Eczema is a common disease that involves a red itchy rash. It often affects children but adults too. Fortunately it can get better as years pass. Eczema can go away for a while, but acute flare ups can really affect quality life.
Eczema usually causes red inflamed patches that itch very badly. People, who have eczema have a lower level of a particular cytokine which is a protein which helps their immune system function properly.
Symptoms of eczema are, flakey skin, red skin, scaly skin, and skin that feels itchy and or painful. If the skin gets dry enough it can crack, ooze, and develop blisters.
Some causes of eczema are, cigarette smoke, soaps and house hold cleaners, certain fabrics such as wool or polyester, fragrances which is like a strong smell.
Doctors will ask if the rash itches and they will look at the rash to see if it is dry, or you skin is scaly. Doctors can run tests that include allergy tests, blood and biopsy tests, a detailed medical history test.
Almost half the children who have eczema will outgrow the condition by the the time they reach puberty. Others might continue to have the same form of eczema. Adults that have eczema will most of the time treat it correctly with some type of ointment or cream.
Some ways you can prevent eczema is to moisturize, and avoiding irritants to the skin. Also treating flare ups with ointments, and to keep a healthy diet.