Is It Really Eczema?
Do you suffer from an itchy rash that doesn’t go away, or if it does, it returns? Eczema is a term that covers several different types of skin inflammations, and diagnosing your condition correctly is the first step in better dealing with it.
It has been estimated that a third of the population has had eczema at some time in their lives, often running in families and starting as a baby. How do you know if you have eczema? Eczema symptoms, and their severity, can vary considerably from one person to another. Commonly, the symptoms appear as dry patches of skin that are:
- Extremely itchy
- Red
- Inflamed (swollen)
- Painful
Determining If You Have Eczema
If you have any skin problem that doesn’t resolve easily, you should seek competent advice. The best way to diagnose eczema is for a doctor to examine the rash and ask you about your family and medical histories. You may be more at risk if others in your family have had eczema, or if you have a history of asthma or allergic reactions. Although there is no test for eczema, allergy testing can help isolate irritants that contribute to skin flare ups, such as pollen, laundry soap or skin cleansers, certain foods.
Managing the Condition
If it is confirmed that you have eczema, don’t be discouraged. Now that the condition has been identified, it can be managed so you can reduce your chances of flare ups.
