Red and itchy rash with tiny blisters, appearing on the hands and feet. What could it be? From the title you can see the range of responses different health professionals will have for the same problem. Some of these conditions are easy to tell apart, while others are not. Below I would like to share a bit of information that will hopefully shed light on this often complicated issue.

I recently saw a patient with the same symptoms I mentioned above. Over the summer she developed a rash on both her feet and hands that was red, itchy and full of tiny blisters. Upon seeing two different general physicians, she still didnt have a proper diagnosis. One told her it may be fungal, while the other said it is probably eczema. One recommended a steroid cream, the other said that she had better not use a steroid for risk of worsening a fungal problem. To make matters even more complicated, a local natural health practitioner told her that it is probably shingles!

So what did this woman really have? How could we figure it out?

Well lets chat about the history a bit here. In her youth she had suffered with atopic eczema, hay fever and hives when touching horses. So right off the bat we know we are dealing with someone with an allergic constitution, who has a predisposition to eczema. When she described her current outbreak on her hands and feet, it was actually quite similar to what she had as a child red and itchy rash with tiny blisters, particularly between her fingers and on the palms and souls of her hands and feet. This to me sounded a lot like eczema, particularlypompholox eczema.

Pompholox eczema is usually on both hands, or feet, not just one side.

Chinese medicine has identified this type of eczema for a long time, with one of the names for it being Ant nest. An old text book called theCollection of Treatments for Soresstates that this disorder,

Mostly erupts on the hands and feet, its appearance is like the nest of an ant, just like the pricks of a needle, the itching is extreme and upon rupturing there is watery exudation.

Below is an image clearly depicting Ant nest, or pompholox eczema.

Now this type of eczema can certainly look fungal as well, being similar toathletes foot or Tinea pedisin appearance. The difference though would be that the fungal problem is usually only one sided, or at least initially, and would not usually involve both hands and feet at the same time. It is possible to have both a fungal infection and a pompholox eczema at the same time, and in this situation the two of them can be hard to tell apart. A skin scraping can then be taken and analyzed under a microscope so as to look for actual fungal spores, which will then clarify the issue for sure.

Below is a type a fungal rash with small blisters, but is only on one foot, not the other. And not on the hands.

As for the recommendation of shingles, I thought this to be pretty far fetched, as this relative of the herpes virus usually only manifests on one side of the body along a particular nerve root. It usually only affects one part of the body as well, like the trunk, head, or wrist, again following a particular nerve root. So for the wrist, the virus may go up the radial nerve, thus appearing on the same side as the thumb, index and middle finger and be absent on the other side.

Shingles usually only comes about once in life and then never returns. So besides the fact that this womans rash was totally non-specific to one particular nerve root, being on both her hands and feet, it had been coming and going for months already. It was very clear that her condition could not be shingles, a fact that made her very happy.

Now because this woman had a long history of eczema and allergies, I assumed that her problem was actually due to eczema. She was just having a re-flare up of an old problem and everyone was acting stumped. A little investigation combined with some understanding of the way that different disorders manifest went a long way in deciphering a not so complicated issue.

Wishing you health,

Dr. Trevor Erikson

Reference The Chinese quote for ant nest was translated By Mazin Al Khafaji and appears in his course notes on the Chinese medicine treatment of pompholox eczema.

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Pompholox eczema, athletes foot, or shingles - how to tell ...

Debunking Myths: Drinking more water doesn't improve eczema

Every so often different theories on improving or even curing your eczema crop up and one that I want to talk about today is whether drinking lots of water can help improve your eczema.

Unfortunately the answer is no.

Continue reading

If you have sensitive eczema prone skin you already know that you need to be extra careful with which soaps and mositurising creams that you use on your skin, but what about lip balms?

Like most other products you use on your body, you need to take care that your lip balm doesnt contain dyes and fragrances that could cause irritation. Continue reading

As you probably know, during pregnancy your hormones go a bit haywire and some women develop different symptoms or conditions that they otherwise normally wouldnt have, so what happens if you develop eczema during pregnancy will you have it forever after, or will it go away after the baby is born?

The good news is that in most cases it isnt true eczema, but rather just really dry itchy skin. It often develops around the 2nd trimester and can continue up until a few months after the baby has been born.

If you have Seborrheic Eczema then youve probably tried many different types of treatments, and while some of them may have worked short term nothing that youve used has really helped get rid of it completely.

Well the bad news is that not a lot will work effectively and many sufferers have mixed results from both prescribed and store bought remedies. But you probably already knew that having tried numerous creams, treatments and so called solutions over the years.

Thats why people find that even professional dermatologists cant always help since what works for one patient might not work for the next one making prescribing something quite hit and miss. Continue reading

If your baby has a red rash or red marks on her face, then you might be thinking that it is eczema and how you can treat it. Eczema which is also called atopic dermatitis can show up on your babys face, particular on the cheeks, forehead or scalp, but can also appear on other parts of the body.

It is intensely itchy and often looks flaky and scaly. It can also sometimes ooze and blister which you will need to treat very gently and carefully so that it doesnt get infected.

So how can you treat it?

Most recently, a study that was published in Pediatrics in May 2009 found that placing cup bleach into a full bath was five times more effective at treating eczema than plain water. Make sure that the bleach is well mixed into the water first so that it is diluted and wont harm rather than help your babys skin.

It is thought to work as the bleach acts both as an antibiotic clearing up any bacteria on the skin, and also helps condition and help damaged cells.

Does breastfeeding help?

It has long been thought that breastfeeding might help lower the incidence of eczema and other hereditary allergies by building your childs immune system but this is actually not the cause.

