as frustrated! Perhaps you're wondering just how to put this condition behind you once and for all. That's where we come in! We've done all the research and have spoken to all the skincare experts and have learned those secrets to treating eczema and avoiding it in the first place. We've also learned how to care for your skin and strengthen it so that you can avoid not just eczema but other common problems including: §

Acne

Blackheads

Premature aging

Wrinkles

Dryness

Rashes

Having clear and radiant skin is about more than just avoiding eczema, but it's about taking care of it from the inside out. And for cases of eczema and other forms of dermatitis, avoiding irritations and allergens as well as nourishing the skin are going to be key. In this book, we're going to tell you: §

How to recognize the many different forms of eczema and to tell if your case is inherent, an allergy, or the result of an irritation from the environment around you.

What creams and treatment options you can try at home.

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When to call for medical intervention for your eczema and what medications your doctor might prescribe.

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Homemade remedies and treatment options for this condition.

You may have been suffering from eczema for so long that you've come to think of taking care of it as part of your everyday routine, like showering and brushing your teeth. But it doesn't need to be this way! You can treat this condition when it happens and you can avoid it happening in the first place. So if you're ready to start addressing this constant and chronic problem and are ready to get rid of your eczema once and for all, let's get started!

TYPES OF ECZEMA

The term "eczema" actually refers to a variety of inflamed skin conditions; another word for these conditions is "dermatitis." These conditions cause an inflamed, itchy rash that is very uncomfortable for the sufferer. They can also cause edema or swelling, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. Some even have scars on their skin from eczema. This condition is nothing to be dismissed. When skin is red and inflamed and in pain it can make simple, everyday movements impossible. And if the condition is so severe that there is blistering, cracking, or other such problems then the sufferer can also be more prone to infections since they now have open sores on their body. Let's take a look at the most common form of eczema and then discuss how each one happens and what can be done to address it as well.

CONTACT DERMATITIS This type of dermatitis or eczema is exactly what it sounds like - the result of some type of contact of an irritant on the skin. As an example, the rash one gets from poison ivy is a form of contact dermatitis. A severe reaction to things such as detergents or wet cement are also common forms of contact dermatitis. What's interesting about contact dermatitis and what can often make it difficult to diagnose properly is that the sufferer can have a delayed reaction to any particular irritant. If you've recently been in the woods and suspect you've brushed up against some poison ivy then it may be easy to figure out where and how you got your rash. But if you don't realize that it's your clothing detergent or

that you have a sensitivity to a substance in your workplace, it may be difficult if not impossible to diagnose the cause of your condition. The skin can have a reaction to many substances or irritants around it but typically these reaction subside almost immediately. You may notice a red or sore spot on your hand or fingers from a slight scrape against a counter or table, and within an hour or so it's gone. Contact dermatitis however is much more severe and typically takes days or even weeks to disappear. Common causes. The common causes of contact dermatitis include: ยง

Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac. These plants produce a skin irritating oil called urushiol.

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Highly alkaline soaps, detergents, and cleaning agents. These strip the skin of its natural oils which serve to protect it from irritations.

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High concentrations of dust and pollutants, including sawdust and materials in production plants.

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Extreme physical irritation, such as from scratchy clothing or fiberglass particles.

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Extremely low humidity levels. When there is an extreme lack of moisture in the air this causes skin cells to be starved of needed moisture in order to stay healthy and connective tissue breaks down. This can cause dermatitis itself or make the skin more vulnerable to irritants and pollutants in the air.

Indications. A red rash, blisters, and itchy or burning skin are all common indicators of contact eczema. Treatment. Treating contact dermatitis or eczema may be easier than all other forms. Doctors typically recommend simply avoiding contact with the substance that causes the irritation. For those living or working in extremely low humidity levels, a good humidifier can make a tremendous difference and of course a

sufferer needs to be sure that he or she is drinking enough water and other liquids as well. Remember too that everyone's skin composition is different. You may dismiss the area in which you work as causing your eczema because you're the only worker that has this condition. Or you assume that clothes made from a particular fiber can't possibly be as irritating as you assume or else manufacturers wouldn't use those fibers. But you may just have skin that is more sensitive or drier than someone else. If you suspect contact eczema from any substance, try protecting yourself from that substance for a week and note the results. Where gloves to work and long sleeves. Try a thick oil-based moisturizer on exposed areas of skin as this can protect it from such irritants. It's good to rinse your affected area of skin with cool water to remove any residue of the irritating substance. Antihistamines may also help, as may calamine lotion. Medical intervention. If the rash persists and is painful or does not respond to home treatments, it may be time for medical intervention. Your doctor can prescribe stronger antihistamines than what are available at your pharmacy.

