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Eczema is a chronic skin disease that causes inflammation and irritation due to a reaction in the skin from allergies or irritants. This reaction usually shows up in the form of scaly rashes or lesions. While eczema is not an allergy, it can be triggered by allergies.

The cause of this skin condition is unknown although it is activated from the immune system. A rash can be exhibited immediately after having made contact with an allergen or develop over time.

The itch may occur first and the rash could appear later.

It is not contagious.

In order to determine possible triggers, a doctor may perform allergy tests, especially on children. Allergens can be anything from dander, pollen, mold, and dust, or irritants such as itchy fabrics and skin lotions containing alcohol. Symptoms can be made worse with stress, dry skin, temperature change, and water. Constant scratching causes the skin to appear almost leather-like.

In children younger than two years of age, the rash is usually found on their elbows, knees or cheeks. Breastfed children are less likely to develop this although fifty percent of infants can be affected by soborrhoeic dermatitis, which usually appears on the scalp. Eczema found in children will usually clear up by early adulthood.

In adult cases, the rash is usually located on the inside of knees and elbows and is often long-term. Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. Since it is hereditary, multiple family members can experience it as well as other conditions associated with atopic dermatitis such as food allergies, hay fever and asthma.

The scalp, inside of elbows, buttocks, face and neck are where the rash may appear. Another form is called contact dermatitis. This type is caused by contact with allergens or irritants.

In the case of allergic contact dermatitis, poison ivy or poison oak could be the factors and in the case of irritant contact dermatitis, harsh soaps, laundry detergents or cleaning products could be the cause. Xerotic eczema is found in older people and comes from having itchy, dry, skin. Nummular and occupational dermatitis are other forms. Nummular rashes take on a coin shape and are said to be irritated by harsh soaps, tight clothing and certain laundry detergents. Job-related allergies are caused by environmental substances and are known as occupational dermatitis. While attempting to treat this skin condition, the first step is to try to recognize and then steer clear of any known irritants. Switching to mild soaps, changing laundry detergents or staying away from tight, uncomfortable clothing can help if these are the cause of the irritant.

If the source cannot be identified and eliminated, the following step would be to use an over the counter creme and lotion.

If these two steps do not work, a doctor should be called and prescription medication may be recommended.

In conclusion, eczema is a chronic skin disease with no known cure.

There are many treatments available to reduce the discomfort during flare ups.

In rare cases an allergy trigger is able to be identified and removed, there by treating the cause, but that is not the usual outcome for most people. After discussing the symptoms with a doctor, an appropriate treatment will be prescribed.
To find the latest in dry skin cream products that can help prevent and protect skin from being dry, you need to find a webpage on the Internet that can tell you the product that works good. Other products such as eczema cream or other creams can be helpful to the skins nutrients.

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