Co-published by: Acid Chemical Peel. Eczema is a term used for a set of health conditions that make the skin become inflamed or irritated.

The most common type of eczema known is called atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. What does atopic mean? Well, atopic refers to a group of diseases characterized by the genetic predisposition to develop allergic conditions such as hay fever or asthma. The conclusion would be that eczema causes are mainly genetic and thus transmited from parents to children. Although studies that you might come across while looking for information about eczema will tell you that eczema causes are not known, we can still discuss of a number of causes, mainly connected with the environments in which eczema patients live, and which influence the evolution of the condition significantly.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, the number of patiens with atopic eczema is growting presently affecting 9% to 30% of the U.S. population. Small children and infants are the most most exposed to atopical eczema. Without the necessity to go further into the investigation of eczema causes, many infants get rid of the problem by the time they turn one, yet, there are people who continue to experience recurrences throughout their entire lives.

Nevertheless, with appropriate treatment, the disease can be controlled in the most of the cases. The exact eczema causes are not known, but studies indicate that the problem results from an over-reaction of the immune system to some chemical irritant factor or to a bacterium that normally lives on our skin. Another of the eczema causes seems to be the coexistence in the vicinity of family members with a history of other allergies and asthma; eczema is commonly found in such families.

Among eczema causes, one that may also be considered in the case of patients who suffer flare-ups of this itchy rash, is the patients’ reaction to certain substances or conditions in the surrounding environments. Therefore, exposure to coarse or rough materials for some, feeling too cold or too hot in others’ cases, as well as the direct contact with pets, and chemicals in the household may cause an eczema outbreak. Besides all these, colds and upper respiratory infections could also be blamed for this disease. To make things even worse, that is to further strengthen the disease, we have another element to consider: stress. Even if the disease is not contagious, people who suffer from eczema may never get cured completely; treatments do keep it under control, but the problem could outburst after years of recession.

If you have sensitive skin, you should develop a sensitive skin care treatment that works for you and steer clear of triggers, ie wool and latex, excessive sun exposure, and in some cases, certain foods. People who are prone to blushing, sunburn, or itching usually have naturally fair skin, while those unable to tolerate certain materials are said to have sensitive skin. Of course it is possible to have both fair and sensitive skin, and certain people find that their skin related problems are brought on by food allergies or stress.

Natural skin care products containing herbal ingredients such as aloe vera and jojoba oil are generally recommended for people with very sensitive skin. It is also important to drink plenty of water and pay attention to food sensitivities that many trigger break outs. When shopping for natural skin care products, pay attention to labels that say things like non comedogenic, and all natural ingredients. Artificial ingredients can trigger skin flare ups, so it is important to be careful when choosing products.

The best skin care regimens consist of four important steps: cleansing, exfoliation, toning, and moisturizing. Choose gentle cleansing products and wash your face with lukewarm water and a soft twel to help your skin retain moisture. When it comes to exfoliation, again, it is important to choose gentle products that will not irritate your skin. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and smooth rough areas of the skin. Toners are designed to tighten skin and to help remove dirt and cleanser residue, and there are many available that are astringent free as well. Moisturizing products should contain sunscreen and should be applied one to three times a week, depending on the oiliness of your skin.

Sensitive skin care depends on the right skin care products, so make sure to pay close attention to ingredients and labels when choosing them. This is the best way to make sure that your skin stays healthy and radiant.