Dyshidrotic Eczema: 5 Things You Did Not Know About Dyshidrotic Eczema

1. What is it?

Dyshidrotic eczema is a form of eczema which affects the hands and the feet, but is more common on the hands. It tends to affect young adults and older people. Most people, who develop this form of eczema, have a history of allergy.

2. What does Dyshidrotic eczema look like?

In the early stages, this form of eczema appears as small fluid filled vesicles, along the sides of the fingers, palms of the hands, or the bottom of the feet. The vesicles may rupture forming weeping crusts that can sometimes take up to a few weeks to heal. As the vesicles heal they may leave rings demarcating where the vesicles had been. Generally the skin beneath the vesicles is not damaged.

Bacterial infection of open vesicles is a common complication. This may spread in the tissues to become cellulitis, an infection of the soft tissues of the hands or feet. The infection may also spread to neighbouring lymph nodes. Rarely the infection may spread to the blood causing septicaemia (generalised bacterial infection), which is life threatening. The nails may also be affected; they may become thick, pitted, discoloured and ridged.

3. The Dyshidrotic eczema myth

This form of eczema got its name because it was thought that it was caused by excessive sweating of the hands. It is now know that the fluid which accumulates in the vesicles is not sweat, but serum. It if felt the serum accumulated between the outer layers of the skin when the skin becomes irritated.

4. What causes Dyshidrotic eczema?

Researchers are not certain as to why people develop Dyshidrotic eczema. However, a number of things have been noticed to be associated with its development. There is a seasonal pattern to its occurrence, with it being more common in warm weather. Some persons develop Dyshidrotic eczema after being exposed to very sunny weather.

The condition is, more common in people who have a history of contact irritant dermatitis. It is especially associated with certain professions. People who have to regularly wash their hands, such as cooks, nurses and dentist, tend to get this type of hand eczema more commonly. Dyshidrotic eczema is aggravated by irritants such as solvents, detergent and soap.

5. How to treat Dyshidrotic eczema.

The best approach is to find out what irritant is contributing to its development and avoid its use. Other wise treatment is symptomatic. Your doctor may prescribe oral anti-itch medication for the intense itching which normally accompanies this condition. Applications such as dilute potassium permanganate or aluminium acetate can be used to help dry up the blisters. Steroid ointments may also be used in the acute stages to help to clear up the condition. In severe cases oral steroids may be used for a short time.

It is also important to keep the skin well moisturized, to prevent dryness and painful cracking which sometimes occurs with Dyshidrotic eczema. It is best to use a thick moisturiser such as emollient or Vaseline.

And if you want to know more about dyshidrotic eczema click on the link to receive your free e-course now at http://allergyrock.com/. My name is Shelley and my goal is to educate people who suffer from eczema, in order to help them overcome the condition.

Original article

Everything You Need to Know About Chronic Eczema - Get Rid of Dry Skin

What many people don't understand about chronic eczema is that it is not really one condition but rather several skin conditions that together are what we know as eczema or dermatitis. It can affect anyone of any age and commonly occurs during the second year of life, and for many, continues to the end of their life. Chronic eczema can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful. It can cause itchy patches, redness, inflammation, and even blistering on just about every part of the body depending on the trigger.

Eczema Triggers

Even those with chronic eczema can go months without a flare up depending on what their triggers are. Though they can differ from person to person, there are some common triggers that can bring on the red, thickened patches of skin and the uncomfortable itch in most sufferers. They include:

HeatStressExtreme coldSun exposureSoaps and beauty products containing perfumes and dyesChemicals in cleaning productsWool clothing and other "itchy" fabricsFabric softeners and laundry detergentsCertain foods and medicationsYeastChlorine in swimming pools and hot tubsSeason change

Eczema Is Not an Allergy

It is a common misconception that eczema is an allergy. This is not true, though it's easy to see why people would come to this conclusion given that certain allergies trigger eczema break outs. There has been evidence to suggest that having a family member who suffers from hay fever or other allergies could increase someone's risk of suffering from eczema.

