Eczema Pictures

Eczema is a disease in a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the epidermis. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions. Eczema pictures show this to include dryness and recurring skin rashes which are characterized by one or more of these symptoms: redness, skin edema which is swelling, itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. Areas of temporary skin discoloration may appear and are sometimes due to healed lesions, although scarring is rare.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of eczema, but an abnormal function of the immune system is believed to be a factor. Some forms of eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin, such as soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelry, or sweat. Environmental stimulants like substances that cause allergic reactions may also cause outbreaks of eczema. Changes in temperature or humidity, or even psychological stress, for some people lead to outbreaks of eczema.

Eczema can be intensified by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can be beneficial to skin healing and relief of symptoms. There is no known cure for eczema, so the treatments aim to control the symptoms like reduce inflammation and relieve itching.  Corticosteroid creams are sometimes prescribed to decrease the inflammatory skin reaction in eczema sufferes.

While any area of the body may be affected by eczema, in children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In infants, eczema is commonly seen on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.

Eczema can sometimes occur as a brief reaction that only leads to symptoms for a few hours or days. In other more severe cases, the symptoms persist over a longer time and are referred to as chronic dermatitis.

Soaps and harsh detergents should not be used on affected skin because they can strip natural skin oils and lead to excessive dryness. Instead, the use of moisturizing body wash, or an emollient like creams or lotions, will maintain natural skin oils and may reduce some of the need to moisturize the skin. Another option is to try bathing using colloidal oatmeal bath treatments. In addition to avoiding soap, other products that may dry the skin such as powders or perfume should also be avoided.

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