What is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that leads to inflamed, dry, cracked and itchy patches on skin. The term refers to a group of conditions. Atopic dermatitis is the commonest type of eczema. “Atopic” refers to the tendency of a patient to get allergic conditions like hay fever or asthma.

Eczema may be triggered by a variety of reasons, including certain things humans consume like certain nuts or dairy products. It can also result from contact with atmospheric agents like dust, pollen, certain fragrances, smoke etc. It can happen from ingredients used in cosmetic products or household cleaning agents. Commonly, eczema, is referred to as the “itch that rashes”. This means that the condition usually starts with an itchy patch which later develops rashes or redness or inflammation.

Who Can Get Eczema?

It is quite a common condition and can affect infants, children as well as adults. Some patients grow out of the condition while others continue to suffer from it throughout their adulthood. Eczema isn’t contagious. Some experts say that it can be inherited. If you had eczema as a toddler or a child, there is a high chance of it recurring in adulthood.

A common type of eczema among babies is the seborrheic eczema or dermatitis, which is commonly called the “cradle cap”. It appears like oily and scaly patches on the scalp. These patches usually don’t itch. On the other hand, infants get atopic dermatitis most often in the cheek area.

Kids can get it anywhere – on their faces, forearms, inside of the elbows, behind the knees, back, neck etc. Adults too can get it anywhere, especially where the body bends like the inside of knees or elbows. In case of adults, eczema patches are often discoloured or thickened.

There is no known medication for eczema in Allopathy. But there are ways to reduce the symptoms. Moreover, moisturizing agents and natural therapies are known to cure or treat eczema effectively. Certain lifestyle changes also go a long way in preventing it.

The biggest problem that patients of eczema suffer from is the incessant itchiness felt on the affected area. This is also a source of embarrassment because patients can’t resist the urge to itch even in public areas. But eczema is not a dangerous health hazard that can’t be cured. The best eczema treatment is going the natural way! Eczema Ayurvedic treatment consists of using herbal remedies which focus on eradication of the disease along with soothe itching, burning and irritation of the affected area.

Types of Eczema

Atopic Dermatitis

It is the commonest type of eczema which begins at childhood but as one grows up it becomes less severe or goes away. It is often accompanied by other medical conditions like asthma and hay fever.Atopic dermatitis treatment is not a complicated issue. In fact, there is atopic dermatitis treatment in Ayurveda which involves herbal remedies and treatments that are completely free of side effects.

Allergic or Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Sometimes eczema can happen from contact or touch with a substance one is allergic to. It can also happen from contact with a chemical that irritates your skin. It is characterized with red, irritated skin. Even in case of allergic eczema treatment, one can go for Ayurvedic and herbal remedies.

Dyshidrotic Eczema

This causes blisters or irritated skin on the palm of the hands or the souls of the feet.

Neurodermatitis

This comes in the form of a localized itch and is characterized by scaly dry patches of skin, usually on forearms, lower part of legs, wrist etc. It is very much similar to atopic dermatitis.

Discoid Eczema

This type of eczema is characterized by circular patches of crusted, itchy, scaly and irritated skin. It is also called nummular eczema. The name derives from the Latin word for coin because the affected patches of irritated skin are round and coin-sized. It is common in winter and most often seen in men.

Stasis Dermatitis

This type of eczema is related to problems of circulations and effects the lower part of the legs. Usually in this case, the fluid leaks out from weakened veins. Along with common symptoms like itching and redness, stasis dermatitis also causes swelling and pain.

Hand Eczema

Professionals in jobs like hairdressing, cleaning, beauty treatments etc often suffer from skin irritation on the hands. This may be due to increased exposure of the skin to cleaning chemicals or beauty and hair products. Using chemical based ointments for hand eczema treatment can sometimes aggravate the issue. So it is always wiser to go for Ayurvedic and herbal remedies in treating eczema.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

This type of eczema often affects those parts of the body where there are numerous oil glands. For example, when it happens on the scalp it is termed as dandruff. It often affects babies and infants.

