Eczema, to people who are not aware, is a condition of the skin that most commonly occurs in infants and children. Adults do not normally get eczema but it is certainly possible for it to occur in older people, especially adults who had eczema when they were a child, because it often disappears for years at a time and then comes back due to an unknown cause. It is thought to possibly be a result of a lowered or stressed immune system in some cases.

Eczema is an itchy, irritating, inflammation on the skin that is similar to a normal heat rash. It can appear anywhere on the body, however, it usually appears on the tops of arms where they bend or the back of legs, right behind the knees. Other common areas of the skin that it can appear on are the top of hands and feet, neck, and wrists. For some people eczema may just look like a red rash on the skin; others have small pus filled bumps, crusty skin from broke open pus filled bumps, raw skin or dry flakey skin from excessive itching, or odd discoloration of the skin, often a gray or brown color.

It can be totally random and appear and disappear periodically but it can sometimes be caused by bad reactions to certain soaps, perfumes, or shampoos. People who suffer from eczema should refrain from using strongly scented things and should pay close attention to what they eat and what they use on their skin, or keep a detailed log of such things, in order to see if they have reactions from the soap they use or from certain foods which may make their eczema worse. Some people have allergies to soy, eggs, wheat, and other common foods which could be the cause that triggers eczema to suddenly flare up.

There are lotions and creams available at many supermarkets or drug stores that can help clear up eczema and you can also see your doctor if it persists and is really starting to irritate you. They should be able to advise you on how to prevent it and how to reduce the itching. The more you itch, the worse the eczema will become and the worst your skin will feel and look. Resisting the temptation to itch is important in preventing eczema. Seek help from a dermatologist if your eczema persists and you are not having any luck with your current doctor. Dermatologists are experts with skin conditions and should be able to find the cause of your eczema flare ups. People who have eczema should not apply anything to their irritated areas unless it is a known aid for eczema or if they were directed to by a doctor because eczema can worsen by using things that may irritate your skin, especially if the skin is raw and inflamed.

There are many possible causes or things that can make eczema worse. Try to avoid as many of those causes as possible, such as long baths or showers which can dry your skin out, stress that could lower your immune system and allow eczema to worsen, excessive sweating, pet dander if you are allergic to a particular animal dander, and other known irritants. Your doctor should be able to do tests to determine what, if anything, you are allergic to. Finding the cause to eczema is the best way to prevent it as well as finding medications or creams that you can use. There is no actual cure to eczema, there are only ways to manage eczema and to reduce irritation.

For more information please read this article on Eczema and on Red Itchy Bumps on Skin.

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