Lillian Reynolds & Britnee Johnson Eczema Lillian Reynolds & Britnee Johnson

Description: Eczema is a term for a group of medical conditions that causes the skin to become inflamed or irritated. (red, dry, bumpy, and itchy). affecting as many as 15 million Americans, Eczema often occurs in very young children. Ten percent to twenty percent of all infants have eczema, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, nearly half outgrow the condition or have significant improvement as they get older.

Scientific Description: Atopic dermatitis is the scientific name for eczema,The corneal layer of the skin contains a protein called filaggrin,. In some people with AD, there can be a partial or complete lack of filaggrin, These genetic mutations cause a lack of filaggrin in the corneal layer, which leads to a reduced ability to maintain the skin’s natural amount of water. Excess water loss can lead to dry skin, which then causes itchiness. The lack of filaggrin may also allow for the entry of airborne allergens to enter the skin, which could lead to an inflammatory response by the immune system.

Signs and Symptoms: Dry skin Itching, which may be severe, especially at night Red to brownish-gray patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in infants, the face and scalp Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched Thickened, cracked, scaly skin Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching

Causes: Healthy skin helps retain moisture and protects you from bacteria, irritants and allergens. Eczema is related to a gene variation that affects the skin's ability to provide this protection. This allows your skin to be affected by environmental factors, irritants and allergens.

Cure: There is no cure for eczema but there are treatments, and more are coming. Depending on the type of eczema and severity, treatments include lifestyle changes, over-the-counter remedies, prescription topical, oral and injectable medications, phototherapy and biologic drugs.

Prevention: Moisturize your skin at least twice a day. Creams, ointments and lotions seal in moisture. Try to identify and avoid triggers that worsen the condition. Things that can worsen the skin reaction include sweat, stress, obesity, soaps, detergents, dust and pollen. Reduce your exposure to your triggers. Infants and children may experience flares from eating certain foods, including eggs, milk, soy and wheat. Take shorter baths or showers. Limit your baths and showers to 10 to 15 minutes. And use warm, rather than hot, water. Take a bleach bath. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends considering a bleach bath to help prevent flares. A diluted-bleach bath decreases bacteria on the skin and related infections.Soak from the neck down or just the affected areas of skin for about 10 minutes. Do not submerge the head. Take a bleach bath no more than twice a week. Use only gentle soaps. Choose mild soaps. Deodorant soaps and antibacterial soaps can remove more natural oils and dry your skin. Dry yourself carefully. After bathing gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.

Worst case: when Eczema is left untreated. These can include: neurodermatitis, eye complications and skin infections. Eye complications and neurodermatitis can cause permanent damage to the body. This makes it essential to prevent them from occurring by seeking professional medical assistance for Eczema ASAP.

Facts Effects males and females equally (affects 3% of adults in U.S.) Eczema symptoms are different for everyone One way to help calm a eczema flare is to add bleach, vinegar, salt, oatmeal, and baking soda to your bath water.

Sources: “Eczema in Adults and Children | Cleveland Clinic & Cleveland Clinic Children's.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema. “Skin Conditions and Eczema.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/atopic-dermatitis-eczema#1. “Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Mar. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273. Downward, Emily. “How Does Atopic Dermatitis Affect the Skin and Body?” AtopicDermatitis.net, atopicdermatitis.net/skin-body-parts- affected/. “Eczema Treatment.” National Eczema Association, nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/. “What Is Eczema? Causes of and Treatments For Eczema - MDsave.” How Much Does an Open Cholecystectomy (Gall Bladder Removal) Cost Near Me? - MDsave, www.mdsave.com/diseases/eczema.