A recent study published in the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology journal on June 21, 2010 reported that of over 20,000 families that took part in the ongoing study those that were breastfed actually INCREASED their chances of getting eczema by the age of 18 months by 12%.

The study also focused on whether the introduction of solid foods helped or hindered whether the child would get eczema, and it was shown that there was no evidence on whether the child would get eczema if you delayed solids or not.

So while it was previously thought that exclusively breastfeeding and delaying solids before 6 months might help reduce atopic dermatitis, it has actually shown to be the opposite.

Related Articles:

Baby Eczema Symptoms

Skin conditions affect babies just as much as adults, and if your child is showing a rash on their body you might be wondering what it is and whether it is eczema or psoriasis. Psoriasis is actually not that common in babies as it more appears in the teen to young adult stages of life but it is still possible that your baby might have it.

The two most common types of psoriasis in children is plaque psoriasis which looks like a raised red sore that has a flaky silver white centre and shows up usually in folds of skin like elbows and knees (although can be also found on the scalp), or guttate psoriasis that is much smaller and usually appears on arms and legs.

Is it Psoriasis or Eczema?

Many people often misdiagnose their babys rash thinking that it may be psoriasis when in actuality its eczema, cradle cap, ringworm or diaper rash so its important to get your doctor or paediatrician to diagnose the symptoms correctly.

Psoriasis often looks worse than eczema as it is rougher and scalier. It is often much redder as well, while eczema is usually more pink.

Both can be incredibly itchy and if scratched can crack and bleed.

Why Do People Get It?

While there isnt any clinical evidence to suggest why one child would get it and another wouldnt, it is though that most symptoms first appear after some sort of trauma to the skin such as a scratch, cut or insect bite.

Unlike eczema, psoriasis isnt thought to be hereditary.

Treating Psoriasis

If it is psoriasis, your doctor will usually prescribe a steroid cream to help clear it up and also possibly an oral antibiotic to clear up any bacterial infection present.

There are also things that you can do at home to help your child. Adding oils to the bathwater can be a good way to moisturise the skin, as well as using a gentle and fragrance free body moisturiser. The ones marketed to eczema in babies are good options to use.

Related Articles

Eczema Symptoms in Babies

Eczema is a horrible condition for anyone who suffers it, but its even more heartbreaking when it appears on your face since it is such a prominent place. So if you or someone that is close to you suffers from eczema on their face Ill go over some of the ways that you can get rid of it.

Now Im going to assume that youve already been to skin specialists and dermatologists for treatment options but they havent worked. And by the way if you havent seen a skin doctor yet, then I suggest that as a first step.

As you already know, eczema is a type of dermatitis. And since any dermatitis that affects the scalp and face is called seborrhea and looks like crusty blisters that can be weepy or dry we can deal with the condition much easier knowing what we are dealing with.

The first step is take a good vitamin supplement to nourish your skin from within. Most eczema sufferers are often deficient in Vitamin B so you should start there with a Vitamin B complex. This will aid in the healing of all cells and it has all the essential vitamins that you need for healthy skin.

However most Vitamin B supplements often dont include enough of two particular B Vitamins that are needed for healthy skin and they are B6 and B12. Taking extra Vitamin B6 can really help clear up eczema and other skin conditions since since a def
iciency in this vitamin has been linked to skin disorders and allergies. Vitamin B12 is also important as it aids in cell formation and regeneration which you want when you are dealing with rashes and other skin problems.

Another great supplement that helps with eczema on your face (or anywhere on the body really) is Biotin since there has been strong links with a deficiency in Biotin and dermatitis. Biotin is actually Vitamin B7 although it is very rarely called that.

In addition to healing your eczema from the inside, you can also make your own creams and lotions for the outside with natural products as well. If you want to make a good healing cream for your face then making a paste of honey, vitamin E oil and goldenseal root powder has been known to holistically clear up eczema and relieve any itching.

All of these supplements and ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or health food store and are natural and inexpensive. They can help get rid of eczema on your face.

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Eczema Remedies - Home Remedies & Treatment for Eczema

Steps Part 1 Treating Eczema Through Lifestyle Changes

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Try some lemon. Just cut the lemon in half and put that baby right on your eczema. You should see some changes. Expect a burning sensation. It only burns when you scratch it. It burns because the lemon is removing the inflammation trapped under your skin. The burning mostly occurs when you have broken skin on the eczema.

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I have a lot of dots on my back and my neck, how do I cure it faster?

wikiHow Contributor

Coconut oil works well. Don't use any creams with harsh chemicals. If you're gluten intolerant, be sure to avoid wheat products.

I have eczema on my stomach and under my arms. It is black in color and itchy. What should I do?

wikiHow Contributor

See your doctor, the black color is cause for concern. In the meantime, you can bathe in an oatmeal bath to ease the itching.

What can I do about a severe case of eczema?

wikiHow Contributor

Try talking to your doctor/ dermatologist and see if they can prescribe a good cream. Some good DIY treatments are chamomile, aloe vera, coconut oil, and honey.

How do I get rid of dryness on my feet?

wikiHow Contributor

Moisturize with helpful soothing creams, such as Aveeno or Doublebase. Do this on a regular basis after showering and throughout the day.

Do you have any other tips if none of these methods worked?

wikiHow Contributor

Eczema and skin issues are, actually, surprisingly caused sometimes by anger. If you seem to get angry a lot, read wikiHow articles about how to control your anger and see if it gets any better. You can also use hand moisturizers, which work like a charm. Your best option is probably Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Hand Cream, which absorbs in seconds and lasts through hand washing. Even if your eczema isn't on your hands, it'll still work great. Lather it on before bed, go to sleep, wake up, and see the amazing results. Don't feel bad to splurge a little on the eczema cream - it really does work and your skin will be as smooth as a baby's bottom after a few nights!

