Causes and Treatment for Eczema

What Causes Eczema

It is still unclear what caused eczema although research hinted that the cause related to over reactive of immune system. Eczema is one of the stubborn skin disorders that could be caused by many different factors such as diet, lifestyle, and environment.

The symptoms of eczema are : inflammation of skin that resulted in itchy, redness, and when not treated properly the skin will become scaly, thick and dry, and the rush is very bad that a person who suffer this disease could not help but scratch the skin continuously, which actually worsen the condition of eczema. This happen especially with kids, during sleep it will get worse and the kid will scratch the affected area unconsciously. To prevent worse condition, it is suggested that the kid wear gloves during sleep. Infant are also prone to this disease.


Some of eczema were caused by allergy that triggered by direct contact with allergen such as cosmetic, jewelry, chemical ingredients in soap, fabric softener, perfume, etc. Some materials in fabric are also known as allergen to some people. Environments are also one of main causes especially if the people are allergy to pollen and dust. Pollution could cause eczema as well as psychological stress.

Type of Eczema

1. Atopic eczema: this type is hereditary, which means that the tendencies of contacting the disease are running in the family. Those who suffer from asthma are also more prone. This type of eczema is usually limited to some area such as scalp, behind the knees, inside elbow, necks and buttocks.
2. Contact dermatitis: this is caused by direct contact with allergen. The first type is allergic to some allergen such as poison ivy, nickel etc. Usually reaction was delayed, repeated contact would cause eczema. The second is irritant, caused by direct contact with some substance in detergent such as sodium lauryl sulfate.
3. Xerotic eczema: This occurs because of severe dryness of the skin. Usually, this condition happens when the weather is dry, such as in winter or very high temperature. Older people are prone to this type of eczema as their natural moisture has decreased.
4. Seborrhoeic dermatitis: occur mostly to infant. The term that used commonly is “cradle cap”, closely related to dandruff. In newborn the symptom is thick, yellow crusty scalp which is quite harmless unless in severe condition. Research revealed that this condition is related to lack of biotin in diet.

Eczema Treatment

There is no known cure for eczema, however there are many eczema treatments that  aim to control the symptoms by reducing inflammation and relieving itching. As this disease caused by allergy, the only way to get rid of it is to avoid the allergen as much as possible, which could be achieved by changing lifestyle and combined by proper medication should proven effective.

Doctors will give antihistamine to reduce itchiness and redness, if skin infection is present, antibiotics should be given before other treatment.  Keep in mind also that affected skin need to be moisturized and well hydrated. Use cream that contain salicylic acid to reduce symptom, the cream when applied gives cool feeling  which will give temporary relieve from severe itch. Research also demonstrates that changes in diet will reduce occurrence and severity. Dairy product needs to be avoided and there are also some ingredients which could trigger eczema and differ from one individual to other in its susceptibility.

Avoidance of these elements in food types has similarly been shown to improve the eczema. Triggers included food additives, histamine, salicylates, benzoates, processed sugar, and other compounds (such as aromatic compounds) found in fruits, vegetables, and spices. These reactions do not represent true food allergies but are instead a type of food sensitivity reaction.