Eczema is a skin condition that affects millions of people each year. Typically seen as dry, rough patches of skin that can become blistered and even oozing it is often a source of embarrassment. There are many types of eczema, the four most common are:

• Atopic eczema – which can show up on nearly any surface of the body from foot to scalp and is considered hereditary in nature.
• Contact dermatitis – This is caused by external sources such as poison plants, caustic chemicals, or other allergens. Usually temporary in nature this is a more easily cured type of eczema.
• Xerotic eczema – This is basically just a condition known as dry skin that happens during certain seasons due to weather, but can develop into a more severe case where it is considered eczema.
• Seborrehoeic eczema – usually found on the scalp or eyebrows, this is often the cause of ‘cradle cap’ in infants. This form of eczema can also appear as small bumps on the skin in other areas of the body. It is thought to be caused by a lack of biotin in the system and is usually curable.

Many of the forms of eczema including the less common ones not listed are brought on by certain types of weather from extreme humidity, to extreme dryness and can show up at varying times of the year making it difficult to nail down the exact cause.

Eczema on the Arms

For the above, and the many other lesser seen forms of eczema it is best to consult your physician or dermatologist for remedies. Most often they will suggest changes in diet, and lifestyle habits in the case of allergic reactions, or contact eczema issues. In many cases there are prescriptions available that range from topical ointments to pills that can help alleviate the symptoms and embarrassment of this unsightly disease.

Types of medications often prescribed for eczema are:

• Corticosteroids - which are usually creams and lotions and do not cure eczema but go a long way in helping to alleviate the symptoms including itching and blistering. The most common side-effect of these types of medications is the tendency for the skin to become thin and fragile in the area of application over a long period of time.
• Immunomodulators – These drugs suppress the immune system in the areas that they are applied. There is an increased risk of skin cancer from the use of these drugs and they should be considered only under a doctor’s observation.
• Antibiotics – Because the skin becomes cracked and blistered there is a greater chance of infection as a secondary condition to eczema and these drugs are often prescribed to keep bacteria from causing more problems.
• Itch relief – Many types of topical and oral treatments are used to help keep the itching under control. Scratching the infected areas spreads the eczema and damages the skin further so these drugs are a great help in preventing the disease from worsening.

Probably the best ‘cure’ for most of the common types of eczema not brought on by hereditary or an allergy is prevention. Keeping the skin well moisturized during extremely dry weather, and dry during extremely humid or damp weather can go a long way to preventing an outbreak of this disease.