My son has eczema on his palm and fingers. Should I soak his hand in salt water, and if so, for how long?

wikiHow Contributor

Eczema on his hands may be due to something he is coming in contact with. Try changing hand soaps. You can soak his hand in salt water for 10-15 minutes at a time. Check with your doctor and also check reliable sources such as Mayo Clinic and WebMD.

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How to Treat Eczema Naturally (with Pictures) - wikiHow

The exact causes of eczema are unknown. You might have inherited a tendency for eczema. You may have a family member who has eczema or who has hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or asthma. Many doctors think eczema causes are linked to allergic disease, such as hay fever or asthma. Doctors call this the atopic triad. Many children with eczema (up to 80%) will develop hay fever and/or asthma.

There are many triggers of eczema that can make it flare or get worse. Below are some of the common triggers. You should learn what triggers your eczema to flare, and then try to avoid it.

Irritants can make your symptoms worse. What irritates you may be different from what irritates someone else with the condition, but could include:

If your genes make you more likely to develop atopic eczema, the condition will develop after you are exposed to certain environmental factors, such as allergens.

Allergens are substances that can cause the body to react abnormally. This is known as an allergic reaction. Some of the most common allergens that can be causes of eczema include:

Some types of microbe can be triggers of eczema:

Atopic eczema can sometimes be caused by food allergens, especially before the age of one.Some studies of children and young people with atopic eczema found that one-third to nearly two-thirds also had a food allergy.Food allergies associated with eczema causes are typically:

Stress is known to be associated with eczema but it is not fully understood how it affects the condition. Some people with eczema have worse symptoms when they are stressed. For others their eczema symptoms cause them to feel stressed.

Read more about how stress and eczema are related

Hormones are chemicals produced by the body. They can cause a wide variety of effects. When the levels of certain hormones in the body increase or decrease some women can experience flare ups of their eczema.

Read more here:
Triggers of Eczema | Causes of Eczema | National Eczema ...

Eczema is a term for a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated. The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema. Atopic refers to a group of diseases with an often inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.

Eczema affects about 10% to 20% of infants and about 3% of adults and children in the U.S. Most infants who develop the condition outgrow it by their tenth birthday, while some people continue to have symptoms on and off throughout life. With proper treatment, the disease often can be controlled.

No matter which part of the skin is affected, eczema is almost always itchy. Sometimes the itching will start before the rash appears, but when it does, the rash most commonly appears on the face, back of the knees, wrists, hands, or feet. It may also affect other areas as well.

Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened, or scaly. In fair-skinned people, these areas may initially appear reddish and then turn brown. Among darker-skinned people, eczema can affect pigmentation, making the affected area lighter or darker.

In infants, the itchy rash can produce an oozing, crusting condition that happens mainly on the face and scalp, but patches may appear anywhere.

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it's thought to be linked to an overactive response by the body's immune system to an irritant. It is this response that causes the symptoms of eczema.

In addition, eczema is commonly found in families with a history of other allergies or asthma. Also, defects in the skin barrier could allow moisture out and germs in.

Some people may have "flare-ups" of the itchy rash in response to certain substances or conditions. For some, coming into contact with rough or coarse materials may cause the skin to become itchy. For others, feeling too hot or too cold, exposure to certain household products like soap or detergent, or coming into contact with animal dander may cause an outbreak. Upper respiratory infections or colds may also be triggers. Stress may cause the condition to worsen.

Although there is no cure, most people can effectively manage their disease with medical treatment and by avoiding irritants. The condition is not contagious and can't be spread from person to person.

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Eczema and Your Skin | Eczema Types, Symptoms, Causes ... - WebMD

There is no cure for eczema, but, in most cases, it is manageable. The word eczema comes from a Greek word that means to effervesce or bubble or boil over. This website will help you answer the question What Is Eczema? and help you understand it. Its important to remember that many people have eczema. Over 30 million American may have it. There is no need to be embarrassed by your eczema. You are not alone. Atopic Dermatitis (which is often called eczema) is an itchy, red rash. It can appear all over the body. Many people have it on their elbows or behind their knees. Babies often have eczema on the face, especially the cheeks and chin. They can also have it on the scalp, trunk (chest and back), and outer arms and legs. Children and adults tend to have eczema on the neck, wrists, and ankles, and in areas that bend, like the inner elbow and knee. People with eczema are usually diagnosed with it when they are babies or young children. Eczema symptoms often become less severe as children grow into adults. For some people, eczema continues into adulthood. Less often, it can start in adulthood. The rash of eczema is different for each person. It may even look different or affect different parts of your body from time to time. It can be mild, moderate, or severe. Generally, people with eczema suffer from dry, sensitive skin. Eczema is also known for its intense itch. The itch may be so bad that you scratch your skin until it bleeds, which can make your rash even worse, leading to even more inflammation and itching. This is called the itch-scratch cycle.

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What Is Eczema | National Eczema Association

It can be difficult to avoid all the triggers, or irritants, that may cause or worsen eczema flare-ups. In many people, the itchy patches of eczema usually appear where the elbow bends; on the backs of the knees, ankles, and wrists; and on the face, neck, and upper chest although any part of the body can be affected.

