When I come down with something I’m a huge fan of getting all the information I can, so I recently gathered as many facts about eczema as I could. I developed the condition as an adult (yay, right?) and it is less than fun most of the time. If you’re in the same boat, you might not realize that the condition varies a bit and that treatment options that you might not know about are everywhere. So, I’ve done you the favor of collecting some of the most important facts about eczema so that you can get control of your condition. Please feel free to clue me in to any that I missed.
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1. There Are Several Types
According to the National Eczema Society, there are many types of eczema. When your doctor diagnoses your condition, it’s a good idea to ask what kind you suffer from so that you can develop a treatment plan that fits your specific needs. Atopic, contact, seborrheic, discord and gravitational are several of the more common types and your dermatologist should be able to provide you with information about each.That's one of the most important facts about eczema to be aware of.
2. It Can Become Infected
As if eczema on its own isn’t yucky and uncomfortable enough, it can become infected. That’s because it often causes your skin to crack, which gives bacteria and germs the perfect entrance into your body. If your eczema gets like that, which is likely does from time to time, keep it covered until it heals so that you can protect yourself from something even worse.
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3. There is No Cure
Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema. The good news is that you can manage it so it doesn’t take over your life. The trick is to follow your dermatologist’s advice closely. Be sure you’re using any treatments prescribed so that you can keep your symptoms under control. There’s no guarantee that your condition won’t flare from time to time, but keeping it bay will make your life so much easier.
4. It’s Hereditary
There is some evidence that eczema is genetic, which means if you have it, your child might also wind up with it. Eczema is also connected to hay fever and other atopic skin conditions, reports the Irish Skin Foundation. It’s not life changing to have eczema, but it’s something to consider if you want to have kids someday. That way your future baby’s pediatrician can help you keep an eye out for it.
5. Stress Can Make It Worse
At one time, doctors thought that stress caused eczema. While the Eczema Awareness Support and Education says that’s not the case, stress can definitely make it worse. If you’re undergoing a stressful life event, you might notice your symptoms flaring from time to time.
6. Treatments Are Topical
Most of the treatments for eczema are topical and are generally the most effective options. There are several over the counter medications that work well for milder symptoms. If you’re having severe symptoms or your condition flares dramatically, you might need prescription medications that are stronger and work faster.
7. There Are Other Treatment Options
Topical treatments aren’t your only treatment options. You can also use antihistamines or antibiotics if you have a tough case of eczema. For some people, light therapy provides much needed relief. Talk to your dermatologist about the right choice for you and your symptoms.
Do you suffer from eczema? It’s never fun to deal with, but luckily a better understanding of the condition makes it simpler to manage. Do you have any other effective treatments?
Comments
Tara: #coconutoilismysavinggrace Great article! I am 29 years old…not sure about the type of eczema I have…. I haven't been to the doctor about it since I was 20. My eczema is really, really bad on my hands… I get the really tiny bumps/blisters on my fingers and on the upper palms of my hands. They itch SO BAD! It's horrible. Hot water is a best friend during a flare up-but is really drying to the skin and makes it hurt worse and crack…So after years of these lovely break outs when i do get a flare up I will put my hands under hot water to help with the itchiness and then rub in coconut oil (I get mine from Trader Joes) It helps with the inflammation…. I then will rub my hands while under the hot water again and really try to work the coconut oil into where it is irritated, then I would dry my hands and put a thin layer of coconut oil on my hands again…. If my skin does crack I put antibiotic ointment and a bandaid over it to help it heal faster. My methods have not at all cured me, but it has been a blessing in my life :0)
Kulasp3Ra: Allergy is one factor of having eczema. Check for gluten allergy or celiac disease too.
Daniella: Not true. There is a cure. Have a diet, 10 days, only greens! My mom did this and her eczema that was horrible disappeared and never came back. 3 years later it's still gone! And my mom had it pretty bad, she had it on her arms and she would bleed! So a cure?; 10 days, nothing but greens and PLENTY OF WATER!!!!
Breanna: Being in the sun can help.
MsDenise23: Interesting. How can dairy affect someone with eczema?
jacinta: absolutely you can cure it. eczema is allergy related, figure out what foods trigger it and cut them out. diet changes everything. it's not easy, but can be done.
Mel: As a nutritionist, I disagree with your post. You can cure eczema with the right diet.
Amyn: lavender and tea tree oil 10 drops each mixed in a 1bsp carrier oil of grape seed or coconut oil healed my kids eczema after years of creams and dermatologist visits. also cerave is great to keep skin moist after applying oils:)
Thedivergent: Aimeelovee eczema can be cured temporarily, but once you get it for the first time, you are eczema prone and that means it can flare up again. Some people are lucky and it doesn't come back soon but I think what Eliza Martinez meant was there is no permanent cure.
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