Eczema is one of the most common conditions. Estimates have it that every 1 in 5 children will develop the condition before they are 6 months old. Chances of contracting the same condition are higher in children genetically predisposed or born to parents with asthma or hay fever.

How many types of eczema are there? There are about 11 identifiable types. Atopic eczema is the most common. Other types are usually identified according to parts of the body they affect.

Medical charts show that more cases of eczema are being reported these days. Experts associate the trend with increased pollution. As eczema becomes more common, there are good reasons to get tips on how to identify the condition.

How do you know if you have eczema?

So, how do you know if you have eczema somewhere on your body? Well, there are different approaches to take.

The most trustworthy approach is to have a doctor perform a medical diagnosis. In most cases, doctors will identify eczema after physical examination. Follow-up tests may still be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Tests that may be taken include:

• Allergen test – checks for traces of an allergen on the skin. It involves being exposed to slight doses of a potential allergen.
• RAST test – again, this test is aimed at finding the presence of an allergen in the blood.

In a clinic, you will most likely be asked to provide more information on whether you have ever been affected by eczema in the past. The same about your parents or siblings may also be asked. Other important details include:

• Skin care products used
• Soaps and detergents usually used
• Time of onset of the symptoms
• Treatments you have attempted
• Any reason for emotional or physical stress

How to identify eczema at home

At home, online pictures for eczema can prove very helpful in regards to identifying the condition. Apart from pictures, it will be important to know the common parts of the body affected by eczema:

• In infants, cheeks and scalp
• In babies, inside elbows, inside knees, face and scalp
• In children, on knees, on elbows
• In adults, face, hands, arms, fingers, legs, feet, elbows, knees, face and neck

Another important piece of information necessary for identification of eczema at home is the symptoms. All types and cases of eczema usually start with itchiness on Skin. Shortly afterwards, itchy, red, dry, scaly and inflamed skin patches will develop. Blisters and cracks may occur without proper treatment.

How do you know if you have eczema; know the triggers

Skin conditions like eczema are not caused but rather triggered. Knowing the possible triggers can help identify the condition when it occurs.

Any of the following can trigger or encourage eczema:

• dry skin
• Allergens like dairy products, dust pollen, pets, latex and medications such as penicillin
• Irritants like detergents, pollutants soaps, nickel, chemicals, preservatives, acidic foods, chlorine
• Cigarette smoke
• Saliva, urine, milk
• Skin infections
• Extreme temperatures, including low humidity such as in winter
• Stress
• Vaccines
• Clothing such as wool

Infection can occur due to bacteria or eczema herpeticum symptoms. The latter will occur after contact with the herpes simplex virus.

Note that eczema may be triggered by a combination of several of these factors. In fact, many cases of severe of frequently recurring eczema are associated with:

• Allergies
• Sensitivity to products
• Poor diets
• Stress
• Lack of good skin care

Difference between eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne

Eczema

It causes itchy, red, dry and inflamed skin patches. The most important point to note is itchiness, inflammation and dryness of skin.

Psoriasis

It causes dead skin to accumulate on affected skin regions. This results in inflamed scaly skin patch. Psoriasis is less itchy compared to eczema. Dead skin accumulation is the key point to note.

Rosacea

It causes inflammation of blood vessels mostly on the face. The blood vessels form a spider-like appearance and can cause swelling of the nose and eyes if not treated. Inflamed blood vessels is the point to note.

Acne

It appears as tiny bumps on the skin. Depending on severity of presence of infection, it may get painful but not itchy. Acne will not irritate or cause skin dryness. Absence of itchiness and skin dryness is the point to note.

Eczema and psoriasis are the most difficult conditions to tell from each other. The difficulty is also faced by experts.

How to treat eczema

If you are convinced that it actually is eczema you are dealing with, following are some of the available treatment options:

Topical and medical treatment

• Steroids
• Moisturizers
• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Immune modulators
• Phototherapy

Home remedies

• Dead sea salt eczema baths
• Chamomile
• Aloe Vera
• Witch hazel
• Colloidal oatmeal
• John’s wort
• Licorice
• Changes in diet

Self-care measures

They involve keeping away from triggers and keeping the skin protected from dryness. Self-care measures form a very important part of overall eczema treatment.