Eczema is atopic dermatitis; it’s when your skin gets inflamed and itchy. Usually eczema occurs in children, but it can appear in adulthood. It tends to be chronic (long-lasting) and sometimes is accompanied by asthma or hay fever. Experts don’t really know how eczema starts or why except that it may have something to do with the immune system.

Eczema is treated with lotions to begin with. There are lotions that are sold over-the-counter which keep the dry and inflamed areas moisturized. Corticosteroid creams are also used and can be purchased over-the-counter but also may be prescribed in stronger doses. If these don’t help, there are oral corticosteroid medication that your doctor might prescribe. Antihistamines, ultraviolet light, and immune system suppressing medication may be prescribed as well.

From a holistic perspective, eczema may be caused by allergies, nutritional deficiencies, or toxins building up in the body and not detoxifying.

Some home remedies include using a mild soap, taking an oatmeal bath, witch hazel, sunlight, using a humidifier, cool, wet compresses, and various herbal pastes you can find here: http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/homeremedies_eczema.htm.

It may be impossible to prevent eczema, but you can reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups but keeping your skin moisturized, using mild soaps and detergents, wearing soft, cotton materials, reducing stress, not bathing every day, and dry your skin carefully, not harshly.