ECZEMA Other types Contact Eczema ~ Atopic Eczema ~ Seborrhoeic Eczema Discoid Eczema ~ Varicose Eczema

Description

Depending on the type of eczema, they all have something in common, being the symptoms - best described as fissured, itchy and scaly inflammation.
The way in which it manifests itself does depend on which type it is.
We will concern ourselves with the two most common forms being : Contact and Atopic eczema

How it is caused

Contact eczema may develop within minutes of exposure to the irritant.
Substances which are considered as proven irritants include nickel earings, household chemicals, perfumes, hairspray, plants, clothes etc.

Atopic eczema may develop over a long period ranging from months or even years. It has a tendency to affect people with a family history of Asthma or even Hayfever, and therefore is classed as a hereditary condition.

Areas affected

Contact eczema usually affects the area in which exposure from the irritant occurred. For example, the hands may blister as a result of exposure to shampoo.

Atopic eczema usually affects the face, hands, forearms, and lower legs.
It is normally dry, itchy and inflamed, appearing in patches.
In chronic circumstances, eczema may also weep.

Treatment

For most types of eczema, the doctor is likely to prescribe a calming lotion such as `Calamine` or a cortisteroid cream, in severe cases antibiotics may be needed.
In the last few years doctors have slowly made advances towards natural approaches and discovered that `Evening Primrose oil` and Chinese herbs have proved to be extremely effective in treating eczema.

Can massage take place?

A skin test is considered to be compulsory before any treatment can take place.
If the allergy test proves to be okay, then treatment can begin as long as the therapist feels comfortable, if the therapist is squeamish, they should avoid the affected area. Always remember that eczema is not contagious, and should not pose any problems during treatment. You should also offer home treatments too, such as oil blends.

Future Prevention

It is almost impossible to prevent most eczema`s as most types are hereditary, although steps can be taken to avoid contact eczema - by eliminating the irritant.