12 Causes of Eczema and Possible Treatments are discussed in this article. This will guide you to avoid eczema or give yourself the proper treatment.

What is the Best Treatment for Eczema

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Eczema is a condition in which areas of the skin become extremely coarse and reddened, with wounds that cause itching and mild bleeding, sometimes, eczema emerges as a reaction to irritation or what is known as ‘eczematous dermatitis’.

At the initial stage, the part of the skin affected becomes reddened with little sores and fluids coming out of it from time to time.

There are various types of eczema in Nigeria and it includes but is not limited to; Fungal infections, Allergic contact eczema (Commonly called dermatitis), scabies, dyshidrotic eczema, dry skin eczema, Contact eczema, Neurodermatitis, Pompholyx, Nummular eczema, Lichen simplex chronicus, Xerotic (dry skin) eczema, Irritant dermatitis, Atopic dermatitis, etc.

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Eczema: Causes

Eczema is caused by a large number of things which include the foods consumed by the victim as well as some harsh conditions that some people expose themselves to regularly.

Below are some of the most common causes of eczema in Nigeria. The list of causes here is not exhaustive but they are narrowed to the causes of eczema:

1. Use of wrong soaps that may repel the skin
2. Use of detergents that are made out of unfriendly chemicals
3. Drinking juices from harsh fruits
4. Bites from dust mites e.g. Sandflies
5. Dandruff
6. The too-hot or cold atmosphere
7. Sweats from exercise left unattended to
8. Bacterias, for example, Staphylococcus aureus
9. Some kinds of fungi
10. Stress makes the condition of eczema worsened
11. When a woman’s hormones are high, especially during the periods of menstruation or the stage of pregnancy
12. Raising unhealthy pets that may act as a host to bacteria or viruses etc.

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Eczema: Signs

Oftentimes, eczema begins like a reaction to something that your skin is allergic to. And when it comes, it appears itchy and reddish. It makes the skin very dry.

Most people relate eczema to children because it is most common among them but an adult can also be diagnosed with eczema, especially the one who raises pets.

However, in adults and older children, eczema happens in the part of the skin where hairs do not grow such as behind the knees and on the inside of the elbows.

While for children, it could happen on the cheek or somewhere on their arms and legs. Sometimes it causes mild fever.

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Eczema: Treatments

1. In order to diagnose and treat the disease, a trained doctor will usually carry out one of the following tests; Blood test, allergy skin test, Buccal swab, skin biopsy, and patch testing amongst others.
2. After a person has been properly diagnosed with eczema, the doctor will then begin treatment with oral medications, steroid creams, or light therapy.
3. Stop scratching; resist the urge to scratch the affected areas in order not to leave scars on your skin.
4. The affected area should also be washed with disinfected water at least 3 to 4 times every day.
5. After washing, apply gentian violet to the affected areas or apply a lot of coconut oil to the affected area.
6. Expose affected areas to sunlight as much as possible.

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After treatment, be sure to make sure that you avoid contact with the bare floor, there should always be footwear in your legs every time you are supposed to step out. Contact with bacteria or fungus on the floor sponsors this disease to a large extent.