I hope I find you in good health. Eczema is a general term for any type of dermatitis or "inflammation of the skin", which may cause dryness, flakiness, heat, and probably most importantly, itching. Atopic dermatitis is the most severe and chronic (long-lasting) kind of eczema. Although the term eczema is often used for atopic dermatitis, there are several other skin diseases that are eczemas as well, including, seborrheic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. All types of eczema cause itching and redness, and some will blister, weep, or peel. Eczema can come and go for months or even years, and often accompanies other allergic problems such as asthma or hay fever. There is no cure for the problem, but the symptoms can be managed.
The cause of eczema is not known, but the disease seems to result from a combination of genetic (hereditary) and environmental factors. Children are more likely to develop this disorder if one or both parents have had it or have had allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever.. Environmental factors can bring on symptoms of eczema at any time in individuals who have inherited the atopic disease trait.
Symptoms vary from person to person. Whatever causes your eczema, it leads to itching and redness, and may make the skin dry and flaky.Rashes may appear on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Itching is the most important symptom of eczema , and makes you want to scratch. Scratching and rubbing in response to itching irritates the skin, increases inflammation, and actually increases itchiness. You should avoid this if you possibly can and if you have to do anything, gentle rubbing, with the flat of your hands, is a better option than scratching.
The appearance of the skin that is affected by atopic dermatitis depends on the amount of scratching and the presence of secondary skin infections. Some of the skin features of eczema include; an extra fold of skin that develops under the eye , an increased number of skin creases on the palms , eyelids that have become darker in color from inflammation or hay fever , small, rough bumps, generally on the face, upper arms, and thighs, thick, leathery skin resulting from constant scratching and rubbing, small raised bumps that may open when scratched and become crusty and infected and hives (red, raised bumps) that may occur after exposure to an allergen, at the beginning of flares, or after exercise or a hot bath (urticaria).
Eczema tends to flare-up when the person is exposed to certain trigger factors-substances or conditions which worsen the dermatitis, e.g. dry skin, irritants, allergens, emotional stress, heat and sweating, and infections. Avoiding or reducing such exposure is the key to controlling eczema.
Some irritants include such substances as solvents, industrial chemicals, detergents, fumes, tobacco smoke, paints, bleach, woolen fabrics, acidic foods and other alcohol-containing skin care products, and some soaps and fragrances. Allergens are more subtle trigger factors. They are usually animal or vegetable proteins from foods, pollens, or pets. All patients afflicted with eczema must avoid irritants, while those with known allergies should likewise avoid the substances they react to.
There is essentially no cure for eczema. It involves a sensitivity of the skin that you are likely to have to some degree now and again. However, a number of approaches can help to minimize your symptoms. The mainstay of treatment is moisturising the skin. For this creams, ointments and shower and bath oils which help to replenish the skin's natural protective oils are used.
Washing tends to dry out the skin and make eczema worse. It helps to use an emollient cream as a substitute for soap, and you can apply it liberally at other times during the day. The special bath oils and shower gels also leave a coating of oils on the skin. Some of the creams and oils contain an antiseptic, as it has been found that eczema often flares up as a result of a skin infections.
Your doctor may prescribe a cream or ointment containing a steroid (topical steroid). It is very effective at reducing inflammation and itch but use this sparingly, and only while the eczema is bad. There are different strengths of steroid applications, and the tendency is to use the lowest strength that the skin requires at the time, in order to minimise the risk of possible side effects of using steroids.
Antihistamines taken by mouth may be helpful in reducing the itch.If the skin becomes obviously infected, antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor.
Treatment of the eczema is a team effort between the patient, their family and the doctor. The doctor has two main goals that is healing the skin and preventing flares. The patient and family members should note any changes in the skin's condition in response to treatment, and also help identify the treatment that seems to work best.
In infants and children the following measures may be useful; giving lukewarm baths and immediately after a bath or shower, when the skin is still damp, apply a moisturizing cream to the entire body. This will seal in moisture and help prevent dryness. Keep the child's fingernails cut short. The child's wardrobe should be in clothes made of cotton or cotton blends. Avoid wool and synthetic fibers.
Consider use of sedating antihistamines to promote sleep and reduce scratching at night, keep the child cool; avoid situations where overheating occurs, learn to recognize skin infections and seek treatment promptly. Attempt to distract the child with activities to keep him or her from scratching. Avoid feeding the child with cow's milk, peanut butter, eggs, wheat or other foods that may cause flare-ups. Keep the child away from anyone that has fever blisters. The virus that produces fever blisters can cause a serious skin infection in children with eczema. Identify and remove irritants and allergens.

Till next week take care of yourself and each other. Remember, "…. in all your getting, get understanding."