What Does Eczema Look Like and What Home Remedies Are Effective?

For anyone who has ever wondered what does eczema look like, what are its symptoms and if there is an eczema cure, it should be noted that this skin disorder is completely treatable. Natural cures and home remedies can help ease the symptoms of eczema and should be considered as a safe alternative to prescription medications. Understanding what eczema is and what causes it is the first step in understanding how home cures for this condition work.

Eczema, also called dermatitis, is an inflammation of the skin that presents itself in many different forms. It most commonly affects infants and toddlers under three years old, although others who are affected with it longer tend to suffer from recurring bouts of eczema throughout their lifetime.

Eczema tends to surface in people from families with a history of eczema, hay fever, asthma or other allergic conditions. Sometimes outbreaks will be very brief and disappear on their own after a few hours or a couple of days. Eczema skin symptoms that last longer and occur more frequently are identified as chronic dermatitis. In some people it is activated by contact with different substances and, therefore, a precise answer for what causes eczema is not yet understood. The following, however, are known triggers for eczema skin symptoms:

• Stress
• A buildup of toxins in the internal organs, including the skin
• Environmental allergens
• Certain soaps and detergents
• Certain cosmetics
• Irritating fibers
• Sweat
• Jewelry
• Weather changes

First time parents who recognize a rash on their child will often wonder what does eczema look like. It is important to seek medical attention to confirm a diagnosis, but the following are a brief list of eczema skin symptoms:

• Extremely dry red and sometimes scaly skin
• Itching or burning skin
• Oozing skin lesions
• Skin blisters

A rarer form of eczema is referred to as dyshidrotic eczema affects the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and the sides of the toes and the fingers. This form is likely caused by sweat, with the word dyshidrotic literally defined as "bad sweating". Those wondering what does eczema look like will note that dyshidrotic eczema appears as small opaque looking bumps, itchy skin that thickens and cracks, and generally increases in discomfort at night.

Folk remedies for eczema have been used for years to treat the condition naturally and without side effects. A few of the best recommended home remedies for eczema are as follows:

• Oatmeal baths

• Avoid wearing wool or polyester and opt for cotton fabrics, instead

• Avoid situations that cause overheating and excessive sweat

• Avoid the use of scented soaps and harsh detergents

• Avoid foods with a high nickel content, such as nuts, apricots, coffee, chocolate and beer

• Avoid antiperspirants that contain aluminum and metallic salts

• Document and avoid foods that appear to trigger eczema skin symptoms

• Avoid metal jewelry that appears to irritate the skin

• Soak a cloth with chickweed tea and apply to skin for soothing relief

• Apply cold compresses soaked in milk or water for relief of eczema skin symptoms

• Beware of orange juice, eggs and dairy products that may trigger eczema outbreaks

• Keep skin thoroughly moisturized (jojoba oil is widely recommended as an herbal topical eczema cure)

• Cleanse the colon and kidney from all toxins

• Drink burdock tea