ATOPIC ECZEMA This form of eczema is An example of atopic eczema that has believed to be caused by an been scratched by the sufferer. allergy and is considered to be mostly hereditary. Very often it will be found in families with other members that have eczema, hay fever and asthma. Typically the itchy rash is particularly noticeable on head and scalp, neck, inside of elbows, behind the knees, and on the buttocks. Common causes.

Atopic eczema is typically inherent and genetic. However, while a person may have inherited the sensitivity to allergens and irritants, it's important to remember that like other allergies, atopic eczema typically only flares up when the person comes into contact with the items to which they are sensitive. If a person can pinpoint the allergens to which they are sensitive, they may reduce and even eliminate these flare-ups. Common allergens that are associated with atopic eczema include: ยง

Dust and dirt are very common allergens for people and a sensitivity can develop with those who work in very dusty and dirty areas. Thos with a certain sensitivity may react more profoundly than those without.

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Common food allergens include milk, nuts, cheese, tomatoes, wheat, yeast, soy, and corn.

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Animal dander is also a common allergen for many.

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Smoking, even secondhand smoke, can irritate skin and tissue.

Indications. As well as the areas of the body that typically become sensitive when a person has atopic eczema, the prevalence of conditions such as hay fever, asthma, and other allergies can also mean that the patient has atopic dermatitis. Additionally, if this condition is found in other family members this too can be an indication. Many studies have shown that this condition is commonly found in families so if other family members suffer from eczema this too can be an indication of atopic eczema. Allergists can give a patch or scratch test to someone suffering from atopic eczema to determine if they have a certain sensitivity to certain items. Treatment. There is no true cure for atopic eczema; sufferers need to avoid their triggers as much as possible. If the patient works in a dusty or dirty environment, they should wear gloves and other protective clothing. If the sensitivity is to animal dander, it's not enough to simply remove the animal from the room as their fur and skin particles get into furniture and clothing and stay there. Food labels

should be checked carefully as it's surprising how often these common ingredients are found in certain food items. The skin's natural oils typically help to protect it from allergens and excessive dryness. Be mindful of harsh soaps and body washes that strip these oils every time you wash. Choose those made for sensitive skin instead. The immunosuppressants tacrolimus and pimecrolimus can be used as a topical preparation in the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis instead of or in addition to traditional steroid creams. There can be unpleasant side effects in some patients such as intense stinging or burning, which mostly get better after the first week of treatment. A more novel form of treatment involves exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet radiation exposure has been found to have a localized effect on affected tissues, and may be used to decrease the severity and frequency of flare-ups of atopic eczema. Speak to your doctor about this; do not simply sit in a tanning salon expecting this to correct your eczema! Doctors may also prescribe topical corticosteroid ointments, creams, or injections. These topical ointments An acute form of seborrhoeic dermatitis. are very effective in treating severe eczema as they calm the irritation and treat the allergen at the source. The disadvantages of these creams is that they can actually cause stretch marks and thinning of the skin. Cortisone shots are sometimes administered for severe cases so that the medication can reach the layers of the skin under the epidermis.

SEBORRHOEIC DERMATITIS Seborrhoeic dermatitis is not particularly harmful but is very irritating for the sufferer. It typically affects the areas of the skin that have the sebaceous glands, which are the oil producing glands around hair follicles. This means the scalp and areas of the leg. Infants commonly suffer from seborrhoeic dermatitis on their scalp, which is often referred to as "cradle cap." This may be because their oil glands are not fully developed and so moisture is lost in the scalp area. Excessive use of shampoos and cleansers, as well as tight fitting caps that irritate baby's delicate skin, can also be part of the culprit. Common causes. Typically this type of dermatitis is genetic, environmental, or hormonal. Some believe that it is a reaction to a common form of yeast but this connection has not actually been proven. Some believe that an excessive amount of vitamin A in children is a cause as well. Lack of biotin, vitamin B6 and riboflavin (vitamin B2) may also be a cause. Very often however this condition is simply genetic and something that a sufferer will need to treat. Indications. This type of eczema typically occurs where hair follicles grow so the location of the rash is the most obvious indicator. Because this form of eczema typically occurs near the hair follicle and oil gland, very often the sufferer can experience hair loss due to this condition. In severe cases, this hair loss can be permanent. Treatment. There are many effective treatment solutions for seborrhoeic eczema, including: ยง

Avoiding soaps and detergents that contain sodium laureth sulfate. These are particularly drying and strip the skin and scalp of natural oils

and moisturizers. Many who have this form of eczema experience flare-ups when using these types of products. ยง

Using shampoos that contain coal tar, ciclopiroxolamine, ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione may be recommended. These may remove the dense scale that builds up and irritates the skin when a patient has this condition.

