1. What is eczema?
2. What causes eczema?
3. What are the symptoms?
4. What is the treatment?

What is eczema? Eczema (Dermatitis) is a really broad term which involves the largest organ of the body - the skin. All sorts of inflammations of the skin fall under the general term eczema. It is most common in babies and under 3's and often begins to resolve by the time the child is four years old. There are other cases which start with the onset of puberty. It tends to run in families, and often a person suffering from eczema will suffer from asthma and other allergic conditions.

What causes eczema? Doctors don't know what causes eczema. It is often just a case of treating the symptoms of the disease without being able to address the actual cause. Doctors will tell parents of a child suffering from the illness that it will ease off with time. This gives little comfort and parents will usually seek alternative advice. Illiminating dairy from a child's diet can have positive effects. I believe that this is because dairy produce is pasturized and this renders it totally indigestible to people. Pasturization kills off the enzyme needed to digest lactose in milk. Constantly putting an undigestible substance into our bodies can only have a negative impact and babies drink more dairy than anybody else. Breast-fed babies are said to be less likely to suffer from the disease. Sometimes it can be the use of soap or too many baths that can cause a persons skin to dry out and become irritated. Frustrated parents find that treating and alleviating the condition can be a case of trial and error.

What are the symptoms? The symptoms of eczema range from dry cracked skin that itches constantly to skin that is bleeding or scabbed over sometimes even infected and oozing puss. Children who suffer from eczema can tear their skin to shreds with their nails while they are asleep and the scratches can bleed and become infected. This is very painful and a parent of a child who suffers from the condition knows all to well about nights awake while trying to comfort a screaming child who's skin is hurting. Adults too can scratch their eczema unknowingly while they are asleep and special gloves can be worn to prevent this happening. The scars and scabs left from the nails can be unsightly and during the summer months they can be a source of real embarrasment for the afflicted individual.

What is the treatment? Treatment for eczema ranges from topical applications to changing a persons diet and taking supplements. Emulsifying lotions and special soaps can help the condition. Bathing in oatmeal baths has been scientifically proven to soothe the skin and prevent itching. Using almond milk can help to heal skin that has been scratched and torn. Wearing cotton clothes that breathe is essential. If you or your child suffers from eczema it is important to know that there is help available. In the middle of the night when you or your child is suffering it is common to feel all alone. Staying on top of the condition rather than hoping to cure it completely is sometimes a better option. Get on top of it from all sides. Look at diet, lifestyle and find products that will give relief. Taking MSM sulphur has been shown to give great relief to sufferers as well as eating foods that contain natural oils, such as avocados, nuts, seeds and eating olive oil.