What is Eczema?

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a terrible condition for those that suffer from it and to make matters worse medical science still doesn't fully understand what triggers the condition; it may be some time until the true cause is discovered. This skin condition is easy to recognize with areas of dry, red skin that are very itchy. These are not the only signs because someone who suffers with it may also have some blisters in these areas that appear to have a crust like surface.

Many types of eczema exist with the most popular form called atopic eczema; this too is known, like the rest, to have a severe itching symptom. However, the itching sensation is much more pronounced, and if a person with atopic eczema scratches their skin, the condition is just exacerbated. Another problem caused by the condition is it makes the skin more sensitive to almost any substance; sufferers avoid contact with soaps and washing powders but other man-made items such as make-up can have the same effect as well.

The situation in small children doesn't look as severe at first as the patchy red skin is not on the skins surface but below it. The one consistent factor with eczema is the itchy skin; in these situations it is not the disorder causing the problem as itching is the one consistent factor with the condition. Eczema patients are given creams and lotions for example to use when they have flare-ups but if they use the treatment on some itchy skin where there is a rash and if the itching is helped but the rash remains it is more than likely that the rash has nothing to do with the itch.

The problem is that because it is possible to have other medical conditions where itching is a symptom that diagnosis cannot be made this simply. Keep in mind though that eczema without a rash does not exist and it is still a problem today to fully understand the cause of itching. Red skin is another symptom of and this is as a result of the increased blood flow in the area.

The reason the skin can suddenly flare up with eczema and become inflamed is complex because many factors can be involved; even slight bacterial infections can cause inflammation. The other obvious signs are of course the blisters which generally speaking are quite tiny but larger blisters can be seen on people occasionally; a bacterial infection or a condition of your particular skin type many be the cause of this. These blisters may contain small amounts of fluid and in some cases a pus; great care is required not to make matters worse (by scratching) than they already are.

What is Eczema?