Everything About Causes, Treatment, and Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition that makes your skin dry, red, and itchy. Nearly 31.6 million people in the United States have some type of eczema. This condition can be mild or severe and can affect people of all ages. Read on to know more about symptoms, causes, and treatment for eczema. 

Causes of Eczema

Several factors contribute to eczema. Here are a few- 

Genes- You may have eczema if anyone in your family has dermatitis. But not everyone who has eczema has a family history. 

Environment- Air pollution, tobacco, smoke and low humidity can cause eczema. As mentioned earlier, anyone can get eczema, but children are more likely to get this condition than adults. 

Stress– Stress can cause a higher amount of cortisol, a stress hormone released by the adrenal glands. Higher amounts of cortisol can make your skin oily which leads to eczema. 

Immune system– Your immune system overreacts even to small foreign substances if you have eczema. 

Eczema is non-contagious and its exact cause is unknown. 

Types of Eczema

There are seven types of eczema –  

1. Atopic Dermatitis– This is the most common type of eczema and it usually starts in childhood.  
2. Contact Dermatitis– If you are allergic to some substances you touch, you may have contact dermatitis. 
3. Dyshidrotic Eczema- It is a skin condition that causes small itchy blisters on your hand or feet. Dyshidrotic eczema is more common in women than men. 
4. Hand Eczema– This condition is also called hand eczema. As the name suggests, it affects only your hand.
5. Neurodermatitis- Neurodermatitis causes raised thick, scaly, and rough patches on the skin. The cause of this condition is unknown. 
6. Nummular Eczema- This condition got its name from the Latin word “nummular” which means coin. It causes round, coin-sized spots on the skin.  
7. Stasis Dermatitis- It happens when you have problems with your nerves. 

Natural Cure for Eczema

Here are some home remedies that might not cure eczema but can help manage the symptoms. 

• Apply aloe vera gel. 
• Dilute apple cider vinegar and apply it to the infected places.
• Avoid hot baths and limit bathing to 10-15 minutes. 
• Apply cold-pressed virgin coconut oil. 
• Dab honey on the affected areas. 
• Switch to gentle soaps and detergents. 
• Apply tea tree oil by mixing it with a carrier oil. 

Note – Please do a patch test before following the above-mentioned home remedies. 

If you think you may be  suffering from eczema, consult a physician immediately.