Eczema and dermatitis are common skin problems. Some people may shrug it off as a simple skin rash, however, they can both lead to more serious problems if left untreated.

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

Dermatitis

The term "dermatitis" the name given to a group of skin problems that cause inflammation. What these different types of inflammation all have in common is that they show an allergic reaction to a specific 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, which may usually be atopic dermatitis in children, and that is commonly characterized by one or several of the following:

*redness

*skin dryness and itching

*skin edema (swelling)

Severe cases of eczema can present:

*bleeding or oozing

*flaking, crusting, blistering, or cracking

Mild forms of eczema will usually subside rather quickly, nevertheless, more severe forms of eczema can actually lead to breaking of the skin and subsequent infections. This is why it is so important that you 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 react negatively to cleaning agents such as detergents and soaps, try using natural cleansers or switching the brand. 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, then you should avoid visiting areas where the climate is both humid and hot. Stay in shady areas and away from open flames. When you exercise, do so in an open, well ventilated area.

During the summer you should sip cool water to help control your body's core temperature. This will help decrease your chances of having eczema flare-ups.

You can also help alleviate your eczema and reduce the number of flare-ups by changing your skin care routine. Natural skin care balms can give you a gentler treatment than can traditional skin care products. Traditional skin care products usually 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 great dry skin lotion will also help alleviate the dry skin that usually accompanies eczema.