Eczema: An Introduction to This Chronic Skin Disorder
- September 02, 2018
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- There are many conditions that can affect your skin health, such as eczema, a disorder that makes your skin red, itchy and scaly
- There is no cure for eczema, but there are ways to manage the symptoms
Did you know that your skin is the largest and fastest-growing organ in the body?1 It holds fluids in, keeps harmful microbes out, balances your body temperature and even plays a crucial role in vitamin D production from sun exposure.2 There is no doubt that it is one of your body’s most important organs.
Unfortunately, there are many conditions that can affect your skin’s health. One example is eczema, a disorder that causes your skin to become red, itchy and scaly.3 Eczema is much more common today than it has ever been before. It occurs because of a combination of different factors, such as skin structure, genetics and environmental conditions.4
Eczema usually appears between 6 months and 5 years of age. Infants typically develop it on their face, often affecting the cheeks and chin. However, it can appear on any part of the body, and thesymptoms may differ from one child to another. In most cases, the symptoms go away as a child grows older, but some children will continue to suffer from it into adulthood. It is also possible for adults to develop this condition suddenly.5
If you think that you or your child may have eczema, you are not alone. More than 30 million Americans have this skin disorder, according to the National Eczema Association,6 and at least 17.8 million of these cases are moderate to severe.7
You Can Treat Eczema Naturally
Eczema is a resilient skin disorder, typically getting worse the longer you have it. There is no cure for it, but there are ways to manage the symptoms.8
Conventional methods generally involve the use of topical steroids, but be warned that these drugs can cause a variety of side effects such as thinning of the skin, discolorations and unwanted hair growth. Certain topical steroids can even reach your bloodstream, causing adverse effects (especially on children).9
This is why effective natural treatment methods that don’t have potential adverse effects are recommended. For instance, a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology indicates that a diet rich in omega-3 fats can help people with eczema, reducing the severity of their symptoms.10More detailed information on alternative therapies will be covered in the treatment page.
Eczema Comes in Different Forms
You should remember that treating eczema depends on the particular type and how severe it is. The most common type is atopic dermatitis, a chronic and inflammatory condition. Its cause is still unknown, but it occurs when your immune system goes into overdrive.11 The other common types are contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, hand eczema and neurodermatitis.
Learn about the different types of eczema, its causes, symptoms and the best treatment options for this condition. Discover how you can control your symptoms through a special diet. Through these articles, you will discover all the essential information you need to treat and manage this skin disorder.
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