Defining Nummular Eczema

Nummular eczematous dermatitis is a name given to a stubborn, itchy rash that forms coin-shaped patches on the skin. The word nummular means coin in Latin, hence the name nummular eczema. The lesions as they get older may clear in the center or become scaly and then resemble ring worm or psoriasis. Nummualr eczema is generally found on the arms or legs but may also be found on the trunk or buttocks. Nummular eczema is most common in older people with very dry skin. The condition tends to be chronic, with periods when it gets much better or worse.

The Treatment of Eczema

It is important in the treatment of eczema to treat the cause of eczema and the aggravating factors in as many ways as possible. Those who modify their lifestyles, eating habits and reduce their level of stress often experience a much greater degree of eczema clearing through their chosen treatment.

The Effects of Pollen and Dust Mites on Eczema

Dust mites, fungus, and mould can irritate eczema. Try to keep the bedroom as free of these irritants as possible.
There are a number of products available to help manage these. Using special high-powered vacuums and allergen/dust proof covers for mattresses and pillows can control these microscopic creatures. Having hardwood floors and washing bedding frequently at high temperatures can also help.
Home care tips
• Dust frequently using a ‘cling’ mop or cloth
• Cover mattresses, box springs and pillows with allergen/dust proof covers
• Special, high-powered vacuums keep dust mites under control
• Hardwood floors are better than carpet
• If mould & mildew develop, try a dehumidifier
• Keep bedrooms cool

Makeup, Cleansers and Eczema

No make-up or facial cleanser is 100% safe to use on your skin if you have eczema. However, there are a number of products designed for sensitive skin that are hypoallergenic. There's a bit of trial and error to discovering which products are best for you. Ask your healthcare provider what they recommend, and you can talk to the people who work at the make-up counters. Always test a bit of the product before using it all over. Fragrances, preservatives and lanolin, ingredients commonly found in cosmetics, cause most skin problems.

More than 5,000 different fragrances are used in skin care products. Common sources include toilet water, perfume, cologne, bath powder, toilet paper, soap, shampoo and household products. Products labeled "unscented" may in fact contain a fragrance to mask other chemical odours. Look for products marked "fragrance-free" or "without perfume". Some fragrance reactions occur only when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Preservatives are used to prevent bacterial and fungal growths that can cause skin infections, and to protect products from oxygen and light damage. Cosmetics that contain water must include some type of preservative. People who react to one preservative will not necessarily react to others. Lanolin is used in cosmetics and skin care products as a conditioner. Some people develop swelling, itching and redness of the eyelids when using lanolin-based products around the eyes. Many products labeled "hypoallergenic," meaning "causing reduced allergy" contain lanolin.Select make-up carefully, since it remains in contact with the skin for a long time. Ideally, make-up should be hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic and nonacnegenic - meaning it produces few allergies and won't plug pores or cause acne. Look for cosmetics with sunscreen, to help prevent skin cancer and wrinkles.

Eyelids are the most sensitive skin area of the body and need to be treated with care. Eye cosmetics, including eye shadow, eye liner and mascara should be lighter coloured. Powdered eye shadows should have a matte-finish because they are less irritating. Generally water-soluble cosmetics will help reduce irritation often caused by the solvents required to remove waterproof eyeliner and mascara. Remember that other irritating and allergenic substances can be introduced to the eye area by the fingers. Eye cosmetics should never be shared and should be replaced every three to four months.

The Effect of Stress on Eczema

The effects of stress on the skin can be seen in itchy breakouts such as hives or rashes. Long term effectes on the skin can be seen in prolonged skin flares or episodes that are frustrating to control.
Stress is the body's reaction to a perceived threat. Adrenaline and hormones are released, and the central nervous system is activated, sharpening our senses, but simultaneously our pulse rises, our muscles tense and our immune system begins to shut down. Those that can not relieve stress as needed may experience fatigue, upset stomach, and frequent headaches. Long term stress can contribute to family breakdown, job fatigue, with resulting long term health problems such as depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, and eczema.

When you have stress at home and at work, it can be very upsetting. Can you treat stress? You certainly can by changing your situation, your attitude toward people and things (we can learn to be positive), taking the personal time out to have fun and friendship (a good social network of friends at work, neighbors, and relatives are most important for support), by meditating and praying, staying physically fit, and by seeking outside help if needed. Consider "quality" of time on the earth and not just the "quantity" of years to live on the earth, however, both can be more interesting!

Reduce stress in your life. Allow as much time for tasks as possible to avoid time-pressured periods. Remind yourself that your job is not your entire life. Take a break for lunch every day. Leave your desk and take a walk; write a personal letter; plan a vacation. "Sound off" with a trusted friend or colleague who understands your situation and will keep your confidence.

Be realistic about what you can reasonably accomplish given your time, resources and job environment. Set priorities and partialize your tasks/problems. Delegate responsibilities and be willing to ask and let others take charge. Talk with your manager about your concerns and offer suggestions about ways to alleviate pressures. Consider getting professional help if stress is affecting your daily functioning. If all else fails, consider seeking vocational counseling, job training and/or a new position. Take a vacation; drive home a different way; get away for a weekend, but don't take work with you. Think of funny incidents; tell a joke; remember the face of someone who brings you joy. Avoid multitasking as much as possible by laying down the beeper, remote controls, and your cell phones, pagers, and enjoy your family and friends. Being a perfectionist isn't the answer; it only adds stress. Sleep seven hours or more per night so you can be alert during the day without a stimulant.