In an eczema flare-up, skin may feel hot and itchy at first. Then, if the person scratches, the skin may become red, inflamed, or blistered. Some people who have eczema scratch their skin so much it becomes almost leathery in texture. Others find that their skin becomes extremely dry and scaly. Even though many people have eczema, the symptoms can vary quite a bit from person to person.

If you think you have eczema, your best bet is to visit your doctor, who may refer you to a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in treating skin). Diagnosing atopic eczema can be difficult because it may be confused with other skin conditions. For example, eczema can easily be confused with a skin condition called contact dermatitis, which happens when the skin comes in contact with an irritating substance, like the perfume in a certain detergent.

In addition to a physical examination, a doctor will take your medical history by asking about any concerns and symptoms you have, your past health, your family's health, any medications you're taking, any allergies you may have, and other issues.

Your doctor can also help identify things in your environment that may be contributing to your skin irritation. For example, if you started using a new shower gel or body lotion before the symptoms appeared, mention this to your doctor because a substance in the cream or lotion might be irritating your skin.

Emotional stress can also lead to eczema flare-ups, so your doctor might also ask you about any stress you're feeling at home, school, or work.

If you're diagnosed with eczema, your doctor might:

For some people with severe eczema, ultraviolet light therapy can help clear up the condition. Newer medications that change the way the skin's immune system reacts also may help.

If eczema doesn't respond to normal treatment, your doctor might do allergy testing to see if something else is triggering the condition, especially if you have asthma or seasonal allergies.

If you're tested for food allergies, you may be given certain foods (such as eggs, milk, soy, or nuts) and observed to see if the food causes an eczema flare-up. Food allergy testing also can be done by pricking the skin with an extract of the food substance and observing the reaction. But sometimes allergy testing can be misleading because someone may have an allergic reaction to a food that is not responsible for the eczema flare-up.

If you're tested for allergy to dyes or fragrances, a patch of the substance will be placed against your skin and you'll be monitored to see if skin irritation develops.

Read this article:
Eczema - KidsHealth

Definition of eczema in babies

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a skin rash that usually appears before age 5. In babies it tends to show up on the cheeks and scalp, but it may spread to the arms, legs, chest, or other parts of the body. After a child's first year, it's most likely to show up on the insides of the elbows, the backs of the knees, the wrists, and the ankles, but it can also appear elsewhere.

About 20 percent of babies and young children have eczema. It usually starts in infancy, with 65 percent of patients developing symptoms in the first year of life and 90 percent developing symptoms before age 5.

The rash might look like dry, thickened, scaly skin, or it might be made up of tiny red bumps that ooze or become infected if scratched. Scratching can also cause thickened, darkened, or scarred skin over time.

Eczema typically comes and goes. It isn't contagious, but because it's intensely itchy, it can be very uncomfortable, and scratching can be a problem. If untreated, the rash can be unsightly, so it may present a social challenge for a child, too.

Your doctor can diagnose eczema by examining your child's skin. He may send you to a dermatologist for confirmation and treatment.

There's no way to know ahead of time whether a child will outgrow eczema, but fortunately the condition usually becomes less severe with age. Many children outgrow eczema by age 2, and many others outgrow it by adulthood.

Dr P. Marazzi / Science Source

No one knows for sure what causes it, but the tendency to have eczema is often inherited. So your child is more likely to have it if you or a close family member has had eczema, asthma, or allergies.

Eczema is not an allergic reaction to a substance, but allergens or irritants in the environment (such as pollen or cigarette smoke) can trigger it. Less frequently, it can be triggered by allergens in your child's diet or in your diet if your child is breastfeeding.

The rash can also be aggravated by heat, irritants that come in contact with the skin (like wool or the chemicals in some soaps, fragrances, lotions, and detergents), changes in temperature, and dry skin. Stress can also trigger a flare-up of eczema.

Taking good care of your child's skin and avoiding triggers can help treat and prevent flare-ups.

Bathing and moisturizing

Talk with the doctor about how often to bathe your child. Many experts now believe that daily bathing can be helpful for children with eczema. Just don't make the water too warm, because very warm water dries out the skin faster than lukewarm water.

Use a mild soap or non-soap cleanser, and wash and shampoo your child at the end of the bath so he isn't sitting in soapy water. As soon as you get your child out of the tub, pat (don't rub) excess water from his skin with a soft towel or washcloth.

Then, while the skin is still damp, promptly apply a liberal amount of moisturizer or emollient an ointment, cream, or lotion that "seals in" the body's own moisture to your child's skin. Ointments and creams contain more emollient and less water than lotions and are usually best for children with eczema.

"I recommend emollients for children of all ages," says Michael Smith, an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics in the division of dermatology at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. He suggests testing the emollient for a short time to make sure it doesn't irritate your child's skin.

The most effective approach, according to Smith, is to hydrate and lubricate the skin at the same time by applying emollient to damp skin. The emollient won't improve the red, inflamed, itchy areas, but it will help restore the skin's invisible protective barrier. (This barrier makes up part of the normal outer layer of the skin and is impaired in kids with eczema.)

Allowing skin to breathe and stay cool

Dress your child in smooth natural fabrics, like cotton. Avoid wool and other scratchy materials, which can irritate very sensitive skin. Don't overheat your child by bundling him up more than necessary.

Soaps and cleansers

Switch to mild, fragrance-free soaps or non-soap cleansers and shampoos, or those made for sensitive skin. Use mild, fragrance-free detergent for washing clothes and bedding. Don't use fabric softeners.

Prevent scratching

Your child may try to get relief by scratching with his hands or by rubbing his face against the sheet during sleep. But scratching and rubbing can further irritate or inflame the skin and make matters much worse.

