The causes of eczema have been obscure and nobody can re­ally tell how a person gets it. What we only know is that the skin with eczema looks different than the usual normal skin. One thing for sure is that eczema is not conta­gious. The skin normally functions, being the largest organ of the body, as the body’s “armor” that protects the body from environ­mental damage, repels bacte­rial infections and helps regulate body temperature surges. The skin “confines” the water that the body needs to function well. Without our waterproof skin, all body fluids will just evaporate and the body becomes susceptible to all bacterial invasions, which will make the body sick. Can you imagine what UV rays can do to the body without the skin?
Skin with eczema manifests as dry and cracked. Because of these cracks, the skin loses a lot of water or moistures, which the body needs during the natu­ral healing process. The cracks on the skin are actually traumas, and the body senses that there is something wrong with that partic­ular area of the body. As the body naturally responds to traumas, the immune system sets of its “natu­ral healing actions” by releasing substances. These substances fight microorganism, which might have invaded the body through the cracks. When I say cracks, I don’t refer to just the large and obvious ones. Cracks could also be microscopic crevices or cuts on the skin. The substances re­leased by the immune system can cause redness or inflamma­tion and itching. The itching is what aggravates the condition of the eczematous skin because the automatic response to itching is scratching. Scratching gives relief and a glorious experience to a lot of people but the skin becomes more chapped, irritated and sev­ered. Itching can be so severe to cause irritability, stress, pain, and sleeplessness. Blood may ooze from the cuts and further infec­tions may occur.

The course of the eczema episodes is unpredictable. Symp­toms may come and go and re­appear as “flare ups’. The real causes of eczema are unknown but certain things are considered as “triggers” to the condition. Triggers or irritants may be sub­stances, which the skin comes in contact with like detergents, fragrances, abrasive clothing ma­terials (wool and synthetic fibers), dust and mites, and harsh chemi­cals. Overheating, low humidity and even excessive sweating can trigger flare-ups. Food allergies can also trigger and aggravate flare-ups as the symptoms of food allergies are quite similar to eczema. Eczema flare-ups and food allergies both cause itching of some sort and it is the scratch­ing response that makes it diffi­cult to prevent aggravations.

Eczema can affect adults and children. Childhood eczema is very frustrating and stressful for the whole family. The child may be fussy and irritable because of the itch that agonizes them day in and day out. Eczema severed by rubbing and over scratching creates disfigurement. This then poses social and emotional stress especially when the child experi­ences nasty teasing from other students because of the appear­ance of the skin.

There are ways to manage ec­zema. Adults and children alike can practice the following tips:

~ Use cool, light cotton bed-dings, loose cotton clothing and make sure you wash the linens often with hot water to reduce dust mites infestations. Remember to avoid harsh detergents, bleach, and fabric softeners. Rinse cloth­ing twice.
~ Keep the skin moist and well moisturized, even without the rash. Using thick creams can help create a barrier against wa­ter loss. Make sure the product doesn’t have any alcohol which dries the skin..
~ Avoid contacts with fur and feathers. Keep the room allergen and dust free as much as pos­sible. Having a hardwood floor can help.
~ Keep fingernails short and clean and use cotton gloves to prevent scratching during sleep.
~ Keep away from food that you are allergic to.
~ Bathe in tepid, NOT HOT, water for 5-10 mins. Use perfume free cleansers and moisturize the skin right after while the skin is still moist.
~ Cosmetic products can trig­ger flare-ups so be wise to check the ingredients before you use them.

I understand the dilemma that people with eczema have to deal with everyday or during flare-ups. My husband has an everyday bat­tle with eczema and my daughter, who suffers from occasional flare-up episodes, gets stressed each time she has it. There is a Canadian website which I discovered that supports individuals with eczema. Visit www.eczemacanada.ca and more treatment information, one of which is light therapy, and up­dates are available for everyone with eczema or for anyone who wants to help individuals with this condition. Remember that you are not alone

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