Tips for Preventing and Reducing Eczema Symptoms by:Lisa Johnson
Approximately 10-20% of the world's population suffers from Eczema
. That is almost 15 million people! These cases range from mild to severe to everything in between. If you suffer from Eczema or want to find out more information about the condition, you have come to the right place. We will cover what the condition entails, and discuss different ways to treat the ailment. As always, discuss your options with your doctor before beginning any new treatment regimen.
It is important to understand what Eczema actually is. The term Eczema is actually a blanket one that covers a variety of different skin inflammations. The most common type of Eczema is actually Atopic Dermatitis. This affects children, and usually clears up with age. Atopic Dermatitis shows up most often in infancy and begins to lessen as the child ages. Eczema may vary from person to person, but usually entails dry, red, itchy patches of skin. The majority of the symptoms will come and go based on external factors. Many doctors believe that Eczema is actually an abnormal response to the body's immune system. While there is no current treatment for Eczema, there are a variety of medications aimed at controlling the severity and number of outbreaks.
The key to preventing outbreaks is proper moisturizing. This coupled with avoidance of triggers can help you prevent many Eczema outbreaks. To prevent Eczema you should try the following:
Moisturize frequently
Avoid sudden temperature changes
Avoid overheating
Reduce stress levels
Avoid scratchy fabrics
Avoid harsh soaps and detergents
Avoid allergens
If you do experience an Eczema flair-up, there are a variety of different treatments that you can try. Many of which can be done at home with over the counter medications. If your case is more sever, you may want to go with stronger prescription medications and treatments. These include:
Cold compresses
Lotion applied after a bath
Over the counter Corticosteroid creams and ointments
Prescription creams and ointments
Antibiotics- if it becomes infected
Antihistamines- to reduce itching
Prescription medications aimed at targeting immune responses
You will want to discuss your options with your doctor to make sure that you are getting the best possible treatment. It is recommended that you spend some time researching your options online, so that you can be better informed of the situation. Try doing a search using google, yahoo, msn, or one of the other search engines available. You should have no trouble finding lots of valuable information.
Eczema doesn't have to be a life sentence. Even though there is currently no cure, there are many different treatment options that you have. By focusing on preventing outbreaks, you can live a relatively Eczema free life. If you have an infant or child that suffers from the condition, you can do a lot to keep them outbreak free. Moisturize frequently, and do your best to prevent them from scratching at their sores. Your doctor can give you an antihistamine if the itching becomes too severe.
About the author
Lisa Johnson is a freelance health writer and contributing author to
http://www.eczemacenter.info - a site providing free information on eczema and dermatitis..
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