Use the softest sheets possible in the crib or bed, and keep your child's nails short. Put him to bed with cotton mittens or socks on his hands if he'll tolerate them.

If your child has a lot of trouble sleeping because of the itching, consult your doctor. He may suggest an antihistamine to help your child rest better.

Soothe flare-ups

During a flare-up, you can try applying cool compresses to the area several times a day, followed by a moisturizer.

A study published in the May 2009 issue of Pediatrics tested treatments on children with severe eczema. The kids ranged in age from 6 months to 17 years.

Researchers found that soaking for five to ten minutes twice a week in a diluted bleach bath was five times more effective at treating eczema than plain water (used by the placebo group). The improvement was so dramatic that the researchers stopped the study early to allow children in the placebo group to benefit from the method.

Amy Paller, senior author of the study and the Walter J. Hamlin professor and chair of the department of dermatology and professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, says that with their doctor's approval parents of children with moderate to severe eczema might want to try this method, especially if their child gets skin infections.

Paller recommends a scant two teaspoons of bleach per gallon of bathwater (or 1/2 cup per full tub) at least twice a week, taking these precautions: 1) Make sure your child doesn't drink the water. 2) Disperse the bleach in the water before putting your child in the tub (you don't want undiluted bleach to get on her skin).

Nashville pediatrician Smith agrees with Paller's approach. "It's safe and easy to do," he says. "It's basically like a freshly chlorinated swimming pool, which serves to kill germs in the pool. It is very useful for kids with recurrent skin infections related to eczema, but it has also been shown effective just to eliminate bacteria, making the eczema easier to treat."

Smith tells parents to use 1/3 to 1/2 cup for a full tub or 1 teaspoon per gallon. He also suggests rinsing off briefly afterward, to get rid of the bleach smell.

To avoid getting the bleach water in your child's eyes or mouth, Smith cautions not to use bleach on the face. Instead, he recommends a good barrier ointment such as petrolatum to protect the skin on the face from irritants such as saliva, food, and beverages.

For open, oozing areas on the face, he suggests over-the-counter antibiotic ointments such as bacitracin or a polymyxin/bacitracin combination. If these remedies don't work, it's time to get in touch with your child's doctor.

See the article here:
Eczema | BabyCenter

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common chronic skin condition marked by itching, inflammation, redness and swelling of the skin. Eczema is a form of dermatitis. Eczema itself is not dangerous, and it is not contagious. Eczema is an allergic condition that is most common in babies and children and usually resolves by adulthood.

Eczema occurs when skin is more sensitive to certain substances than normal. The appearance, severity, symptoms and triggers of eczema vary between individuals. There is currently no cure for eczema, but eczema can be controlled with regular medical care and a good treatment plan. Some types of eczema can be prevented by avoiding stress, irritants, and things that cause allergic reactions.

Find a Great Allergist Near You

Eczema is generally not a serious condition, but there is a potential for complications, such as a secondary bacterial or fungal infection of the eczema rash. Seek prompt medical care if you have symptoms of eczema. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce your risk for complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor About Allergies

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Eczema - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Eczema (cont.) Eczema Prevention

Avoid, when possible, whatever triggers the rash.

See Self-Care at Home for other ideas on preventing eczema flares.

Atopic dermatitis usually spontaneously improves in most individuals after puberty. In a few unfortunate individuals, it becomes chronic, resulting in occasional flares often at times of very low humidity (such as wintertime with the heat on). It may also return much later in adulthood and may prove especially difficult to manage.

The role of psychological stress inducing flares of the dermatitis is poorly understood. There is no question that when the condition flares and sleep is inhibited by itching, one's normal ability to deal with emotional problems is diminished.

Repeated scratching of the rash can cause toughening of the skin. Small patches of the skin can become thickened and like leather. This condition is called lichen simplex chronicus. The scrotum and vulva are common areas for adult patients with a history of eczema to develop a persistent itch and develop such lichenification. (It would be very unusual for the penis itself to be involved in such cases and other diagnoses should be considered if it appears to be affected.)

Eczema causes skin sores and cracks that are susceptible to infection. These infections are usually very minor, but they do require treatment with antibiotics or they may become very severe. See a health-care professional if an infection is suspected.

Eczema may fade in adulthood, but people who have eczema tend to have lifelong problems with skin irritation and related problems.

Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 5/12/2015

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Eczema Home Remedies - eMedicineHealth

What is eczema?

Eczema is a general term for rash-like skin conditions. The most common type of eczema is called atopic dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction. Eczema is often very itchy and when you scratch it, the skin becomes red and inflamed. Eczema affects adults and children, but it is most common in babies.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition. "Atopic" describes an inherited tendency to develop dermatitis, asthma and hay fever. "Dermatitis" means that the skin is red and itchy.

Atopic dermatitis usually starts during infancy and continues into childhood. There are times when the condition gets worse (called flare-ups). Flare-ups are followed by times when the skin will heal and there may be no signs of atopic dermatitis (called remission). Remission can last for weeks, months or even years. Some children will outgrow atopic dermatitis, and others will still have it when they are adults. Flare-ups in adults tend to be less severe.

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Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis | Overview - FamilyDoctor.org

Eczema: Introduction

Eczema is a chronic skin condition marked by itching, inflammation, redness, and swelling of the skin. Eczema is one type of dermatitis and is a general term that includes a variety of types of eczema, including atopic eczema, allergic contact eczema, dyshidrotic eczema, and seborrheic eczema.