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Pimecrolimus topical lotion may be prescribed. Other ointments that have a high concentration of vitamin B6 may be used.

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Accutane may also be prescribed in severe cases, however, this medication is thought to cause liver damage in some patients. Those who use this medication should have regular checkups on their liver function.

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Home remedies may include biotin, B complex, zinc, and flaxseed oil.

OTHER FORMS There are other, less common forms of eczema, including: Dyshidrosis, or "housewife's eczema." This occurs on the palms, soles of the feet, and sides of the fingers and toes. Small bumps called vesicles appear, as well as thickening of the skin and cracks that itch constantly. They often get worse at night and in warm weather. Often this condition is caused by exposure to harsh chemicals such as in cleaning products. Emotional distress, allergies, and changes of the season may also cause this condition. Nickel allergies can also be a culprit; cocoa, chocolate, whole grains, and nuts all contain nickel and so may trigger an outbreak. An advanced case of dyshidrosis.

It's good to avoid scratching these blisters as this just makes the situation worse and can cause the blisters to bleed. Discoid eczema. This condition is often found on the lower legs and is typically worse in winter. Round blisters with a dry rash are typical. The cause is unknown and flare-ups are rare and sporadic, and are more common among senior citizens than others. Some assume this condition is caused by the breakdown of collagen and elastin that is found as skin ages. Stress and caffeine may also contribute to the condition. Typically a cortisone cream is best for this type of eczema. Venous eczema. This type of eczema typically occurs in persons with impaired circulation and varicose veins. It is often found in the ankles of persons over 50. Symptoms of venous eczema include: ยง

Thin, brown tissue-like skin with skin lesions, red spots, superficial skin irritation and/or darkening and/or thickening of the skin at the ankles or legs.

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Skin ulcers in certain areas.

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Swollen legs, ankles, and other areas.

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Itching and leg pain.

Leg ulcers typically follow cases of venous eczema. Topical creams as well as compression stockings are good for increasing circulation in these areas. These stockings also force out the buildup of fluids in these areas. Dermatitis herpetiformis. The lesions that form with dermatitis herpetiformis resemble those that are caused by the herpes virus, although not caused by this virus. The rash typically appears on the arms, thighs, knees, and back. This form of dermatitis is associated with celiac disease, an autoimmune disease of the lower intestine. Symptoms of this disease include chronic diarrhea, failure

to grow and thrive in children, and extreme fatigue. It's believed that this disease is associated with an allergic reaction to wheat and gluten. Typically a gluten free diet is best for celiac and for the dermatitis that accompanies it. Neurodermatitis Typically this form of eczema is due to rubbing and scratching, either by the sufferer directly or by clothes and materials that are up against the skin. Often the best and only cure is to stop scratching the skin and to use topical ointments to heal the redness and rash. Autoeczematization This type of eczema is a reaction to an infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Typically the best treatment is to use a topical cream that addresses the infection.

CORRECT DIAGNOSIS How can you tell what type of eczema you have and how to treat it properly? You may already have your suspicions; if you work with cleaning agents or other chemicals and notice the rash and irritation around your hands and fingers. Or you may have hay fever or asthma and realize you have allergies and sensitivities. The only real way to get a correct diagnosis regarding your own eczema is to see your doctor. He or she can do a patch test on your skin to see the types of bumps you have and the extent of your irritation. This can help determine the exact type of case you have. A dermatologist of course would usually be the best doctor to see but your general practitioner or family doctor can also be helpful. Keeping a record. It's also helpful to keep a record of your breakouts in case you do have an allergy that's food related or that is result of pet dander or pollen. Note your daily diet; what you eat and how much. Also make notes of your daily activities as well. For instance, if you notice a breakout when you go to visit a certain friend that has cats, it may be cat dander that is bothering you. Or those friends might smoke

and it's the cigarette smoke in the air and that gets caught on the furniture that produces a flare-up. Your doctor may even ask you to keep such a record but starting this on your own can be very helpful to him or her in pinpointing the cause of your condition. You may not have made these connections before when it comes to your case and food allergies or sensitivities to animals, but once you see that record and go over it with your doctor then it may be easy to isolate the cause of your eczema and eliminate it completely.

Medical Intervention of Eczema Eczema is a very serious condition and absolutely no fun for the sufferer. While others may dismiss it as being less than life threatening, and certainly it is, it's very painful and unsightly. It can also lead to other problems as the skin's natural barrier against bacteria and microbes is constantly compromised. The specific forms of eczema each have their own forms of treatment but typically there are things you can do to address the problem overall. Let's go over a few different medical methods of addressing eczema so that you can be sure you're treating the condition properly and doing everything you can to protect yourself. It's good to understand your options so that you know what your doctor is prescribing for you and how these things work. Refernces: http://goo.gl/Xet8s6