Hi guys, firstly, I want to thank the Nairaland family for the lovely birthday wishes. I was honored.

And secondly for today, on our health and wellness digest, we are going be looking at one menace that steals the spotlight from us when we want to show off our beautiful skin...lol you know what I mean, especially the ladies. What is this menace? It is Eczema, eczema, and eczema.

Overview
The leading cause of eczema over time has not been known and scientists cannot point to a particular organism or condition that can lead to it. However, factors such as genetics, environmental conditions, and skin barrier functions are believed to have an impact on one's condition and immune system. There is no certain cure for eczema “Oh No!" don't feel sad because it can be managed.

*When a person's skin barrier is damaged or compromised, moisture escapes readily from the body and allows for the entry of external irritants that can set off the development of eczema on the skin.

*Certain environmental conditions like high and low humidity, hot and cold temperatures ( that lead to heat and dampness in the atmosphere), and traffic pollution. Allergens like pollen and dust are also triggers associated with environmental conditions.

*Based on Genetics, eczema can run in the family-for instance when a family member say a parent or sibling, even a relative has eczema, you can also develop eczema, trust me I am speaking from experience.

One can develop eczema mostly in childhood and at any stage of one's life. In managing eczema, you need to carefully study yourself to know the possible triggers that bring about the condition on your skin and employ the management strategies that best work for you.

What is Eczema?
According to eczemaheadquarters.com, Eczema (Atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system. It is characterized by dry, itchy, inflamed, red, or discolored skin on the affected areas of the body. There are other types of eczema besides atopic dermatitis. However, the most prevalent one is atopic dermatitis which can affect all skin types especially those with dry skin.

Which areas of the body does eczema occur? Although eczema can appear anywhere on the body, in adults it is usually seen on the neck, upper arms and back, elbow and knee creases, and back of the hands, feet, fingers, and toes. The skin around the eyes, including eyelids, may also be affected as reported by Aveeno.
The areas around the face such as the chin and side buds can also be affected.

What can cause eczema to appear on the skin?
Some common triggers include sweat, stress, pet fur, certain foods, fabrics like polyester and latex, ingredients in beauty products, and extreme weather conditions according to an article from the Eczema company.

Symptoms of Eczema
The symptoms of eczema can go from mild to severe and also vary from person to person.

1. Dry, Itchy, and Scaly or patchy Skin
2. Redness and or inflammation of affected areas
3. Sleep disturbances
4. Affected areas become quite sensitive to heat and sweat which can be discomforting
5. Swelling, crusting, or oozing out from affected areas.
6. In severe cases, the patches of dry, itchy skin may crack, bleed, or become infected.

How then can we manage eczema?
Since it is a known fact that there is no single process for curing eczema.
The following procedures can be employed in dealing with eczema

✓ Try to limit exposure to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mold, and certain foods (like milk, and milk products, eggs, wheat)
✓ Groom pets well and reduce their contact with household furnishes such as beds, rugs, sofas, etc)
✓ Wash new and fairly used clothing well before wearing.
✓ Avoid tight, nylon fabrics instead wear loose cotton clothes to reduce irritation of affected areas.
✓ When taking a bath use lukewarm water and don't exceed a maximum of 15 mins in the bath. Bathing with hot water can aggravate the cracks
✓ Regular use of emollients, bathing with bath oils, and oatmeal baths can help to retain the moisture content of the skin.
✓ According to National Eczema Association, natural products like coconut oil, and sunflower oil, can help to moisturize the affected area and also reduce bacteria and reduce inflammation.
√ De-stress by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.

Treatment
✓ Applying moisturizers and atopic creams to affected areas can help to reduce dryness and itchiness.
✓ Anti-inflammatory creams or drugs that can be applied or taken orally can help to reduce swelling, inflammation, and redness.
✓ 0ver-the-counter medications and prescribed medications such as moisturizers, lotions, ointments, and creams (corticosteroid creams such as hydrocortisone to relieve itching and inflammation
corticosteroid tablets), from a doctor/dermatologist is highly recommended

With this information, we know now that eczema is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin and immune system characterized by dry, itchy, inflamed, red, or discoloration of the affected areas of the body which can crack, bleed and become infected in severe cases.

It can be triggered by irritants such as soaps detergents, skincare products, allergens such as performs, dust mites, molds, etc. Genetics, skin barrier damage and environmental conditions such as extreme weather conditions can offset the development of eczema.
Applying moisturizers and other atopic creams can help to keep the skin moisturized. avoiding certain pollutants, fabrics, and foods that can also help to manage eczema.