As much as you want to cure eczema permanently, one needs to understand that in many cases, it is difficult to get rid of eczema completely, however, the more you know about eczema, its types, triggers, various ways to control itching, repair skin, the better you are prepared to live with eczema, and prevent it from getting in your way of your daily life.
Going over the following questions may help you identity the right course to tackle this persistent skin condition.
1. What kind of eczema do you have? There are different types of eczema:
Atopic dermatitis
Hand eczema (dry form and Dyshidrotic eczema)
Contact dermatitis
Nummular eczema
Seborrheic dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis
One needs to know what exactly you have before looking for ways to treat it.
2. Is there a genetic factor? Eczema may run in the family, those with other family member that also have eczema may find it more difficult to get rid of eczema. Some struggles with eczema into adult hood.
3. How to manage different types of eczema?
Atopic dermatitis (AD)
AD often starts in childhood, but also can occur at any age. It makes skin red and itchy. It is a chronic skin condition that comes and goes periodically. It may also accompanied by asthma or hay fever (results in hives). We talk about hives treatment in a different post.
Research found that atopic dermatitis are likely to run in the family.
There are three key approaches to manage atopic dermatitis:
Effective skin hydration - Intensive moisturizers that keep skin hydrated is really important for anyone with atopic dermatitis. A balm, no matter how natural it is, serves a similar function as petroleum jelly, it feels heavy and greasy, but it may not truly moisturize skin. Check out our recommended natural cream for eczema.
Hand eczema (dry form and Dyshidrotic eczema)
Many do not realize that there are two kinds of hand eczema; dry form and wet form (also called dyshidrotic eczema). The dry form leads to small cuts and cracks on hands, whereas dyshidrotic eczema is often associated with contact allergens that lead to itchy blisters.
Read our detail articles on how to manage hand eczema.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. Metals from jewelry, such as nickle, soaps, fragrances, certain trees and grasses may all cause an allergic reaction. Many people are allergic to multiple substances. Eliminate direct contact with the allergens and irritating chemicals is the key.
Nummular eczema
Distinct coin shape (nummular) red rash may be the sign for nummular eczema. Men get nummular eczema more frequently than women. Prevent skin cuts and injury, eliminate allergy source and triggers, and effective hydration are important in managing nummlar eczema.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis mainly affects your scalp. It causes dandruff, dry and scaly patches on scalp. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect oily areas of the body, such as the face, nose, ears, and eyelids. Babies started with cradle cap may eventually develp into seborrhiec dermatitis.
Stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis occurs among people over 50. It is mainly due to the poor blood circulation. The skin may look crusty and scaly. Over time, the skin turns darker and thickens. Compression, dressing, topical and oral antibiotics with moisturizers are some effective ways in managing stasis dermatitis.
4. What triggers your eczema?
Identify and eliminate eczema triggers (allergy and irritation source) - Figure out what triggers eczema flareups is important. Aside from common allergens from eggs, nuts, dairy products, could there be other triggers that you overlook? How about spices, fruit punch? Food allergy is only one aspect, there are environmental allergens such as certain grass, dust mites. We recommend busy parents keep a simple diary. Being organized may save you time and help to identify the triggers minimize flareup frequency.
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