Do You Have Eczema? The Symptoms Discussed
Do you have the uncontrollable urge to itch, which results in a large rash? Rashes are common, but a reoccurring rash may be a sign of eczema. To seek relief and treatment for eczema, you must first know you have it. Do you? Continue reading on for a list of telltale signs you may.
Symptom #1 - The Constant Need to Itch
Eczema is a term that is used to describe inflammation of the skin. The skin is irritated, for various reasons, and the sufferer itches to seek relief. We all feel the need to itch, but the itching associated with eczema is different. It is best described as the reoccurring need to itch that just doesn’t stop. With a “traditional,” itch, we scratch once and are done, but eczema is different. No matter how much you itch, scratch, or rub the area, the need is always present.
Eczema can affect just about any part of the body; however, it usually occurs on the hands, feet, elbows, and legs.
Symptom #2 - Red Patches of Skin
Since eczema leads to scratching, the skin becomes further irritated. This results in a red rash. The rash can be large or small; it all depends on the size of the skin you were itching. Most people stop touching the skin when they develop a small rash, but remember that eczema creates the uncontrollable urge. Some sufferers just can’t stop because they believe it is the only way to seek relief. Unfortunately, this often leads to the next eczema symptom, blister-like sores.
Symptom #3 - Blisters That May Ooze
Those who itch their skin due to eczema, which is an inflammation of the skin, typically experience two end results. One is blister-like sores that may ooze clear or slightly discolored liquid. Overtime, these sores will begin to heal. You may then notice a curst-like surface form.
Symptom #4 - Dry Flaky Skin Patches
Although some eczema sufferers find oozing blisters on their outbreak patches, others experience dry, flaky, and scaly skin. In this case, itching has usually caused damage to the skin and new skin is working to replace the damage. During this time, you may notice patches of skin that look like they may fall off at any moment.
You now know the common signs and symptoms of eczema, but how can you seek relief? Start by keeping your body moisturized to reduce dry skin. Then, focus on your trigger factors. What is giving you the uncontrollable urge to itch? For some, the cause is certain foods, scented bath and body products, stress, the weather, and airborne allergens.
Having Eczema: Tips for Dealing with the Embarrassment
If you suffer from eczema, you may have a constant, unsightly rash. Those who suffer from eczema also tend to suffer from embarrassment. While you have nothing to be embarrassed about, as you have a common skin condition, some can’t help the feeling. If you are new to dealing with eczema and worried about the reaction of others, please continue reading on for a few helpful tips.
#1 – Know You Are Not Alone
Although it may seem like you are the only person in the world with eczema, you are not. In fact, someone you know may suffer from the same condition. It can occur on all areas of the body, but some are easily covered with clothing. Never assume you are alone when dealing with atopic dermatitis, as you aren’t. In fact, you may be able to find local and online support groups where you can meet others.
#2 – Don’t Hide
As previously stated, some individuals have eczema outbreaks on hidden body parts, including the upper thighs. You, on the other hand, may have bright red patches on your elbows. Does this mean you should stay inside during the summer or wear long sleeved shirts? No. Hiding will only make dealing with eczema harder. Those who enter into seclusion are more susceptible to depression. Live your life.
#3 – Talk About Your Condition
If you suffer from severe eczema, your rashes are easily noticed. In fact, you may even have scars from previous itching episodes. If these are able to be seen, people will notice. In fact, they may even whisper or stare. Don’t hide from embarrassment, but use it as an opportunity to inform others. Although you don’t owe anyone an explication, you can simply say “I have eczema. It is a common and non-contagious skin condition.”
#4 – Focus on Seeking Relief
Eczema causes the uncontrollable urge to itch. By the time you are done, you can have an open wound that is susceptible to infection. Right now, worrying about what others think should be the least of your worries. Instead, focus on ways to seek relief. If you haven’t already, look at home remedies. These include keeping the skin moisturized and incorporating skin-healthy foods into your diet.
How to Care for Your Skin and Avoid Eczema Outbreaks
Many eczema patients spend months using trial and error to address their trigger factors. This is a great way to cure eczema, but there are steps you can take to care for your skin in the meantime. For some sufferers, a little skin care goes a long way. How can you get on the path to healthy and eczema-free skin?
Protect Your Body
There are two different ways you can care for your skin and protect your body. First, wear clothes that cover your body. If eczema is confined to your upper-thighs, don’t wear shorts. Opt for cotton pants or capris instead. Although you may still feel the urge to itch, direct contact with the skin is impossible, as the skin is covered. This reduces the risk of open wounds, skin infections, and scars, which are common with severe eczema.
Secondly, you can protect your body by avoiding unnatural products. For many, makeup, perfume, and scented laundry detergent are the cause of eczema outbreaks. Yes, you may have another trigger factor, but start your own trial and error. Eliminate unnatural beauty products from your daily routine and see if you notice a decrease in itching. Not only are you practicing healthy skincare, but you may have also found your trigger factor.
