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Eczema and Dermatitis Treatments

by Cynthia Alleyne

Eczema and dermatitis are common skin problems. Some people may shrug it off as a simple skin rash, however, they can both lead to more serious problems if left untreated.

In this article we'll look at these common skin issues while also giving you some basic tips on how to treat them.

Dermatitis

The term "dermatitis" refers to a group of skin problems that cause inflammation. What these different types of inflammation all have in common is that they show an allergic reaction to a specific allergen. The different types of dermatitis include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis and urticaria.

But, if you don't have a specific context then you can't be too sure which type of dermatitis it is and will generally refer to it as a rash.

Eczema

Eczema is a type of dermatitis, usually atopic dermatitis in children, which is commonly characterized by one or several of the following symptoms:

*redness

*skin dryness and itching

*skin edema (swelling)

Severe cases of eczema can present:

*oozing and/or bleeding

*blistering, cracking, crusting, and flaking

Mild forms of eczema will often subside fairly quickly, however, when more severe forms of eczema are left untreated they can lead to breaking of the skin and subsequent infections. This is why it is so important that you deal with eczema promptly.

First of all you need to identify the triggers that set off eczema flare-ups. Everyone has a different trigger, however, the most common ones are contact with harsh ingredients and rough fabrics, and exposure to sunlight, heat and wind.

Identifying your triggers and avoiding them is essential if you want to keep your eczema under control.

If you react negatively to cleaning agents such as detergents and soaps, try using natural cleansers or switching the brand. Avoiding scratchy clothing is much easier; simply do not buy clothes made from itchy material. Prefer clothing made with cotton and linen fibers instead of spending money on clothing made from wool.

If your eczema flare-ups because of heat and humidity, then try to avoid these areas. If you enjoy exercising then do so in open, well ventilated areas. And when taking a stroll outside, look for shady spots that will keep you out of the sun.

Sipping cool water during the summer and in hot rooms can also help control your body's core temperature. This will help decrease your chances of having eczema flare-ups.

Changing your skin care routine can also help alleviate your eczema and help reduce the number of flare-ups. Natural skin care balms can give you a gentler treatment than can traditional skin care products. Traditional skin care products usually contain fragrances, fillers and chemical ingredients that can aggravate your eczema.

Healing Balms Reduce Eczema Flare-Ups

You should always look for products that are fragrance and alcohol free and steer clear of products containing cinnamon, menthol and ylang-ylang. A good dry skin lotion can also alleviate the dry skin that usually accompanies eczema.

BIOSKINBALM is a natural skin cream that not only helps alleviate the itchiness and redness that is common with eczema skin, but it can also be used as an eczema cream and aid dry skin care. BIOSKINBALM's list of natural ingredients are what make this product a soothing alternative to traditional skin care products.

Published April 15th, 2010

Filed in Skin Care

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