Eczema is the commonest type of skin disease. Eczema is a disease in a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the epidermis. The inflammation is a reaction of the immune system to a complex series of factors. These include the genes you inherit and external elements such as the climate and the food you eat. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions. It is not dangerous, but most types cause red, swollen and itchy skin. Areas of temporary skin discoloration may appear and are sometimes due to healed lesions. Scratching open a healing lesion may result in scarring. Eczema may be confused with urticaria. In contrast to psoriasis, eczema is often likely to be found on the flexor aspect of joints.
There are many different forms of eczema; they can affect any age group, and their pattern and severity differs from individual to individual but usually appears during infancy. Although there is no known cause for the disease, it often affects people with a family history of allergies. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 15 million people in the United States have some form of eczema. About 10 percent to 20 percent of all infants have eczema. Eczema is often very itchy and when you scratch it, the skin becomes red and inflamed. Eczema affects adults and children, but it is most common in babies.

Types of eczema

Several types of eczema exist, and sometimes a person develops more than one type. Following is list of types of eczema:---

Atopic Eczema: a disorder in infants associated with dry skin, which begins with intense itching that is aggravated by scratching
Seborrhoeic Eczema: starts on the scalp as dandruff that can progress to redness, irritation and increased scaling.
Contact dermatitis: is a reaction to some type of skin irritant resulting in dryness or blistering occurs when the skin comes into contact with a substance like soaps, detergents.
Dyshidrotic dermatitis: Also called pompholyx or vesicular eczema, usually affects the hands and feet with small itchy bumps appear on the fingers.
Hand dermatitis: centralizes on hands as a result of an allergy to strong detergent, similar to atopic eczema.
Neurodermatitis: People who have psoriasis, allergic usually in women with itchy skin appears on the lower legs, ankles, back and sides of the neck, wrists, forearms, and genitals.
Nummular dermatitis: usually appears on the arms and legs with red, scaly, coin-shaped patches.
Occupational dermatitis: develops on the forearms and face of working class people having dry, red, swelling, scaly skin with cracks, blisters, and skin ulcers due to exposure to certain substances like chemicals and detergents.
Stasis dermatitis: appear as darkened skin, itching, sores, red bumps mostly in elders due to poor blood circulation in lower leg.

Cause and risk factors
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, and there is no known cure.
Eczema is a very complex condition and there is rarely one single cause for a person’s eczema. It is usually a combination of the inherited tendency and a trigger factor.
External trigger factors include house dust mites, contact with pets, climate, or the dyes in synthetic fibers. The other factors includes allergies, tobacco smoke, chemicals, grasses, pollens, pets, soaps, shampoos, washing powders and cosmetics. Stress, and occasionally diet can also have an effect.
An abnormal functioning of the immune system is believed to be an important factor. Parental smoking is associated with increased Atopic eczema. Infantile atopic eczema is a risk marker for future asthma. Scratching increases the chances of developing a superimposed infection because it produces breaks in the skin.
Sign and symptoms
The symptoms of eczema are related to the skin, as eczema is a skin condition.
 Here are some of the eczema skin symptoms that may signify someone is suffering from eczema: ---

• It includes dryness ,recurring skin rashes
• Itching and crusting
• Red, patchy or cracked skin
• Rough skin
•  Lesions which become infected.
• Skin edema (swelling)

In extreme conditions, the skin may blister, bleed and weep.
If you have any of the following symptoms and suspect you may be suffering from eczema, see a doctor for a formal diagnosis.

Dietary and nutritional factors
Fill your diet with healthy acids such as Omega-3; avoid saturated fats from your diet. Consume more fibers-rich food in your diet such as beans, spinach and celery. Certain foods can be a trigger for an eczema flare-up including cow's milk, eggs, and fish which increases the risk of Atopic eczema. Consuming one tablespoon of flaxseed oil a day is helpful in reducing the inflammation from eczema.
Organic healthy juice made of fresh fruits and vegetables is needed for healthy life. Cut out white flour from your as it reduces refined sugars.

Recommendations

• Add 2-3 teaspoon of turmeric powder to water and boil it at low flame. Remove it from heat and allow it cool a little. Wash the eczema affected area with this solution. You can also replace turmeric with margosa (neem) leaves.
• Prepare a paste of nutmeg (Jaiphal, a tree) in water and apply 2-3 times a day over the infected area. This paste is very effective in curing the various skin diseases.
• Evening primrose oil contains a high percentage of an omega-6 fatty acid known as GLA (or gamma linolenic acid). GLA has healing properties with regards to eczema breakouts, only two to four grams should be taken with meals.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, caffeine and fizzy sodas.
• Wash your hands only when necessary and use a mild soap such as Dove, Basis or Oil of Olay, especially if you have eczema on your hands. Dry your hands completely after you wash them.
•  Keep the house clean and dust-free. Regular cleaning and dusting of each corner of the house is necessary.
• Nuts are harmful to eczema, especially cashew nuts.

Neem can be the remedy for skin problems