The source or cause of eczema is unknown. While genetics and heredity may play a role, it is often related to various forms of dermatitis, which can be triggered by numerous things. Itchy, red, scaly skin often indicates an allergic reaction. Common triggers include pets, plants, laundry detergents, soaps and scented lotions, dust mites, foods (mainly dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy), and drug interactions or side-effects.

Eczema is not particularly hard to diagnose for a physician. It manifests itself anywhere on the body, and in children quite often in the joints (in the creases of the elbows or behind the knees). In adults eczema often appears in areas like the hands as they are constantly exposed to water or cleaning agents. It can appear as dryness, scaly skin, weeping bumps, and as various other forms. It is very important to have your skin diagnosed by your healthcare provider to determine an exact diagnosis.

There is no cure for eczema, but it is manageable. Delaying treatment, especially in children, can cause excessive itching to the point of bleeding and leading to skin infections. Most children will outgrow eczema by their early teens. Many children that suffer from eczema also suffer from hay fever, allergies, and asthma. It is very important to have your child diagnosed by your healthcare provider.

Eczema also known as atopic dermatitis is the chronic allergic skin disorder. The condition is a hypersensitivity reaction similar to an allergy, causing inflammation of the hands, scalp, face and back.

What Are the Symptoms?

No matter which part of the skin is affected, eczema is almost always itchy. Sometimes the itching will start before the rash appears, and most commonly occurs on the face, knees, hands, or feet, but may also affect other areas.

Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened, or scaly. In fair-skinned people, these areas may initially appear reddish and then turn brown. Among darker-skinned people, eczema can affect pigmentation, making the affected area lighter or darker.

In infants, the itchy rash can produce an oozing, crusting condition that occurs mainly on the face and scalp, but patches may appear anywhere.

What Causes Eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it's thought to be linked to an overactive response by the body's immune system to an irritant. It is this response that causes the symptoms of the disease. In addition, eczema is commonly found in families with a history of other allergies or asthma.

Some people may suffer "flare-ups" of the itchy rash in response to certain substances or conditions. For some, coming into contact with rough or coarse materials may cause the skin to become itchy. For others, feeling too hot or too cold, exposure to certain household products like soap or detergent, or coming into contact with animal dander may cause an outbreak. Upper respiratory infections or colds may also be triggers. Stress may cause the condition to worsen.

Although there is no cure for eczema, most people can effectively manage this condition with treatments and by avoiding irritants. Eczema is not contagious and can't be spread from person to person.

How Is It Diagnosed?

A pediatrician, dermatologist, or your primary care provider can make a diagnosis of eczema. Since many people with eczema also suffer from allergies, your doctor may perform allergy tests to determine possible irritants or triggers, especially among children.

How Do We Treat it?

The ZENMED® Dermcare System is your best chance of effectively treating this condition. It is clinically proven to be as effective as topical cortisone creams for many dermatological conditions including eczema, dermatitis, rashes and hives.

Soothing botanical extracts and natural therapeutic ingredients provide immediate relief for itching and help heal skin lesions quickly. The ZENMED® Dermcare System is formulated in a unique transdermal delivery system which promotes optimal absorption of nutrients into the deeper layers of the dermis where their healing and regenerative action takes place.

Key Ingredients:

Purified Water, Certified Organic Sunflower Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Cocoa Butter, Jojoba Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Octyl Palmitate, Beeswax, Borage Oil, Myrcia Oil, Colloidal Oatmeal, Certified Organic Aloe Vera Gel, Extracts of Echinacea, Goldenseal, Green Tea & Cucumber, Allantoin, Vitamin E, Rose Essence.

Cautions and Contraindication:

No side effects or contraindications. Non-irritant to the skin. Not to be taken internally. Not tested on animals.

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