Symptoms of Eczema

Symptoms depend on the type of eczema the patient is suffering from. Also, the symptoms depend on the age of the patient. However, there are some common symptoms that all patients experience –

• Dry scaly skin
• Itchy skin – itching may get more severe at night
• Skin flushing
• Cracked or leathery skin
• The affected area can develop sores if it gets infected
• Scratching the affected area may lead to raw, swollen and sensitive skin
• Depending on the colour of the patient’s skin, affected areamay become red, brownish-grey or white

Symptoms Depending On Age of Patients

Symptoms in Infants

• Scalp and cheek rash
• Extreme itchiness that affects the sleep pattern
• Fluid filled rash that leak or ooze

Symptoms in Children

• Rashes in the crease of elbows and knees
• Rashes can appear on neck, wrist, ankles, legs, crease of buttocks as well
• Thickening of skin or developing a permanent itch

Symptoms in Adults

• Very scaly rashes
• Commonly appears in inner crease of elbows and knees or nape of neck
• Very dry skin on affected area
• Infections
• Change of skin colour in the affected area – depending on your natural skin colour, the affected area may appear reddish, brownish or lighter

Further scratching and rubbing may make skin even more inflamed and infected needing immediate treatment. Symptoms like itching may worsen at times, become less and then reappear.  

Let us now get to more specific symptoms of eczema that differ on the type of the condition the patient is suffering from.

Symptoms as per Types of Eczema

Atopic Dermatitis

• Rash in the crease or inner fold of elbows and skin
• Discoloration of skin
• Change in skin texture
• Babies often get it on the scalp and cheek
• Scratching leads to skin infections

Contact Dermatitis

• Skin itches, burns and stings
• Redness
• Itchy bumps popping on affected skin
• Fluid-filled blisters may appear that ooze and leak
• Skin may become thick and leathery or even scaly

Dyshidrotic Eczema

• Fluid filled blisters on fingers, palms, toes, soles of feet
• Itching and burning
• Cracking, scaly and flaky skin

Hand Eczema

• Extremely dry, itchy and scaly hands
• May form cracks
• Blisters may appear on hands

Neurodermatitis

• Thick, scaly patches on specific parts of the body like legs and arms, back of neck, scalp, bottom of feet, genitals etc
• Excessive itching especially when the patient sleeps of rests
• Scratching may lead to bleeding or infection

Nummular or Discoid Eczema

• Round, coin-like patches of affected skin
• Itching
• Scaly round patches

Stasis Dermatitis

• Swelling in lower part of leg especially after a walking
• The patient may also suffer from varicose veins – thick, damaged, rope-like veins on skin
• The skin over these veins may be dry and itchy
• Legs may ache and feel heavy
• Development of sores on the lower part of legs or above the feet

In India, eczema has often been observed to be linked with excessive skin dryness. Either it gets triggered by that or results in very dry, scaly skin. Many patients are worried as to how to treat dry eczema and end up applying more chemical-based moisturizers and ointments to treat it. In most cases, this does not help. The best way to treat dry eczema is through natural medication. Ayurvedic ointments and moisturizers are best for the purpose. Not only do they treat dry eczema, they are also a great option for regular use if you have previously suffered from dry skin eczema.

Causes of Eczema

The exact causes behind eczema are still not known though most doctors and researchers believe that eczema is triggered by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Some common reasons cited by researchers are –

• Overactive immune system that reacts to certain allergens or irritants.
• Abnormal response of immune system to proteins that are part of the body – usually the immune system reacts to proteins that are external to the body like bacteria and virus. In this case, the immune system loses its ability to differentiate between the two types of proteins, resulting in inflammation.
• Issues with the top layer or barrier of the skin that loses moisture and lets in germs
• Heredity – Most children who are affected by atopic dermatitis get it from one or both the parents. Moreover, a heredity of asthma or allergies can make one prone to developing eczema.
• Stress may make the symptoms worse

Some environmental factors that are known to cause eczema are –

Irritants like –

• Soaps
• Shampoos
• Cleaning products disinfectants, detergents etc
• Artificial fragrances and perfumes
• Some fruits and vegetables
• Beauty and grooming products
• Metals

Allergens like –

• Dust mites
• Mould
• Pollens

Temperature fluctuations –

• Too hot or too cold weather
• Very high or very low humidity
• Excessive perspiration after rigorous activity or exercise can raise body temperature and trigger eczema

Microbes –

• Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus
• Certain types of viruses
• Certain types of fungi

Some people may develop eczema after consumption of foods like –

• Dairy products
• Dried nuts
• Wheat
• Soy products
• Eggs
• Seeds

Hormones –

Some women experience eczema when their hormonal levels change or fluctuate. For example, during pregnancy, after menopause or at certain points of the menstrual cycle.

