What Exactly Is Eczema?
by Buffy Hall, RN
There are three common types of eczema: atopic, irritant contact and allergic contact dermatitis. Generally speaking, eczema is caused by inflammation producing cells that travel to the skin and release chemicals, making the skin dry, flakey, itchy and red.
Atopic Eczema - the most common form
Atopic Eczema is closely linked to a family history of lots of allergies. The most common symptom you see is itchiness (pruritis) which can become almost unbearable in intensity. Other symptoms include overall dryness of the skin, redness and acute inflammation.
The severe itching leads to scratching, the scratching leads to skin breakdown which can then lead to infection. In infected eczema, the skin will crack and weep (called ‘wet’ eczema). It's painful, embarrassing, unsightly and just plain miserable to have.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis -immune system reaction
This type of eczema happens when the skin builds up to an allergic response over time, as it's exposed to something over and over. For instance, many people develop a reaction to the nickel that is often found in earrings, belt buckles and buttons on clothing.
Or the skin is reacting to one of the chemicals used in commercial skin care products, soaps and shampoos. These are common triggers for this kind of an eczema outbreak, especially the parabens, propylene glycol and mineral oil that are used in almost every commercial skin care and beauty product out there.
The younger the skin, the more likely you are to have a reaction! So carefully read the labels on your baby products please!
Irritant Contact Dermatitis - caused by household chemicals
This type is most commonly found in adults rather than children. After all, not too many teenagers spend much time with cleaning products, right?... Seriously, this is the best reason in the world to change your cleaning products to environmentally friendly ones without all the harsh, corrosive and harmful chemicals. And PLEASE, when cleaning the bathroom or kitchen, WEAR GLOVES!
About the Author: Buffy Hall, RN Ret. worked as an RN for 12 years before retiring due to complications from rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. She is a long time student of natural healing and alternative therapies and practices many of them in the management of her own chronic illness. You can contact her anytime at blogstuff@bodybubbles.com
Source: www.isnare.com
