Eczema can have a wide range of interpretations, including everything from a specific skin condition called eczema atopic dermatitis to a more general term for a number of skin conditions that cause eczema symptoms where the skin becomes irritated, itchy, and swollen.
Other types of eczema include eczema atopic dermatitis, hand dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema and nummular dermatitis. Such eczema symptoms as common dandruff is simply a milder form of seborrheic dermatitis. Diaper rash or the rash caused by poison ivy can be considered other types of eczema.
What causes eczema symptoms?
The cause of the eczema symptoms depends on several factors. For example, irritant contact dermatitis is caused by repeated contact with a mild irritant, such as dish liquid or laundry detergent, or from shorter periods of exposure to stronger irritants, such as battery acid. Another type of dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, is caused by an allergen (i.e. a substance to which a person is allergic) comes in contact with the surface of the skin. There are a lot of common allergens we are exposed to in our everday lives, including poison ivy and nickel, that can cause eczema symptoms. Nickel allergies are often one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. There are a lot of objects in our home and offices that contain nickel, including jewelry, eyeglass frames, buttons, and coins.
There are other types of eczema symptoms where the cause is not completely understood. It is thought that eczema atopic dermatitis happens when many of different factors combine in a kind of 'perfect storm' of skin irritation. It may be that certain genes have been inherited by and individual predisposing them to dermatitis, or they may have a particularly overactive immune system which leads to eczema symptoms. There is also something dermatologists call the 'barrier effect', meaning there are small 'gaps' or fissures in the skin that allow the skin to lose water too fast. These near microscopic gaps and fissures can also allow germs and microscopic organisms into the skin.
Seborrheic dermatitis is also caused by a number of interacting factors, including inherited genes, yeasts living on the skin, climate, stress, and a person's overall stress. Researchers have found seborrheic dermatitis can be very severe in people who's immune systems are compromised, such as people with the human immunodeficiency virus or HIV. This demonstrates how much the immune system plays a role in keeping eczema symptoms at bay. How is eczema diagnosed?
Your doctor or dermatologist will want to take a complete medical history, ask you about your symptoms, and examine your skin. This generally will give your doctor enough information to diagnose your skin condition.
If there are symptoms present that indicate an allergic reaction causing the eczema atopic dermatitis, your doctor or dermatologist will most likely order a specific test called a "patch test". A patch test can help to determine what substances in your home or environment the individual may be allergic to and causing the eczema symptoms. It is often the case that eczema is diagnosed easy enough, but can be tricky to treat and resolve properly. This is where consulting with a dermatologist can be helpful.
Herbs for eczema
Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is chock full of a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as organic acids that help relieve or eliminate symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema. Apple cider vinegar can be used in a dilution directly on the affected area or even internally.
Aloe Vera - this is probably the most universally known and used herb for eczema symptom control. The gel of the aloe vera plant is found in many topical creams and salves. The compounds found in aloe vera heal, soothe and revitalize skin tissues. The gel can also help reduce burning, pain, and itching related to eczema and a host of other skin disorders.
Gotu Kola - this ayurvedic has been a staple part of Indian herbal medicine for centuries. Gotu Kola can be useful for treating skin rashes and “crusty” types of skin problems. This herb is also able to reduce itching and redness and is very useful in cases of psoriasis.
Olive Leaf - A long time native of the Mediterranean region and used by civilized culture for thousands of years, olive leaf is a powerful antiseptic for the skin, helping to stave off bacteria and infection.
Red Clover - this herb is actually a member of the pea family. Red Clover contains a powerful tocopherol, an antioxidant that helps reduce and even destroy toxins. Red clover can relieve symptoms of eczema and many other chronic skin conditions.
Important nutritional factors to treat eczema atopic dermatitis
Eczema atopic dermatitis should be treated as part of a complete holistic approach in treating eczema symptoms, and this is where ensuring adequate nutrition is most important.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids - research has indicated that people who tend to suffer from eczema symptoms are often deficient in omega 3 fatty acids. Ensure your supplying your body with this most important nutrient.
Zinc - this mineral has been found to be critical for fatty acid metabolism. A combination of a fatty acid and zinc deficiency are often linked to eczema symptoms outbreaks. Conversely, those individuals getting an adequate supply of Omega 3’s and the zinc needed to metablolize the fatty acids have been found to have far fewer eczema symptoms.