Eczema occurs when skin is more sensitive to certain substances than normal. This often occurs in patches and may appear as rashes that come and go and may disappear altogether. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it is linked to allergies and an abnormal response of the immune system. Exposure to triggers, such as stress, allergens, and skin irritants, precipitate a flare-up of eczema in sensitive people.

Eczema is a common condition, affecting about 10 percent to 20 percent of the world's population, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The appearance, severity, symptoms, and triggers of eczema vary between individuals. Eczema does though frequently occur and reoccur during infancy and childhood and may resolve in adulthood. People who are more likely to develop eczema include those with a personal or family history of allergies, allergic rhinitis or asthma.

Symptoms of eczema can include itching followed by the development of a rash or patch of inflamed skin and more severe itching. For more information on symptoms, refer to symptoms of eczema.

Uncomplicated eczema is generally not a serious condition, but itching and scratching can lead to increased inflammation, open breaks in the skin, and a secondary bacterial infection or fungal infection of the surrounding skin and tissues. This is called cellulitis and can be potentially serious.

A diagnosis of eczema can often be made by taking a thorough health history, including symptoms, and performing a physical exam. For some people, skin patch testing may be performed. In a patch test, small amounts of common allergens are applied methodically to the skin to determine what substances are triggering an allergic response, leading to the eczema.

Because the symptoms of eczema may be similar to other skin conditions, such as psoriasis, hives, or pityriasis rosea, a misdiagnosis is possible. For information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of eczema.

There is currently no cure for eczema, but the condition can be controlled with a good treatment plan individualized to a person's medical history, specific type and severity of eczema, and other factors.

Treatment begins with the prevention of flare-ups. This includes an integrated plan to reduce exposure to irritants and allergens and minimize skin dryness. A variety of topical and oral medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and cure secondary infections. Another type of treatment that may be effective for some people with eczema is phototherapy.

A combination of treatments that include lifestyle changes with medications and other treatments as appropriate is the most effective way to best control eczema. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of eczema. ...more

Eczema: Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by skin inflammation and irritation. The severity of extent of the condition is highly variable. It may be caused by allergies, irritants or other factors such as stress. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Eczema is available below.

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Eczema Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments and Causes ...

What is eczema?

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a skin rash that usually appears before age 5. In babies it tends to show up on the cheeks and scalp, but it may spread to the arms, legs, chest, or other parts of the body. After a child's first year, it's most likely to show up on the insides of the elbows, the backs of the knees, the wrists, and the ankles, but it can also appear elsewhere.

The rash might look like dry, thickened, scaly skin, or it might be made up of tiny red bumps that ooze or become infected if scratched. Scratching can also cause thickened, darkened, or scarred skin over time.

Eczema typically comes and goes. It isn't contagious, but because it's intensely itchy, it can be very uncomfortable, and scratching can be a problem. If untreated, the rash can be unsightly, so it may present a social challenge for a child, too.

Your doctor can diagnose eczema by examining your child's skin. He may send you to a dermatologist for confirmation and treatment.

No one knows for sure what causes it, but the tendency to have eczema is often inherited. So your child is more likely to have it if you or a close family member has had eczema, asthma, or allergies.

Eczema is not an allergic reaction to a substance, but allergens or irritants in the environment (such as pollen or cigarette smoke) can trigger it. Less frequently, it can be triggered by allergens in your child's diet or in your diet if your child is breastfeeding.

The rash can also be aggravated by heat, irritants that come in contact with the skin (like wool or the chemicals in some soaps, fragrances, lotions, and detergents), changes in temperature, and dry skin. Stress can also trigger a flare-up of eczema.

Dr. P. Marazzi / Science Source

About 20 percent of babies and young children have eczema. It usually starts in infancy, with 65 percent of patients developing symptoms in the first year of life and 90 percent developing symptoms before age 5.

There's no way to know ahead of time whether a child will outgrow eczema, but fortunately the condition usually becomes less severe with age. Many children outgrow eczema by age 2, and many others outgrow it by adulthood.

Taking good care of your child's skin and avoiding triggers can help treat and prevent flare-ups.

Bathing and moisturizing Talk with the doctor about how often to bathe your child. Many experts now believe that daily bathing can be helpful for children with eczema. Just don't make the water too warm, because very warm water dries out the skin faster than lukewarm water.

Use a mild soap or non-soap cleanser, and wash and shampoo your child at the end of the bath so he isn't sitting in soapy water. As soon as you get your child out of the tub, pat (don't rub) excess water from his skin with a soft towel or washcloth.

Then, while the skin is still damp, promptly apply a liberal amount of moisturizer or emollient an ointment, cream, or lotion that "seals in" the body's own moisture to your child's skin. Ointments and creams contain more emollient and less water than lotions and are usually best for children with eczema.

"I recommend emollients for children of all ages," says Michael Smith, an associate professor of medicine and pediatrics in the division of dermatology at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. He suggests testing the emollient for a short time to make sure it doesn't irritate your child's skin.

The most effective approach, according to Smith, is to hydrate and lubricate the skin at the same time by applying emollient to damp skin. The emollient won't improve the red, inflamed, itchy areas, but it will help restore the skin's invisible protective barrier. (This barrier makes up part of the normal outer layer of the skin and is impaired in kids with eczema.)

Allowing skin to breathe and stay cool Dress your child in smooth natural fabrics, like cotton. Avoid wool and other scratchy materials, which can irritate very sensitive skin. Don't overheat your child by bundling him up more than necessary.

Soaps and cleansers Switch to mild, fragrance-free soaps or non-soap cleansers and shampoos, or those made for sensitive skin. Use mild, fragrance-free detergent for washing clothes and bedding. Don't use fabric softeners.