Common triggers that lead to eczema flare-ups are –

• Chemicals in cleaning products and beauty products that either act as an irritant or make the skin very dry
• Contact with rough fabrics like wool
• Contact with synthetic fibres
• Stress
• Excessive sweating
• Sudden drop in humidity
• Being exposed to temperature changes
• Food allergies
• Animal dander
• Raised temperature of the body
• Infections of the upper respiratory system

Causes as per Types of Eczema

Atopic Dermatitis

Happens when the skin’s barrier that protects it against elements weaken making it exposed to allergens and irritants. This may happen due to a combination of factors like genetics, an immune system problem, skin dryness and environmental triggers.

Atopic eczema treatment can be easily availed from your nearest healthcare facility! If you are looking for atopic dermatitis treatment in Ayurveda in Kolkata, you can trust Naturoveda. Naturoveda Health World successfully delivers all kinds of eczema treatment.

Contact Dermatitis

Most common allergens or irritants are –

• Detergents
• Bleach
• Metal jewellery
• Beauty products including makeup products
• Rough or synthetic fabric
• Paint
• Latex
• Nickel
• Poisonous plants like poison ivy
• Soaps
• Perfumes
• Tobacco smoke
• Solvents

Dyshidrotic Eczema

This type of eczema can be caused or triggered by –

• Allergies
• Exposure to nickel, chromium salt or cobalt
• Damp hand and feet
• Stress

Hand Eczema

This type of eczema is triggered by exposure to chemicals in beauty or cleaning products and thus affect people who are engaged in jobs like hairdressing, cleaning, healthcare or laundry service.

Neurodermatitis

The exact cause or trigger behind this type of eczema is not known but it usually affects people who already suffer or have suffered from any other type of eczema or psoriasis. Some doctors believe that it may be triggered by stress also..

Nummular or Discoid Eczema

This type of eczema can be caused or triggered by –

• Allergic reaction to chemicals or metals
• Insect bite
• If the patient is already suffering from atopic dermatitis
• Dry skin

Stasis Dermatitis or Venous Eczema

People who have issues with circulation and blood flow in their lower legs may suffer from this type of dermatitis. Sometimes the valves that push blood through the legs up to the heart malfunction. This leads to swelling and formation of varicose veins.

Risk Factors for Eczema

Eczema is related to heredity. If you have a family history of allergies, asthma, hay fever or eczema, it is likely that you too will suffer from eczema. Children are also more likely to suffer from atopic dermatitis than adults.

Atopic Dermatitis, Hay Fever and Asthma

There is a clear link among atopic dermatitis, hay fever andasthma. It has been observed by doctors that if parents suffer from asthma or hay fever, their children will likely suffer from atopic dermatitis. Also children and infants who have suffered from atopic dermatitis are likely to develop asthma or hay fever as they grow up.

Wondering how to cure eczema? Though there is no permanent cure to eczema, there are ways to deal with the triggers and manage symptoms. You can simply go the natural or Ayurvedic way! Be it atopic dermatitis treatment, allergic eczema treatment, hand eczema treatment or dry eczema treatment, Ayurveda has all the answers!

Further Complications with Eczema

Scratching the affected area or leaving it untreated can cause further complications like –

• Infection
• Scarring
• Inability to sleep due to excessive itching

Complications related to atopic dermatitis –

• Most children who suffer from eczema go on to develop asthma and hay fever as they grow up. In other words, atopic dermatitis, in some cases, is a predecessor of hay fever and asthma.
• Eczema can lead to a condition called neurodermatitis or lichen simplex chronicus. This happens when you repeatedly scratch the area affected by atopic dermatitis. This makes the area even itchier. The patient develops a habit of scratching the area even after the other symptoms of atopic dermatitis subside. This over time leads to discoloured and thick skin.
• Repeated scratching may also lead to sores and cracks. Infections may affect the area. Sores may open which increases the risk of further infections.

