Atopic eczema is a skin condition that leads to chronic skin inflammation. To know more about how to treat atopic eczema, read this article.
Atopic eczema is a skin condition that is caused due to the hypersensitive nature of skin. It leads to chronic skin rashes with the inflammation of the skin being consistent and severe. It is most prevalent in children. However, adults are also affected by this condition. Atopic eczema is also known to be hereditary in nature. There are abnormal reactions of the skin when it is exposed to organisms in the environment that create itchiness. This itchiness may appear very similar to allergic reactions. Apart from the allergens that lurk around in the environment, stress and fatigue are also known to cause this condition. Individuals who have asthma are at the highest risk of developing a chronic inflammation of the skin, as asthma too is type of atopic condition. It can be prevented and treated with natural remedies as well. The most affected areas are the wrists, the face, especially the cheeks, arms and hands.
Symptoms and Causes
You are affected with atopic eczema when you observe symptoms such as:
- Blisters or pustules with pus oozing out
- Discoloration of the skin.
- Severe itching
- Skin areas with blisters become red and appear inflamed.
- Skin becomes increasingly sensitive, even when lightly touched
- Redness of the skin is accompanied by thickening of the skin area, due to constant scratching.
- When the itchiness increases the rash may breakout anywhere on the body.
Irritants and allergens not only cause atopic eczema but may also aggravate the condition all the more. Pollen allergies, cold, contact with rough or itch inducing material, exposure to areaftrs that are dusty, weather fluctuations; exposure to conditions that are either hot or chilly. Skin products such as lotions, creams and soap bars may consist of ingredients that may cause irritation to the skin making it dry and itchy and stress and tiredness are some of the catalyst causes that contribute in worsening atopic eczema.
Treatment
Atopic eczema can be prevented and treated. However, as far as possible, prevention is way better than any treatment. Make sure that you do not expose yourself to skin irritants mentioned in the previous section of the article. For treatment of eczema, there are certain natural remedies that can be adopted.
- Try to avoid the usage of irritants such as woolen clothes or thick blankets that ‘bite’ you. If you experience any such irritation, make sure that you wash the clothes thoroughly, in detergent that restores the softness of the cloth. If the cloth or rug still feels rough, avoiding the use would altogether be a better idea.
- Phototherapy, also known as light therapy aims to focus the ultra violet rays on the affected area. Light therapy has been efficient in providing relief and improving the condition of the patient as far as possible. This procedure is carried out only by an expert, thus it is mandatory that you garner an expert consult before you take steps further.
- Calamine lotions that are mild in nature could be applied to the affected area. Do not rub the lotion too hard. Apply it gently, and leave it as it is. You may also dip cotton balls in rose water and apply it on the area. Either apply it pure or amalgamate it with calamine lotion to derive a cooling effect on the skin.
- Installing a humidifier makes life better for those who suffer from atopic eczema. A humidifier works towards sustaining moisture in the skin. The skin may become dry and parched if and when exposed to cold weather.
- Have a bath with lukewarm water. Do not soak yourself for too long as this can lead to the body skin to dry out even further, making it flaky and crinkled.
- You may also be prescribed a red bath by your doctor. It is predominantly meant for people who have infections and blisters that ooze out pus. A prescribed quantity of potassium permanganate is mixed in bath water. However, as mentioned, make sure that you consult your physician before you use this remedy because potassium permanganate leaves a behind a brown colored tint on the skin. Getting rid of this color becomes difficult. So make sure that the quantity you use is prescribed after consultation.
- Emollients are creams and lotions that can be applied on the affected area to derive optimum relief. After you have had your bath, make sure that you apply the lotion on semi dry skin. Gently pat dry the skin so that your body is left with some moisture and apply the lotion. It is at this time that the skin sucks in the moisture derived from the lotion or creams.
- Steroid creams are also prescribed by the doctor for mild to severe cases of atopic eczema. In cases where atopic eczema is not treatable or has progressed to an advanced form, the doctor may prescribe steroid tablets. However, tablets must not be continued for prolonged periods.
- Antibiotics also work well. Discontinuing the medication before the course is completed may lead to relapse, which is a perhaps a greater possibility in terms of eczema.
- Bandaging affected areas with wet wraps could also make a difference to the skin condition. After a bath, apply an emollient on the affected area, and cover with cloth bandages soaked in warm water. Bandage the wet wraps with dry cloth so as to aid the skin to soak in the moisture and not become dry. This is a remedy that is used when the condition is severe.
- Resist scratching. Make a conscious effort not to scratch and worsen the situation. Caressing the skin with neem leaves will help in reducing the itchy sensation of the skin.
With this article you now have the remedies and various treatment options at hand. Nevertheless, as mentioned make an effort to avert irritants that could further aggravate the skin condition.