Prevent scratching Your child may try to get relief by scratching with his hands or by rubbing his face against the sheet during sleep. But scratching and rubbing can further irritate or inflame the skin and make matters much worse.

Use the softest sheets possible in the crib or bed, and keep your child's nails short. Put him to bed with cotton mittens or socks on his hands if he'll tolerate them.

If your child has a lot of trouble sleeping because of the itching, consult your doctor. He may suggest an antihistamine to help your child rest better.

Soothe flare-ups During a flare-up, you can try applying cool compresses to the area several times a day, followed by a moisturizer.

A study published in the May 2009 issue of Pediatrics tested treatments on children with severe eczema. The kids ranged in age from 6 months to 17 years.

Researchers found that soaking for five to ten minutes twice a week in a diluted bleach bath was five times more effective at treating eczema than plain water (used by the placebo group). The improvement was so dramatic that the researchers stopped the study early to allow children in the placebo group to benefit from the method.

Amy Paller, senior author of the study and the Walter J. Hamlin professor and chair of the department of dermatology and professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, says that with their doctor's approval parents of children with moderate to severe eczema might want to try this method, especially if their child gets skin infections.

Paller recommends a scant two teaspoons of bleach per gallon of bathwater (or 1/2 cup per full tub) at least twice a week, taking these precautions: 1) Make sure your child doesn't drink the water. 2) Disperse the bleach in the water before putting your child in the tub (you don't want undiluted bleach to get on her skin).

Nashville pediatrician Smith agrees with Paller's approach. "It's safe and easy to do," he says. "It's basically like a freshly chlorinated swimming pool, which serves to kill germs in the pool. It is very useful for kids with recurrent skin infections related to eczema, but it has also been shown effective just to eliminate bacteria, making the eczema easier to treat."

Smith tells parents to use 1/3 to 1/2 cup for a full tub or 1 teaspoon per gallon. He also suggests rinsing off briefly afterward, to get rid of the bleach smell.

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Eczema in children | BabyCenter

What Is Allergic Eczema?

When your body comes in contact with something that could make you ill, your immune system promotes chemical changes to help your body ward off disease. You are exposed to thousands of substances each day, and most will not cause your immune system to react. However, you may come into contact with substances that are not typically harmful to the body but cause your immune system to overreact nonetheless. These substances are known as allergens, and this overreaction is known as an allergy.

Have a board certified dermatologist examine your skin problem

An allergic reaction can take a number of forms. For some people, breathing becomes difficult, they cough, and they experience burning eyes and a runny nose. Other allergic reactions cause changes in the skin. Allergic eczema is an itchy skin rash that develops when you come into contact with an allergen. The condition often occurs hours after you have been exposed to the substance that causes the allergic reaction.

Allergic eczema is also known as:

Allergic eczema occurs when you come into direct contact with an allergen. This type of allergic reaction is known as delayed allergy because it can take several exposures to the allergen to cause a reaction. Also, the symptoms of allergic eczema may not develop for 24 to 48 hours after you have come in contact with the allergen.

Although allergic eczema can develop because of an immune response to any substance, some common triggers include:

Allergic eczema may also result when the skin is exposed to chemicals in the presence of sunlight. One example is an allergic reaction that occurs after using sunscreen and spending time in the sun.

The symptoms of allergic eczema will be different for each person. They may also change over time. Symptoms typically develop on the skin where contact with the allergen has occurred. In rare cases, symptoms may spread to other areas of the skin.

Common symptoms include:

If you have symptoms of this disorder, your doctor will examine your skin. Although your doctor may be able to diagnose an allergic reaction, he or she may need to do further testing to determine exactly what you are allergic to. Typically an epicutaneous (on surface of the skin) or patch test will be required.

During this test, patches that contain common allergens are placed on your back. These patches remain in place for 48 hours. When your doctor removes the patches, he or she will check for signs of an allergic reaction. Your doctor will check your skin again in two more days to see if there is a delayed allergic reaction.

If your doctor is not able to make a diagnosis based on the patch test, other tests may be needed. Your doctor may perform a skin lesion biopsy (taking a sample of your skin for laboratory testing) to make sure that your skin condition is not due to another health problem.

Treatment for allergic eczema depends on the severity of your symptoms. In all cases, it is important to wash the affected skin with plenty of water to remove traces of the allergen.

If your symptoms are mild and do not bother you, no further treatment may be needed. You may wish to use a moisturizing cream to keep the skin hydrated and to repair damage. Over-the-counter corticosteroid creams can help with itching and inflammation.

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend prescription-strength ointments or creams. Corticosteroid pills or a shot can also be prescribed if needed.

With treatment, you can expect allergic eczema to clear up within two to three weeks. However, the condition may return if you are exposed to the allergen again. Identifying the allergen that caused your eczema and taking steps to avoid it are critical to preventing future reactions.

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Allergic Eczema: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Paul Harizan/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Updated January 06, 2015.

Eczema is a chronic skin disorder characterized by itching rashes, which may be red, scaly, dry, or leathery. There may be skin blisters with oozing and crusting.

Eczema usually occurs for the first time in infants, with rashes typically occuring on the cheeks, elbows or knees. Eczema, although often less of a problem in adulthood, can persist, especially if a person is exposed to allergens or chemical irritants or is under stress.

People with eczema frequently have family members with asthma, hay fever, or eczema.

So far, scientific support for the claim that any remedy can treat eczema is fairly lacking.

Studies suggest that babies at high risk for allergic disorders such as eczema have different types and numbers of bacteria in their digestive tracts than other babies, and that probiotic supplements taken by pregnant women and children may reduce the occurrence eczema in children.