Eczema can’t be permanently cured in Allopathy but there are options available for chronic eczema treatment in Ayurveda. Eczema Ayurvedic treatment is the safest, side-effect free and effective way to treat all kinds of eczema. Our patients at Naturoveda vouch the fact that the herbal way is the best eczema treatment!

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

If the itching or redness does not go away on its own, you should immediately seek the help of a medical practitioner. Signs that you need immediate medical help include –

• If you notice signs of infections which include redness, fever, warm sensation, blisters, open sores etc
• If your eczema suddenly gets worse
• If the condition gets so uncomfortable that it interferes with your daily activity or affects your sleep quality
• If you notice yellow scab, red streak etc or if pus-filled blisters appear

If you are wondering how to cure eczema or treat its symptoms, you can go for the natural way! Though allopathic ointments and other medicines are available for eczema, often they are steroid-based and work only for a very short time. Moreover, it also means application of more chemicals on the affected area. You can go for eczema Ayurvedic treatment as it is a side-effect free way to treat the problem.

Diagnosing Eczema

Preparing to See a Doctor

If you think your condition requires the attention of a medical practitioner or dermatologist or eczema specialist, you need to keep some information ready at hand for better diagnosis. You can either jot them down or keep them mentally noted. Such information will help the doctor identify your eczema triggers. Note down –

• What you ate or drank before the symptoms appeared
• What beauty products, makeup, soap, detergent etc you had used before the condition triggered
• The activities you got involved in before the trigger – like if you had gone swimming in a chlorinated pool or if you had gone for a walk in an area full of plants, trees etc.
• If you had taken a bath with water at a very high temperature
• If you were under stress

Doctors usually look at the affected area and see the symptoms in order to diagnose the condition as eczema.

Patch Test

The doctor can do a patch test to check if the trigger was caused by an allergen. In that case the condition would be diagnosed as contact dermatitis. Patch testing involves placing an allergen on a patch which is brought in contact with the patient’s skin. If the skin becomes red or inflamed it means that the patient is allergic to that particular substance.

There are no lab tests to diagnose eczema. In certain cases a microscopic examination of a scraping of affected skin is conducted to check for infections.

Eczema Prevention

If you have suffered from eczema in the past or have a family history of the condition or are involved in a profession that involves handling chemical products, beauty products etc, you can do certain things to prevent eczema flare-ups.

• Avoid wearing clothes made from synthetic or rough fibres. Go for pure cotton clothing which are loose and comfortable.
• Whenever you are handling chemicals or if you are employed in the hairdressing or cleaning profession, always wear gloves while you work!
• While choosing beauty, personal care or cleaning products, always go for fragrance-free options.
• After a bath, never vigorously rub your skin with a towel. Instead, gently blot the moisture away.
• Use a good, natural and oil-based moisturizer on your skin right after bath, when your skin is still damp, in order to create a natural barrier between your skin and atmospheric allergens or irritants.
• If you feel like itching any part of your skin, try to avoid scratching it hard. Excessive scratching leads to broken skin and infections. This can also lead to neurodermatitis which leaves skin red, raw, thickened and discoloured even without eczema. Instead, look for other ways to soothe the itching.
• Try to avoid exercise that raise the temperature of the body or leads to a lot of sweating.
• Try to manage mental stress and get enough sleep.
• If you or your partner have a family history of eczema, doctors advice that yourbaby to be breast fed up to six months or one year. This eliminates triggers like food related allergens. Also, keep your baby away from pets, mold, mites etc
• Choose a good moisturizer to prevent your skin from becoming dry.
• You may also think of installing a humidifier in your room or work space.
• Prolonged contact with water can sometimes flare up eczema so avoid taking long showers or swimming.
• Use mild cleansers and soap for your skin.

For eczema, permanent cure is not available in Allopathy! But the Ayurvedic treatment helps to eradicate eczema from the root. One can trust Ayurveda for chronic eczema treatment. At Naturoveda Health World, we excel in eczema treatment in the natural, Ayurvedic way. Our patients often tell others that the Ayurvedic way is the best eczema treatment.