The frantic pace of today's family can sometimes make it hard for children to relax as well as the eczema or psoriasis sufferer...especially when it's time to get the rest they need. If the children in your life and the eczema or psoriasis sufferer are in need of some relaxing wind-down time, you might try some of these simple principles:
When scheduling permits, create a special slow and peaceful day for just you and your entire family.
Eliminate caffeine, colas, and especially diet soft drinks containing aspartame or nutrasweet, chocolates and cocoa of which contain caffeine that makes us all hyper jittery and keeps us all awake as stimulants do.

Turn off the television, violent programming that can be stressful or stimulating to children and even adults. Cuddling up with your child and family members and reading their favorite book is a much more relaxing way to relax and enjoy a relationship than the tube.
Schedule a wind-down time for the entire family. And an hour before bedtime for all is not a time for wrestling or games that gear children and the family up when it is time to slow down. Likewise, with the other adult family members, it is not a good time to talk about controversial matters that need a special time scheduled for a Saturday afternoon, or some other possible slow time for controversial matters in the family. Make the bedtime a bedtime for "all" of those in the family.

Listen to quiet music or sing special songs. Children respond to the mood of the music so you can choose the mood needed for bedtime for all that will be relaxing and not stimulating to anyone.
Dim the lights to create a quiet mood.

Sit or lie down with your children. Most children find this very comforting and you will most likely also. It lets your child or children know that rest time isn't just for 'babies' but for their stressed eczema or psoriasis-suffering parents.

Interesting Statistics on Eczema

Eczema sufferers consider stress to be the main reason for their flare-ups. "Of the 66 responses from participants who said that a life event had made their atopic eczema worse, 64 per cent cited increased stress as a reason," stated Professor Marks.
"The weather, hormones, treatments, holidays and illness were other reasons voiced by participants for the deterioration of their skin disease."
Eczema also has a negative impact on the daily lives of sufferers, and those with more severe disease experience further problems. For example, 45 per cent said their skin felt itchy, sore, painful and stinging, while 36 per cent spent more than 10 minutes applying daily treatments. Another 28 per cent said that their eczema influenced the clothes they wore, while 21 per cent said their skin disease was a source of embarrassment or made them feel self-conscious.
More than half of the participants considered Spring to be the worst season for their eczema due to the time spent (often more than 20 minutes) applying daily treatments.
Among the study participants, two in three had both a personal and family history of an atopic disorder - asthma and hayfever. Almost half were suffering from moderate eczema, while one in four had a severe form of the skin disease. At an average age of 36, the study participants were recruited from urban and rural Victorian Australian areas between January 1999 to February 2000 and monitored for one year by the research team.

The Facts on Eczema Craquele

ECZEMA CRAQUELE which is also known as asteatotic eczema occurs in older people who have thinner and dryer skin. Large dry scales may form on the skin giving a "crazy-paving" appearance to the skin. It is extremely common in communities of elderly people and may be triggered by soap remaining on the skin after a bed bath. Using a good moisturizing routine and switching from soap to a cleansing bar for dry sensitive skin (such as Cetaphil “moisturizing gentle cleansing bar or Dove) can alleviate it. Steroid creams are generally best avoided because the underlying skin is already very thin and delicate.
Fair-skinned, sensitive or elderly people who bathe a lot in hot showers or tubs can develop an asteatotic eczema that can be extremely intractable. Remembering that the skin's pH is acidic, around 5.0, and all water is slightly alkaline, especially if there are many calcium and magnesium salts in it, it is easy to see how this happens. Cessation of bathing and showering for a while may be necessary to clear the skin of these unfortunate patients. An alkaline skin is increasingly susceptible to the irritant effects of water alone, and the hyper-irritability of the skin can be prolonged; it takes 3 months for a fracture to heal, similarly with the skin. The skin must be put at rest and allowed lubrication for that length of time before it recovers.

What is Eczema Herpeticum

Eczema Herpeticum occurs as a result of the eczema being infected with the herpes simplex virus, the virus that produces cold sores. It is important to avoid skin contact with anyone who has cold sores.
Normally, herpes simplex will be confined to cold sores around the mouth and is a routine condition. However, in a person with eczema the virus can appear anywhere on the skin. In rare cases, it can prove fatal.
Eczema herpeticum appears in small clusters and looks like blisters or ulcers. These are initially filled with a clear fluid but this turns to pus. The blisters are scratched and become raw and weepy.
If your eczema becomes worse for no apparent reason or you see blisters on the surface, medical advice is required. With eczema herpeticum the sufferer may have a high temperature and feel very ill. Be sure to explain all your symptoms to your doctor because this is not a straightforward condition to diagnose.
With Eczema herpeticum hospital treatment may be required. This type of infected eczema is usually treated with an anti-viral drug acyclovir, which is given by injection, by mouth or as an ointment.

Dermatitis-Ltd: Effective in the Treatment of Eczema

Dermatitis-Ltd with the healing ingredients of zinc and sulfur will improve the appearence of eczema. Overall, 98% of Dermatitis-Ltd III users confirm that they have found noticeable improvement in the condition and appearence of their skin.