Eczema is a common skin disorder and approximately 10% of the world population does get it at some point in their lives. There is no particular place on the body where the eczema will appear and also there is no known reason for one getting an eczema attack. What happens when one gets eczema? A patch of the skin becomes red, starts to itch and if scratched too hard may start to bleed. In some cases small, fluid filled bumps may also develop. There are a number of types of eczema as skin specialists have done a lot of research on it and tried to categorize the types of eczema. Atopic eczema also known as atopic dermatitis is the most common. Dermatologists (skin doctors or skin specialists) don’t know what exactly causes atopic eczema but if one person in a family has it, there are chances that other family members may also have it. Atopic eczema can be caused due to a number of reasons; like an allergy to a fragrance, to sun exposure and a variety of other reasons. In some people a food allergy may be the trigger of eczema, like if one is allergic to eggs or seafood, etc. no one knows what all are they allergic too, and most people who feel that they are normal and healthy don’t get allergy tests done. So even at times the fragrance in a detergent or a change in one's soap can bring on an eczema attack.

Another common form of eczema is nummular eczema; it has two other names in the medical world which we won't discuss over here. What happens in nummular eczema is that small red dots started forming on the skin which then merge and form an angry looking red coin shaped patch. They burn and itch and one can spend endless time scratching this patch of skin. Again the cause of nummular eczema is not known therefore the medications prescribed for it are to provide relief to the itching and pain that occurs with nummular eczema. Most medications given for nummular eczema are topical medications and one is advised to follow the instructions given with the prescription. Nummular eczema may get confused with ringworm which is a fungal disease as the center of the eczema may dry out leaving a red ring around it. If one goes at this stage to a doctor do tell them the history of the spot so that they don’t mistake it for ringworm.

Eczema may occur in just one part of the skin or there can be several eczema patches that appear. Eczema with treatment does clear up but it may recur. As if one gets exposed to what caused the first breakout a second breakout becomes possible.

What one can do to minimize the chances of getting a recurring eczema attack is to isolate what caused it initially and avoid using that in future. If one is going through an eczema breakout then there are certain precautions that one can take. Like avoid wearing any clothes that are scratchy and can irritate the skin like wool. Start wearing loose fitting cotton clothes. Cut down on long baths and use lukewarm water. Use a moisturizer like petroleum jelly to sooth the area. Avoid sudden changes of temperature and keep your cool. Don’t get over exposed to strong sunlight. Also don’t forget to take your medication. In some cases if the eczema is severe the doctor may prescribe medicines to be taken orally. Also in some cases they may do an ultraviolet light treatment. But most importantly avoid getting stressed out and try to unwind and relax.

Eczema will clear in its own time so don’t try to rush it and once it clears the skin becomes normal again. Also don’t aggravate the eczema by scratching it.