A large, long-term study examined whether the use of a probiotic supplement or a placebo could influence the incidence of eczema in infants. Researchers randomized 1223 pregnant women carrying high-risk babies to use a probiotic supplement or a placebo for 2 to 4 weeks before deliver.

Starting from birth, infants received the same probiotics as their mothers had plus galacto-oligosaccharides (called a "prebiotic" because it has been shown to help multiple strains of beneficial bacteria flourish) for 6 months. After 2 years, the probiotics were significantly more effective than placebo at preventing eczema.

In addition to the use of probiotics to prevent eczema, probiotics have also been explored as a treatment for infants and children who already have eczema. Some studies have found that probiotics alleviate symptoms of eczema only in infants and children who are sensitized to food allergens.

Researchers are testing different strains of bacteria to see if one particular strain is more effective for eczema. One of the most commonly used probiotic strains used in eczema studies is Lactobacillus GG. Other strains used include Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-033 PCC, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Bifidobacteria lactis. The prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides has also been used.

Consult a qualified health professional before using probiotics. Children with immune deficiencies should not take probiotics unless under a practitioner's supervision. For more information about probiotics, read Acidophilus and Other Probiotics.

For example, one double-blind study examined the use of borage oil (500 mg a day) or placebo in 160 adults with moderate eczema. After 24 weeks, the overall effectiveness was not significantly better with borage oil compared with the placebo.

Find out more about GLA.

Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend any alternative medicine for eczema treatment.Supplements haven't been tested for safety and due to the fact that dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label. Also keep in mind that the safety of supplements inpregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and those with medical conditions or who are taking medications has not been established. You can get tips on usingsupplements here,but if you're considering the use of alternative medicine,talk with your primary care provider first.Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.

Sources

Brouwer ML, Wolt-Plompen SA, Dubois AE, van der Heide S, Jansen DF, Hoijer MA, Kauffman HF, Duiverman EJ. No effects of probiotics on atopic dermatitis in infancy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Clin Exp Allergy. 36.7 (2006): 899-906.

Henz BM, Jablonska S, van de Kerkhof PC, Stingl G, Blaszczyk M, Vandervalk PG, Veenhuizen R, Muggli R, Raederstorff D. Double-blind, multicentre analysis of the efficacy of borage oil in patients with atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol. 140.4 (1999): 685-688.

Kalliomaki M, Salminen S, Poussa T, Arvilommi H, Isolauri E. Probiotics and prevention of atopic disease: 4-year follow-up of a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 361.9372 (2003): 1869-1871.

Korting HC, Schafer-Korting M, Klovekorn W, Klovekorn G, Martin C, Laux P. Comparative efficacy of hamamelis distillate and hydrocortisone cream in atopic eczema. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 48.6 (1995): 461-465.

Kukkonen K, Savilahti E, Haahtela T, Juntunen-Backman K, Korpela R, Poussa T, Tuure T, Kuitunen M. Probiotics and prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharides in the prevention of allergic diseases: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 119.1 (2007): 192-198.

Moro G, Arslanoglu S, Stahl B, Jelinek J, Wahn U, Boehm G. A mixture of prebiotic oligosaccharides reduces the incidence of atopic dermatitis during the first six months of age. Arch Dis Child. 91.10 (2006): 814-819.

Patzelt-Wenczler R, Ponce-Poschl E. Proof of efficacy of Kamillosan(R) cream in atopic eczema. Eur J Med Res. 5.4 (2000): 171-175.

Saeedi M, Morteza-Semnani K, Ghoreishi MR. The treatment of atopic dermatitis with licorice gel. J Dermatolog Treat. 14.3 (2003): 153-157.

Sistek D, Kelly R, Wickens K, Stanley T, Fitzharris P, Crane J. Is the effect of probiotics on atopic dermatitis confined to food sensitized children? Clin Exp Allergy. 36.5 (2006): 629-633.

Taylor AL, Dunstan JA, Prescott SL. Probiotic supplementation for the first 6 months of life fails to reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis and increases the risk of allergen sensitization in high-risk children: A randomized controlled trial. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 119.1 (2007): 184-191.

Viljanen M, Savilahti E, Haahtela T, Juntunen-Backman K, Korpela R, Poussa T, Tuure T, Kuitunen M. Probiotics in the treatment of atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome in infants: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Allergy. 60.4 (2005): 494-500.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.

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Natural Treatments/ Remedies for Eczema

Acute Phase of Eczema. Photo Heather L. Brannon, MD

Updated December 15, 2014.

Eczema is a term that is used often, but can be confusing because it's often used incorrectly. As technology improves, we are learning more about the actual causes of eczema. This has led researchers to divide eczema into two groups, atopic and non-atopic, based on whether certain parts of the immune system are overactive.

While there are some subtle differences between the appearance of these two eczema types, they often look the same depending on how long the rash has been present.

Both rashes can go through the different stages of eczema the longer they persist.

This difference in stages is important because certain treatments work better on different stages of the rash. All three stages respond to antihistamines like Benadryl or Zyrtec and topical steroids. Oral antibiotics like cephalexin and dicloxacillin are useful in all three stages if bacteria have invaded breaks in the skin. Some of the treatments that tend to be useful for each stage are discussed below.

Source:

Habif, Thomas. "Eczema and Hand Dermatitis." Clinical Dermatology, 4th Edition. Ed. Thomas Habif, MD. New York: Mosby, 2004. 41-9.

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Eczema - Description, Treatment, Stages - Dermatology