What does Eczema Look Like - Eczema Symptoms

Most people with eczema will tell you the skin condition causes pain and itches like crazy. Eczema has a variety of causes and is known by many different names. No matter what the cause of the eczema, it affects people of all ages, race and genetic make up.

The there are two main types of eczema: endogenous eczema and eczematous dermatitis. Endogenous eczema does not have identifiable triggers while eczematous dermatitis is triggered by things in the environment like allergens. Not a lot is known about eczema and while there are treatments, they do not seem to help everyone who has the disorder so many people are left without a treatment.

Eczema presents itself as a red rash that itches. In some cases, blisters appear and leak fluid then develop a crust. The skin may feel scaly and thicken and even change color. People get eczema on all different parts of the body and everyone has eczema flare ups that last different lengths of time. Often, eczema occurs in the skin folds, which means that the skin rubs together and becomes irritated and sore.

There is always the risk of infection when people have eczema. What happens is people scratch the areas of skin until they break through the top layer of their skin. The top skin layer is supposed to prevent bacteria and other infectious materials from getting into the skin. When bacteria get into the wounds, they can get infected.

People with eczema should keep their fingernails short so they don't break the skin if they do scratch the skin. Children with eczema may need parents to help them out by putting mittens or other soft items on their hands so they can't scratch the skin.

Eczema is very annoying but you can't pass it on to anyone else. There are many different external treatments for eczema including NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and corticosteroids (drugs that imitate the hormones your body should be producing naturally in the adrenal glands). Both of these treat eczema by reducing the inflammation. Antihistamines and benzocaine are also applied externally to treat inflammation.

Calamine lotion is good at soothing the area and keeping it moisture- and infection-free. Sometimes wet bandages are used as a treatment. People with eczema are often told to wear cotton clothes and use cotton bedding since it is a fabric that cools and breathes. Lotions and creams with coal tar are good for reducing the size of the affected areas. A more serious treatment for eczema is to use UV lights.