Eczema : 

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a common skin complaint characterized by inflamed skin with rough, red, itchy rash. The rash may be dry and have cracks without any eruptions. In other cases, eruptions may arise in the form of papules, vesicles or pustules, or skin peels. Papules refer to eruptions (bumps on the skin) of less than 1 cm without any fluid; vesicles are fluid-filled eruptions; pustules refer to pus-filled eruptions. These eruptions later lead to thickening of the skin. Itching, with mild or severe intensity, may be felt. Upon scratching, the skin may bleed. Eczema may cover a small area or maybe widespread all over the body.

Symptoms :

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) symptoms can appear anywhere on the body and vary widely from person to person. They may include:

• Dry, cracked skin
• Itchiness (pruritus)
• Rash on swollen skin that varies in color depending on your skin color
• Small, raised bumps, on brown or Black skin
• Oozing and crusting
• Thickened skin
• Darkening of the skin around the eyes
• Raw, sensitive skin from scratching

Atopic dermatitis often begins before age 5 and may continue into the teen and adult years. For some people, it flares and then clears up for a time, even for several years.

Causes :

In some people, atopic dermatitis is related to a gene variation that affects the skin's ability to provide protection. With a weak barrier function, the skin is less able to retain moisture and protect against bacteria, irritants, allergens and environmental factors — such as tobacco smoke.

In other people, atopic dermatitis is caused by too much of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus on the skin. This displaces helpful bacteria and disrupts the skin's barrier function.

A weak skin barrier function might also trigger an immune system response that causes the inflamed skin and other symptoms.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is one of several types of dermatitis. Other common types are contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). Dermatitis isn't contagious.

Risk factors :

The main risk factor for atopic dermatitis is having had eczema, allergies, hay fever or asthma in the past. Having family members with these conditions also increases your risk. 

Prevention:

Developing a basic skin care routine may help prevent eczema flares. The following tips may help reduce the drying effects of bathing:

• Moisturize your skin at least twice a day. Creams, ointments, shea butter and lotions seal in moisture. Choose a product or products that work well for you. Ideally, the best one for you will be safe, effective, affordable and unscented.
• Using petroleum jelly on your baby's skin may help prevent development of atopic dermatitis.
• Take a daily bath or shower. Use warm, rather than hot, water and limit your bath or shower to about 10 minutes.
• Use a gentle, nonsoap cleanser. Choose a cleanser that's free of dyes, alcohols and fragrance. For young children, you usually need only warm water to get them clean — no soap or bubble bath needed. Soap can be especially irritating to the skin of young children. For people of any age, deodorant soaps and antibacterial soaps can remove too much of the skin's natural oils and dry the skin. Don't scrub the skin with a washcloth or loofah.
• Pat dry. After bathing, gently pat the skin with a soft towel. Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp (within three minutes).

Common triggers for atopic dermatitis include:

• Rough wool fabric
• Dry skin
• Skin infection
• Heat and sweat
• Stress
• Cleaning products
• Dust mites and pet dander
• Mold
• Pollen
• Smoke from tobacco
• Cold and dry air
• Fragrances
• Other irritating chemicals

Infants and children may have flares triggered by eating certain foods, such as eggs and cow's milk. Talk with your child's health care provider about identifying potential food allergies.

Homeopathy for  Eczema:

Homeopathy is by far the safest and more or less a permanent solution for skin allergies like eczema. It helps in relieving you of the irritation and swelling by aiming to treat the excess histamine release, which is the root cause of the disease. It follows the unique mind and body concept and aims to address the triggers within the body that cause the disease.  

There are many homeopathic remedies that act efficiently in treating varied cases of eczema. The remedies have been proven to correct the deranged immunity which is the basic cause of the disease. Homeopathic remedies, such as Natrum muriaticum, Silicea, Sulphur, and Thuja, are generally thought of for eczema. Other medicines, such as Mezereum, Borax, and Astacus fluviatilis, are recommended for eczema on the scalp. Graphites and nitric acid are exclusive remedies recommended for eczema on the hands and palms.