Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema (the most common form of eczema). Atopic eczema mainly affects children, but it can continue into adulthood or start later in life. The word eczema comes from the Greek word ekzein meaning “to boil out”; the Greek word ek means “out”, while the Greek word zema means boiling.

Eczema is a chronic skin condition in which the skin becomes itchy, reddened, cracked and dry. Approximately 30% of all skin-related GP visits in Western Europe result in a diagnosis of atopic eczema. It affects both males and females equally, as well as people from different ethnic backgrounds. Most GPs (general practitioners, primary care physicians) in Western Europe, North America and Australia say the number of people diagnosed each year with eczema is has been rising in recent years.

Symptoms of Eczema


The symptoms of eczema are related to the skin, as eczema is a skin condition. Here are some of the eczema skin symptoms that may signify someone is suffering from eczema.

There is a rash
The skin is itchy
It may be dry, red, patchy or cracked
It may weep
The skin may feel rough
There may be lesions which become infected.

Causes of Eczema

There are two types of eczema. Atopic eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition. People with atopic eczema are sensitive to allergens in the environment which are harmless to others. In atopic eczema there is an excessive reaction by the immune system. This type of eczema can worsen after eating certain foods or after being exposed to other allergens such as pollen or dust. Atopic eczema can be a long-term condition. Contact dermatitis is the most common form of the condition and is often the result of an allergic reaction after touching something. This type of eczema can be caused by many irritants including feathers, metals, wool, plants and animal hair, soaps and detergents, bubble bath, cosmetics, fabric dyes, etc. It is important to remember many things can cause eczema.

Home Remedies for Eczema

Coconut oil can be applied to the portions with eczema. It helps the skin to remain soft. This is a good eczema remedy.

A light mudpack applied over the place of eczema is also very beneficial. Good home remedy for eczema.

Sunbathing is also beneficial as it kills the harmful bacteria.

Make a fine paste of 1 tsp camphor and 1-teaspoon sandalwood. Apply this paste on the affected eczema areas. This is very good and simple home remedy for eczema.

Water treatments have also been proved useful in eczema treatment like cold compress or cold wet fomentations. It can be applied twice daily depending on the severity of the problem.

Find powerful herbal remedies Natural Remedies for Eczema

Make a fine paste by adding 1 tbls of turmeric powder and 1 tbls of bitter neem leaves. Apply this paste to the affected areas. This eczema remedy is one of the effective home remedies for eczema.

Soaps, chemicals and other drying agents should be avoided.

Rub nutmeg against a smooth stone with a few drops of water. Make a smooth paste and apply. This is also good and one of the useful home remedies for eczema.

Application of spearmint leaf juice also reduces eczema.

Mash almond leaves in water and apply on the area, it will also help in the eczema treatment.