Eczema belongs to a group of skin ailments that are caused due to a host of genetic and environmental factors. If statistics are to be believed, more than 30 million in the country suffer from some form of eczema. A person suffering from this skin condition might exhibit different skin reactions based on the type of eczema. The following article discusses possible causes, symptoms, home remedies, and nutrition tips to effectively manage eczema.

Causes

Overactive immune system
When the immune system goes into overdrive, it can cause severe inflammation.

Genetic factors
It has been found that people may be more vulnerable to eczema due to susceptible genes.

Environmental factors
It has been observed that children living in urban areas, highly polluted areas, or colder climates are more vulnerable to contracting eczema.

Irritants
Certain soaps, shampoos, detergents, disinfectants, juices, and vegetables are known to trigger eczema since they irritate the body in one way or the other.

Symptoms
The following are some symptoms of eczema based on its type:

Atopic dermatitis
Its symptoms may include rashes and small bumps under the skin.

Contact dermatitis
Symptoms may include hives, fluid-filled blisters, and scaly and leathery patches on the skin.

Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema usually causes painless blisters on fingers and toes. The skin may also appear scaly and crack or flake.

Nummular eczema
Nummular eczema may cause coin-shaped spots on the skin that may itch and become scaly.

Stasis dermatitis
Apart from developing open sores on the lower legs and feet, this eczema may cause swelling in the leg with varicose veins.

Home remedies

Natural oils
Natural oils, such as coconut oil, are excellent moisturizers. They are a rich source of lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Moreover, coconut oil’s antioxidant properties help reduce the risk of developing eczema symptoms.

Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may be put in bathing water or applied using a wet wrap. It helps balance the skin’s pH levels, thus providing relief from irritation and dryness.

Aloe vera
Its antibacterial and antifungal properties also reduce the risk of developing eczema symptoms. The home-grown aloe vera plant’s extract can be applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation.

Honey
Besides antibacterial and antifungal properties, honey helps hydrate the skin and offers a barrier to protect the skin from environmental pollutants.

Foods to eat

Foods with anti-inflammatory properties
Foods such as fatty fish and seaweed, ginger, berries, broccoli, and green tea have abundant nutrients that can ease inflammation caused due to eczema.

Probiotics
Nutritionists confirm that more than 70% of cells responsible for an intact immune system are present in the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, it only makes sense to include foods that are foods rich in probiotics, as they help flourish gut bacteria.

Certain food types such as dairy products, nuts and seeds, eggs, and wheat are known to trigger eczema in people who are vulnerable. Such foods should be avoided, especially when the skin is sensitive.

Treatments

Topical treatments
Topical treatments such as moisturizers and other ointments lock the moisture in the skin, preventing dryness, itching, and inflammation, thereby reducing the pain associated with eczema.

Oral treatments
Oral treatments are usually prescribed by doctors to provide relief from eczema symptoms such as inflammation, itching, and redness. Some of these also help in improving the overall immune function to fight eczema symptoms naturally.

Warm compress
It is also referred to wet wrap therapy, this treatment involves soaking gauze or cloth in warm water and putting it on affected areas. Cover it with a layer of dry cloth and leave it overnight. As the cloth cools, it hydrates the skin, thereby providing relief from eczema symptoms.