Eczema: An Overview Of Inflammation

Eczema is a broad range term for a variety of skin conditions that are often reoccurring. These conditions are all a form of dermatitis which is an inflammation of the skin. Knowing which type of eczema you suffer from is very useful in finding the proper treatment.

Atopic Eczema: This skin condition is related to allergies. It most often runs in families that also suffer from hay fever and asthma. It presents itself with an itchy rash that tends to commonly be on head, behind the elbows and knees and the buttocks.

Contact Dermatitis: There two types when it comes to this skin condition, allergic and irritant. Poison ivy, oak and sumac fall under this category. Contact dermatitis is easily curable and can be prevented in the future by eliminating the root cause of the reaction.

Xerotic Eczema: A skin condition that starts out as severely dry skin then turns in to eczema. Winter weather seems to be the worst time of year for this specific condition and is more common among elderly people then younger ones. The limbs and trunk area of the body are the most frequently effected with this skin condition as well.

Seborrheic Dermatitis: People usually refer to this one as "cradle cap" among infants, but adults can be effected as well. Skin peeling on the scalp, eyebrows and even the face can present. This type of dermatitis is closely related to dandruff in many ways but should be easily treated, especially in children.

Dyshidrosis: You will only see this condition on the palms of your hands, soles of your feet and possible in between your fingers and toes. This condition presents with bumps, cracking and itching in which the itching can get far worse during night time hours. Warm water can also cause this condition to flare and become worse.

Discoid Eczema: This condition is most often found on the lower legs and can consist of a dry or even oozing rash. It also tends to get worse during the Winter months. The cause of this condition is still unknown as it tends to flare up and then go away for a while.

Venous Eczema: This skin condition is found in those with circulation problems, most commonly, those over 50 years of age. You will see it most of the time in the ankle area. It is usually the first symptom seen in those that later develop leg ulcers. Redness, scaling and darkness of the area and itching will all occur.

There are countless other skin conditions that aren't listed here. We have only touched on the more common ones that can be found. It is very important to know which condition you are suffering from because this can help you pin point the causes of the inflammation. By knowing the cause of your problem you can take measures to Beat Eczema or seek the proper treatment to effectively control the problem. Most of these conditions are quite uncomfortable and any relief you can find is better then none at all.