The Different Types of Eczema

Chronic eczema refers to regular flare ups of dermatitis, which basically means different types of dermatitis on different parts of the body. One example of this is what is known as "cradle cap" on small babies. Most people know that cradle cap is a common occurrence with babies, but few know that it is actually a form of eczema called infantile seborrheic eczema. There is also adult seborrheic eczema which can range from mild dandruff to more severe with red, scaly patches of skin on the scalp. And varicose eczema affects the lower legs and is caused by poor circulation.

Dozens of other types of eczema exist and like with atopic eczema, which is the most common type, all of these have their triggers and can occur when you're exposed to them.

Symptoms of Chronic Eczema

Most people learn very early in life what their symptoms of eczema are. They can differ in severity from person to person or flare-up to flare-up, but in the end the symptoms are pretty much the same and include:

Small reddish bumpsThick patches of skin, usually with rednessItchinessScaling and flakingDry patchesCrusting inside the elbows and in skin folds

Learn the root causes of your skin problems and more on my blog at: http://www.getridofdryskin.com/ I have lots of great information as well as natural solutions to many skin problems.

Original article

Atopic Dermatitis - What Do You Know About It?

Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema where the skin reacts easily and abnormally to environmental allergens, irritants and foods. It occurs mainly in children and is unlikely to occur in anyone over the age of 30. The skin becomes red flaky and itchy; and is more susceptible to bacterial infection.

This type of eczema can occur on any area of the body. However, the most commonly affected areas are the hands, feet, ankles, wrist, face, neck, and upper chest. It may also occur on the skin around the eyes and on the eyelids.

The symptoms of the skin condition may be made worse by superficial infection, dry skin, low humidity, dust, sand, and cigarette smoke and sweating. Other factors which may make atopic dermatitis worse are solvents, cleaners, detergents and wool fabrics. Long hot baths and showers may also make the condition worse.

The Symptoms of atopic dermatitis vary from mild to severe. It usually starts off as a red inflamed itchy rash that may quickly develop into raised painful bumps. These bumps may ooze and crust if scratched. In some persons the rash remains flat and may go on to develop a brownish discoloration. The itch becomes more intense at nights, and is made worse by scratching. When atopic dermatitis occurs around the eyes, scratching may cause loss of eyebrow hair and eye lashes.

There are many theories as to the causes of atopic eczema.

It is believed that some people have a genetic disposition to developing the condition. Researchers have found that the condition is more common in identical twins, than other family members. It is also felt that the condition is primarily triggered by contact with or ingestion of allergens. Other factors which affect the immune system such as stress and tiredness also play a part.

This type of eczema is commonly found in children with food allergies. The most common foods are peanuts, shellfish, fish, milk, wheat, soy, corn and eggs. Some persons develop atopic eczema when they eat food containing histamines. Histamines play a role in the allergic reaction process. Foods high in histamine are cheeses, sausages, tomatoes, spinach and eggplant. Fish and shellfish may also contain histamine.

The treatment of atopic dermatitis hinges around discovering what triggers allergic reactions and avoiding them. It has been observed that infants who breast feed for longer are less likely to suffer from atopic dermatitis. Avoiding the foods mentioned above may also be helpful.

Keeping the environment free of dust and pet furs is also helpful in preventing atopic dermatitis. Avoiding the use of irritating cleansers and detergents in the environment is also helpful. Avoid extremes of temperature, since both excessive heat and cold are know to trigger flare ups of atopic dermatitis.

Keep the skin moist by remaining hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

Avoid hot water baths, and apply moisturizer to the skin immediately after baths to help lock in moisture.

And if you want to find out more about atopic eczema, you can access my free e-course on controlling eczema at http://allergyrock.com/. I have several years experience in helping people control eczema, and have gotten rid of my own eczema condition.

Original article