Eczema is a common skin condition characterized by a rash, itching, redness, and flaking of the skin. Dermatitis is an acute skin inflammation that occurs when the body comes into contact with an irritating substance (such as poison ivy). Eczema is a chronic form of dermatitis, or a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin.

Inflammation occurs when damaged cells release histamine and bradykinin into the surrounding fluids. This dilates capillary pores, allowing fluid and protein to enter tissue spaces. Tissues become swollen, red, hot, and painful. The skin becomes irritated in both eczema and dermatitis, resulting in red and itchy skin.

Eczema causes the skin to be repeatedly irritated and inflamed, causing the skin's upper layer (epidermis) to thicken as skin cells multiply rapidly. This results in a scaly appearance on the skin's surface. Oil glands become clogged, resulting in dry skin. Toxins become trapped under the skin as a result of the scaly skin, which inhibits elimination through the skin. This causes itching, which leads to scratching. Scratching tears the upper dermis layer, giving the skin a broken and cracked appearance.

Eczema is caused by the body's hypersensitivity to certain irritants, making it similar to allergic asthma, hayfever, and food allergies. These conditions are caused by a healthy immune system that has become overburdened with toxins. Simply put, the body is being bombarded with more irritants than it can handle.

This could explain why children are so prone to eczema. This condition, which affects about one in every eight young children, may affect nearly thirty percent of all newborn babies. It is most commonly found on the scalp or cheeks, but it can spread to other parts of the body, making children itchy and miserable. Although 75% of children will "outgrow" this condition by their mid-teens, we wonder if this isn't simply because their immune systems have become too weak to manifest it. Adults who had eczema as children will continue to have dry skin and occasional flare-ups of skin inflammation.

Diet can be extremely important. Avoiding foods that are incompatible with your blood type is a good place to start. Wheat, dairy, corn, orange juice, coffee, black tea, soda pop, and sugar are all common allergenic foods that can cause skin irritation.

Corticosteroid drugs, which mimic the anti-inflammatory action of the adrenal hormone cortisol, are frequently used to treat eczema. Eczema patients frequently experience adrenal exhaustion (with a corresponding deficiency in the production of cortisol). This helps to explain why there is so much inflammation and why eczema flares up under stress. The adrenals are depleted by stress.

Herbs that support adrenal function and have a cortisol-like action may be beneficial in addition to learning good stress management techniques. This effect is shared by licorice root and yucca. Licorice, on the other hand, should be avoided if you have weeping eczema. Other adrenal-boosting supplements, such as Adrenal Support and Energ-V, may also be beneficial. HistaBlock can also be beneficial because it inhibits the histamine reactions that cause inflammation.