Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition where the skin becomes red and itchy. Eczema is common among children; however, it can occur at any age. The symptoms of eczema are long-lasting and can become chronic. It tends to flare periodically. In certain conditions, it can be accompanied by hay fever or asthma. There is no permanent cure for eczema. However, treatment and self-care help in the reduction of itching and prevent repeated outbreaks.

Causes
A healthier skin always helps in retaining moisture and protects you from bacteria, irritants, and allergens. Eczema is atopic and related to a gene variation. Thus, it affects your skin’s ability to provide this protection. Due to the reduced protection, your skin frequently gets affected by environmental factors, irritants, and allergens. Among children, food allergens often cause outbreaks. A family history of allergies, eczema, asthma, or hay fever, puts one at a high risk of developing eczema.

Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of eczema vary from person to person. Some of the commonly known symptoms of eczema include dry skin and itching. Sometimes such itching can be severe, especially during the night. It can also cause the appearance of red to brownish-gray patches – especially on the hands, feet, eyelids, neck, wrists, upper chest, and the bend of the knees and elbows. Among infants, such patches are found on their faces and scalp. One can also have small raised bumps. These bumps may leak fluid and crust when scratched. Further, patients may also experience thickened, cracked, scaly skin sensitive, and swollen skin from scratching.

Diagnosis
Blood or other tests are not required to diagnose eczema. Doctors or dermatologists can usually diagnose this condition through a physical examination of the skin, in addition to reviewing your medical history. Doctors may also likely use patch testing or other tests. Such tests help in ruling out other skin diseases or identify conditions that can accompany eczema.

Treatment
The symptoms of eczema can be persistent. Thus, it demands regular and strategic treatment for over several months to get desired results. Early diagnosis makes a considerable difference in the treatment process. Dermatologists usually suggest regular moisturizing and other self-care steps for its treatment. If this does not help, dermatologists may suggest additional treatments such as the following.

• Creams to control itching and repair eczema skin
• Various drugs, including antibiotics to fight infection
• Certain oral drugs to control and prevent inflammation

In addition, dermatologists may also suggest various long-term therapies. These therapies include wet dressing, light therapy, relaxation, and behavioral modification.

Natural remedies
A host of natural remedies and home treatments can help soothe dry, itching skin caused by eczema. One can rely on creams, natural products, and dietary and lifestyle changes to manage or prevent eczema flares. This helps, especially in the winter season when symptoms tend to aggravate. Various natural products, including aloe vera gel and coconut oil, can help moisturize soothe dry and broken skin. Further, both coconut oil and aloe vera gel help in combating inflammation and harmful bacteria, reducing swelling and preventing infection.

Preventive foods
Consumption of anti-inflammatory foods helps in reducing the symptoms of eczema. These include fatty fish such as salmon and herring that contains high omega-3 fatty acid. Even quercetin-rich foods like apples, blueberries, cherries, broccoli, spinach, and kale help on reducing inflammation. Foods containing probiotics also help. Eczema patients must avoid foods such as cow’s milk, eggs, soy products, gluten, nuts, and shellfish. They may not cause eczema directly but can worsen its symptoms.

Eczema can make life difficult, especially since there is no cure. Therefore, one must try their best to prevent flare-ups and take necessary preventive measures to manage its symptoms.