Eczema and dermatitis are common skin problems. Some people tend to shrug as a simple skin rash, however, if not treated properly they can both lead to more severe problems.

In this article we'll give you some helpful tips and take a closer look at the skin condition itself.

Dermatitis

The term "dermatitis" refers to a group of skin problems that cause inflammation. What these different types of inflammation have in common is an allergic reaction to a specific substance (allergen). The different types of dermatitis include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis and urticaria.

But, if you don't have a specific context then you can't be too sure which type of dermatitis it is and will generally refer to it as a rash.

Eczema

Eczema is a type of dermatitis, usually atopic dermatitis in children, which is commonly characterized by one or several of the following symptoms:

*redness

*skin dryness and itching

*skin edema (swelling)

Severe cases of eczema can present:

*oozing or bleeding

*flaking, crusting, blistering, or cracking

Mild forms of eczema will probably subside fairly quickly. However, when more severe forms of eczema can lead to breaking of the skin and subsequent infections. This is the main reason that it is important to deal with eczema promptly.

First of all you need to identify the triggers that set off eczema flare-ups. Everyone has a different trigger that can set off their eczema flare-up, however, the most common among these are contact with harsh ingredients and exposure to sunlight, heat, and wind.

Being able to identify your triggers and avoiding them is vital if you want to keep your eczema under control.

If you discover that you react negatively to cleaning agents then changing the brand you are using or avoid them all together. Avoiding scratchy clothing is much easier; simply do not buy clothes made from itchy material. Try purchasing clothing made with cottons and linens. Instead of wool, invest in cashmere garments.

If your flare-ups are caused by heat and humidity, try to avoid areas that have both. If you enjoy exercising then do so in open, well ventilated areas. And when taking a stroll outside, look for shady spots that will keep you out of the sun.

By sipping cool water during the summer or when you are in a hot room, you can help regulate your body's core temperature. This will make it less likely that you develop an eczema flare-up.

Changing your skin care routine can also help alleviate your eczema and help reduce the number of flare-ups. Natural skin care balms can offer a gentler treatment than traditional skin products which often contain fragrances, fillers and chemical ingredients that can aggravate your eczema.

Healing Balms & Eczema Flare-Ups

You should always look for products that are fragrance and alcohol free and steer clear of products containing cinnamon, menthol and ylang-ylang. A good dry skin lotion can also alleviate the dry skin that usually accompanies eczema.