Eczema is a skin condition that many people having other types of allergies have. The skin starts to itch then a rash appears. It usually affects the hands, face, neck, arms, and legs including the creases of the knees and elbows. It is hard to avoid itching the rash but scratching can cause sores to erupt that have hard crusts.

Most sufferers do not have the condition all the time. Only when they come in contact with certain substances will the itching start and then the rash appears. It is said that once the rash is in full force it may feel like the skin is actually burning and the only way to get relief is to itch which is also a way to exacerbate the problem.

The condition can affect any age but in most cases it rears its head during the early years of the life of a child. It usually shows up before the age of 5. Unfortunately those that have it run a high risk of passing it on to their children.

Eczema is a type of dermatitis. It usually starts because of a reaction to an allergen. A person that tends to be allergic to wool fabric might start a flair up of the condition just by brushing by someone wearing a wool coat. Things that make the condition start up are called external triggers.

There are vast quantities of external triggers when you talk about eczema. Jewelry that is never removed like wedding rings might start the condition up. Soap, laundry detergent or dish washing liquids can make the condition go wild. Just coming in contact with a plant in your garden can start an episode. If the weather is hot and you sweat you can start it and if the weather is cold and dry it can also be the beginning of the agony. Many of these triggers can be eliminated from the surroundings of a sufferer but there is no way to control how hot it gets or try to reduce stress.

If the patches are scratched they could become infected and cause an even bigger problem that requires taking antibiotics. When the condition is scratched it can become crusty and ooze or make the skin get thick underneath. When infected, the area will have blisters that may be yellow or brown. Even if there are no blisters the thickened skin can crack and bleed. It tends to keep the sufferer awake during the night and they may have to wear mittens to bed to keep them from scratching in their sleep.

Many times using a different soap in the laundry will stop the episodes. Bathing in hot water can bring on the condition because hot water dries out the skin. Only hypoallergenic soap should be used on the body. Never use a lotion that has a strong scent as that can bring on an episode. Avoid wearing clothes that have scratchy textures or that are made of wool which will irritate the skin.

Sometimes a good over the counter hydrocortisone cream will do the trick. Just apply it as often as the directions indicate is safe. You can take an antihistamine and that may help to a degree but do not drive if they make you sleepy. Stress is one of the greatest factors in coming down with an episode so try to stay as stress free as possible. Episodes come on quick but they take almost 2 weeks to get rid of. Your doctor can give you are stronger cream to apply or different medications to try. Those that have severe conditions can be treated with ultra violet lights and coal tar, which is not a pleasant experience because of the smell.

The best idea is to prevent the condition from ever starting. When you sweat make sure to wipe it from the skin quickly. Towel the body off well after bathing and do not let anything come in contact with it that might cause a reaction. In most cases food allergies are rarely a trigger except in children who have milk, nut, egg and wheat allergies. Polyester and nylon clothing may cause a problem. Avoid rubber or latex in the form of gloves, clothing, or even bandages. When washing clothing and bedding do a double rinse to make sure all of the laundry soap has been taken out. Avoid bubble bath and any creams or lotions that have a fragrance. Prevent the problem before it starts.

When you want to find a great dry skin cream, you can do it easy! Using an eczema cream that keeps your skin moist will help you to effectively treat your symptoms quickly!

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