What is eczema - Can it be cured

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a very common condition which has been plaguing people of all ages for many years. There are numerous 'working level' definitions of eczema yet there seems to be a lack of agreement regarding the condition.

An example of one of these definitions is in the Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary - Eczema n. a common itchy skin disease characterised by reddening (erythema) and vesicle formation, which may lead to weeping and crusting. It is endogenous, or constitutional, i.e. outside agents do not play a primary role (compare dermatitis), but in some contexts the terms 'dermatitis' and 'eczema' are used interchangeably.

Dr. Harley Farmer offers a new definition at a higher level: Eczema is a state of confusion about red skin. He offers that definition as it helps people appreciate that it's fine to be confused over eczema, many of the experts are, so you can relax a little if you are too. There is so much written and so many different views about eczema that it's good to start with this clear definition.

If you are reading this website, it's possible that you are so tired of the misery of eczema that you are looking for new choices, a new hope. Dr Harley's short definition is the start to providing that new hope.

Why is eczema so common?

If the skin feels it is being challenged by the chemicals in skincare products being used, then it can only react with a skin rash. This inflammation is a tool used by the immune system to expel these chemicals and foreign materials from the body. If left alone to heal itself, the skin will return to normal. However, the further use of such products can progress the rash into eczema.

Eczema is so common because the use of such products is so common.

What triggers eczema?

The first step is often a patch of dry skin onto which an irritant is applied. The irritant can be something as simple as a moisturiser. To determine whether a product is an irritant, simply see whether the skin becomes red after a few days of the product being applied. As Dr. Harley likes to say, "if the skin does not like it, the skin does not like it".

Once that irritant cycle is established, other factors like allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, moulds and pet fur can advance the simple irritant reaction to asthma. That is what they call the Atopic March. Once the process has moved from being a simple irritant reaction in the skin to involving antibodies throughout the body it all becomes far more complicated.

For most people most of the time, eczema is triggered by irritant products being applied to dry skin.

Can eczema be cured?

We are certainly not allowed to say on this website that we can cure or end your eczema and nor would we want to. There are no creams or drugs that can make that claim either.

The simple truth is that the only way to end eczema is for the skin to heal itself!

How can I end my eczema?

You may be finding this annoyingly repetitive, but under UK law we are NOT ALLOWED to answer that on this website as a helpful answer would be construed by the authorities as a medical claim. Instead we would suggest asking a different question, one that we can answer.

How can I help my skin heal itself?

Simple, by taking a different view.

By using knowledge, psychology, well being coaching and support, EXeczema can help you to help your skin heal itself and end the misery of eczema.