Eczema

You’d been noticing it for sometime now. It started as a small rash on the back of your hand, remained there for sometime, disappeared, but has reappeared again. Only this time it’s itching.

However, if it’s eczema, don’t panic. More than fifteen million people in the US alone are afflicted with it. Of these ten percent are kids!

What is eczema?

Simply defined, eczema is inflammation of the skin. It can be an allergic reaction to household cleansers, detergents, soaps and even perfumes and after-shave lotions. It can also happen if you come in contact with gasoline, turpentine or other strong solvents. Other things that bring about this condition are scratchy fabrics, like wool or dust mites in your bed linen. Whatever be the cause, eczema makes your skin dry, red and itchy. In chronic cases, the whole body may break out in rashes. Protection from eczema

a. Gloves: If your work involves continuously immersing hands in water, wear vinyl or plastic gloves for protection from irritants in water. Use cotton gloves underneath to prevent the hands getting sweaty. In winter protect your hands from dryness due to cold air and low humidity by wearing gloves.

b. Clothes: Wear clothes that can “breathe”. Clothes made from cotton or cotton blend belong to this category. Avoid synthetic fibers that don’t absorb sweat. These clothes, and even woolen ones, can irritate skin.

c. Avoid sweatiness: If you build up too much sweat, it can lead to skin irritation and itchiness. So, bring down hot and sweaty activities to a minimum.

d. Skin care: Taking a bath using strong soaps to clear the dirt and grime is a likely cause of skin irritation leading to eczema. So, always use a mild soap, like Dove or Oil of Olay, but not excessively.