Eczema is often considered a disease. Its official definition is inflammation of the skin which is a result of an allergic reaction. This disease is much more severe than eczema in fact.

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin. It usually occurs when you are exposed to environmental elements that trigger an allergic reaction. At first, your body’s defense mechanism is to produce antibodies that seek out and destroy the allergens that cause your allergic reaction. However, when this process becomes excessive, your body produces more skin cells and will keep producing them until there is no more room for other skin cells.

Eczema is believed to be caused by many factors. Stress is one of the most common causes. Even if the eczema is not of long term duration, if eczema remains for an extended period of time, it is a strong indication that stress is the reason. Another factor that can cause eczema is heredity.

People who have a hereditary predisposition to allergies may develop eczema when exposed to certain chemicals or environmental elements. The condition is called atopic eczema. It is usually seen in children with some degree of predisposition to allergies.

Eczema may be genetically inherited. If you have a family history of eczema, you are said to be eczema predisposing. There are many other factors that may lead to eczema development.

In addition, eczema can be triggered by an allergic reaction in childhood development. In the case of infants, the reaction could be allergic diarrhea, white blood cell anemia, hair loss, rash, nausea, vomiting, and colic. In adults, the symptoms may include itchiness, burning sensations, thickening of the skin, blistering, redness, and thickening of the skin. Itching or swelling could occur at the skin folds.

The problem with eczema varies according to the type of eczema. If you have atopic eczema, then the condition will usually take time to be cured. Therefore, there is little to no effect that can be done once the condition is in place.

Itchiness is the most common symptom in cases of atopic eczema, as the skin will be inflamed and the afflicted person is unable to scratch the skin. The usual symptoms are rash and itching.

When the affected person tries to remove the skin and also rubs on their infected area, the skin may become dry. Thus, they are likely to develop dry flaky skin. Also, there are times when the skin becomes tight and thick. In some cases, even hemorrhaging occurs.

If you have localized eczema, then it is likely that the skin is dry and does not give a favorable environment for the formation of cracks and ulcers. However, localized eczema is very common. This kind of eczema generally responds well to topical creams, usually on the outer layer of the skin.

Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the types of eczema that affects the skin. It is often associated with rash, itching, swelling, and even reddening of the skin. It is easily treated by applying skincare lotions containing salicylic acid.