What is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin disorder that is basically an inflammation of the dermal cells. Eczema could be either acute or chronic. There are several different types of eczema and it can affect practically any area of the skin. Despite being a skin disease, it is not at all contagious and cannot be transmitted from one person to another through contact. A common over-the-counter treatment is lotion for eczema.

Types of Eczema

• Hand Eczema
• Varicose Eczema
• Contact Eczema
• Atopic Eczema
• Nummular Eczema
• Vaginal eczema
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Discoid eczema
• Seborrhoeic eczema

What are the symptoms of Eczema?

• Itching
• Eruptions, which may be either dry or blisters
• Discharge of sticky, honey like fluid from blisters
• Discoloration of skin, with blackish or brownish tint
• Formation of fissures and cracks in affected areas.
• Secondary infection of the patches can lead to pus formation
• Swelling and tenderness in affected parts due to the infection
• Swelling of lymph glands of the affected area
• Dryness of the affected are and some of the adjacent area too

Over The Counter Treatment of Eczema

• The best way of treating this skin disorder is by using special creams and lotion for eczema.
• The lotion for eczema often contains steroids and the commonest ingredient is hydrocortisone
• The idea behind using hydrocortisone cream or lotion for eczema is to bring the inflammation under control
• These creams and lotions are also an effective moisturizer for the dry skin, that is almost a characteristic of eczema
• It is necessary to buy a different lotion for eczema of the face and for other parts like the arms and legs. This is because it is best to avoid steroid creams on the face and genitals.
• The steroid containing lotion for eczema works best on the arms, legs and hands
• The basic aim of any treatment for eczema should definitely be to keep the skin hydrated.
• But most of the moisturizers and cold creams contain mineral oils as main ingredients. But these mineral oils can aggravate the irritation and inflammation of the skin.
• So it is best to check your cream and lotion for eczema before use and confirm that they contain only natural oils and are totally free of mineral oils.

Natural Treatment for Eczema

• Since the basic aim is to keep the skin hydrated or moist, it would be a good idea to use natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil or cocoa butter to keep the skin oily and moist
• Sandalwood paste is another effective skin emollient and also effective in soothing the irritation and inflammation

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