Moisturize, Moisturize, and Moisturize More
Dry skin is one of the leading causes of eczema. Although a leading cause, it is often overlooked. To avoid dry skin and the uncontrollable itching associated with eczema, moisturize your skin throughout the day. Most importantly, apply moisturizer immediately following a bath or shower. This alone will do wonders for your skin. Continue to apply moisturizer throughout the day. If you feel the need to itch or touch your skin, opt for a bottle of lotion or cream instead.
Change Your Diet to Include Skin Healthy Foods
You may be surprised to hear that what you eat impacts your skin’s health. It is true. Unfortunately, changing your diet can be a double edge sword. Some eczema sufferers have outbreaks caused by food. When changing your diet, be on the lookout for additional trigger factors. As for skin healthy foods, fruits protect the skin cells from long-term damage and aid in the fight against premature aging. Fatty acids, such as fish and walnuts, are known to lock moisture in cell membranes, but these same foods are common eczema causes. Although you can take steps to incorporate skin healthy foods into your diet yourself, consider using the services of a registered dietitian.
As you can see, it is relatively easy to improve the health of and care for your skin. You have nothing to lose by implementing these steps. With success, you will find freedom from the uncontrollable itching that has plagued you.
Parents: Issues You May Face When Your Child Has Eczema
If your child was recently diagnosed with eczema, also commonly known as atopic dermatitis, you have a long road ahead. Although eczema is easily treated at home, there are many hard issues that you, as a parent, will face.
Nighttime Itching
You might assume that nighttime itching is the same as daytime itching for children with eczema, but it can be very different, especially in small children. Although they do not fully understand the complications that can arise from constant scratching, children are aware of their actions during the day. On the other hand, many small children continue to scratch in the middle of the night, without even being aware of their actions. This type of eczema is difficult to treat, as you cannot spend every night grabbing your child’s arm before they itch.
To combat the nighttime itching that is common among children with eczema, look for doable alternatives. If dust is a trigger factor, keep your child’s room clean and dust-free. If sweat is a trigger factor, dress them in light clothes and keep their room a cool temperature. If you don’t know the cause, try to keep areas susceptible to itching, such as the arms and legs, covered.
Pain
An eczema outbreak starts out relatively pain free. It typically begins with a simple itch that can’t stop. Soon, your child may find themselves literally digging at their skin. They mistakenly believe this will make the itch go away, but it doesn’t and it only gets worse. Severe rashes and the open wounds caused by constant scratching can lead to pain and discomfort. No parent wants to see their child in pain. That is why you must stop it at the source. Work with your child and his or her doctor to determine your child’s trigger factors. These are what cause the uncontrollable urge to itch. In the meantime, keep your child’s skin well moisturized.
Concern from Other Parents
Although eczema and atopic dermatitis are common among small children, you are likely to get many stares on the playground. This is most common if your child’s eczema rashes can be seen by other parents. Although you should keep your child’s open wounds covered to prevent infection, don’t just cover them to please others.
“Is eczema contagious?” That is a common question that many parents may ask. Unfortunately, some parents don’t even ask, they may automatically assume it is. You and your child owe no one an explication, as eczema is nothing but an inflammation of the skin. However, you may want to spread the word. As heartbreaking as it is to see other parents and kids point out your child’s eczema rash, it is a normal reaction that most don’t know how to avoid.
These are just a few of the issues you may face as the parent of a child with eczema. Since your child is young and does not fully understand their skin condition, you must work with them to seek relief.
The Benefits of Treating Eczema with Home Remedies
If you suffer from eczema, you want itch relief and you want it now. You may be willing to try anything to seek relief. While you have many choices, there are benefits to treating your eczema with home remedies.
#1 - Your Options
The phrase “home remedies,” encompasses a lot. Typically, home remedies are used to describe common practices that you can do at home. They are often compared to synthetic medications, which may lead to troubling side effects.
Since many practices can be classified as home remedies, you may wonder what can get you relief. Get started with moisturizing. Take a bath or a shower, lightly dry your skin leaving part of it damp, and apply moisturizer. You lock in the moisture from the shower or bath. Changing your diet also qualifies as a home remedy. Eczema sufferers find success with a skin healthy diet that includes blueberry extract, vitamin E, and low-acid foods.
#2 - Affordability
Whether you buy products over-the-counter at a drug store or receive a prescription from your doctor, there is likely a hefty price tag attached. You could easily spend $1,000 or more just in one year trying to cure eczema and still be left with the uncontrollable urge to itch. Yes, home remedies do cost money, but you will find their costs significantly lower. There is no need to go broke trying to seek relief, so don’t!
#3 - Fewer Risks
As previously stated, synthetic medications usually have a long list of potential side effects. Do you really want to subject your body to these? No and that is why home remedies are great for eczema. By this point in time, you are well aware of any allergies to food and chemicals. This means you can moisturize your body without worry and alter your diet to see success. With home remedies, there is no need to worry about stomach bleeding, diarrhea, or other common side effects of synthetic medicines.
#4 - No Need for Costly Doctor’s Appointments
With the exception of a skin infection caused by eczema, medical treatment is not needed. You can and should treat it from home. Best of all, home remedies not only enable you to avoid expensive doctor’s appointments, but you are in control. This works to your advantage, as you know your body best, not a doctor who can barely remember your name.
