The term Eczema is the generic name of any inflammation of the skin. It is known as dermatitis and can also sometimes be a symptom of some systemic disease.

In the different types of eczema, there is usually an alteration in white blood cells, which facilitates an abnormal immunological reaction to substances external to the individual.

Although eczema can start at any age, the truth is that 85% of cases has been before five years of age and it is estimated that up to 20% of children and 2% of adults have been affected by this problem at some time in their life. It is also important to consider that in some cases it is a chronic disorder that manifests itself throughout life.

Causes Of Eczema

The causes that induce the appearance of eczema are not known precisely, although it is considered that there is an important genetic factor, linked to an alteration of the immune system that compromises the protective barrier function of the skin. Top of the most frequent triggers is allergic reactions, either by inhalation, ingestion or direct skin contact with allergens. Also, changes in humidity and temperature or stress can also induce its appearance.

Types of Eczema or Dermatitis

There are many types of dermatitis, different types are usually highlighted:

Atopic:

It is the most common form and is usually as a result of allergy by inhalation or ingestion of allergens. It can often be chronic and long-lasting.

Contact:

Contact dermatitis is produced when the skin comes into direct contact with certain materials or substances (metals, plant sap, latex, etc.).

Seborrheic:

This type is usually located in the scalp and face and usually occurs in people with a family history of oily skin, obese, etc.

Diaper:

It is common in babies to whom the diaper is not changed frequently, to maintain a situation of humidity and heat for a long time.

Neurodermatitis:

This usually starts with an itchy skin that induces the need to scratch and it is this action that ends up generating eczema. Stress is, in this case, one of the most notable risk factors.

Symptoms Of Eczema

The characteristic skin lesions of the different eczema are reddish and scaly plaques in different body areas and associated with significant itching.

Symptoms vary from person to person and also depending on the cause, but the itching is usually the first to appear in most cases.

In general, eczema is characterized by reddening and inflammation of the skin, pruritus and sometimes the appearance of vesicles and exudation.

Scratching leads to the formation of scabs and there is also a dry skin that consequently peels. Scratching repeatedly and intensely hardens the skin and causes inflammation; forming a clearly visible plaque in which scabs are formed by the action of scratching itself.

Prevention

The main measures that can help prevent the appearance of eczema include:

• Avoid contact with substances that may irritate the skin.
• Dress in cotton clothing or materials made with a cotton blend.
• Wear gloves in activities that involve being in contact with water or an irritating substance for a long time.
• Use soft and fragrant soaps in personal hygiene.
• Do not use hot water for bathing and limit yourself to showers with cold water.
• If you have irritated skin, avoid activities that may increase sweating since sweating increases skin irritation.
• Continue with skincare even when eczema has disappeared.

Treatments

The treatment of allergic contact eczema is to avoid the substance to which the patient is allergic. In patients with atopic eczema, foods that may be involved should be eliminated, and the infection treated.

These conventional medications like corticosteroids, antihistamines or antibiotics are not always effective because of the difficulty of diagnosis, reappearance of eczema after a while, and side effects for health.

In addition, once the triggers have been detected and eliminated, treatments such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, moisturizers, and antibiotics in case of bacterial infection are indicated.

People who suffer from eczema or, in general, skin problems, often abuse the consumption of dairy products, sugars, refined flours, baked goods, and fats. In fact, skin peeling denotes an excess of dryness.

Therefore, we must eliminate junk and refined food from our diet (pizzas, chips, hamburgers, ice cream, etc.) and increase the consumption of natural, fresh and nutritious foods like:

• Fruits and vegetables, raw (salads, smoothies, juices) and cooked.
• Whole grains such as rice, millet, quinoa or buckwheat.
• Vegetables.
• Nuts and seeds.
• Fermented foods such as kefir.
• Mushrooms
• Algae.
• vegetable oils: flax, evening primrose, olive, coconut.

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