Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis, that skin disease which is difficult to treat and even more difficult to hide.  There are varying reasons that this disease occurs, including reactions to environmental allergens, stress, heat or even possible infections.  Many websites allude to it being a possible hereditary issue. There is also a myriad of treatment options for eczema, such as lotions, creams and corticosteroids.  It is important to see a doctor to see what options are available and will work best for your situation.  If you or a loved one is suffering from eczema and there are no other allergen issues I suggest locating a recommended dermatologist in your area.  If you are dealing with both allergen and eczema issues I suggest a recommended dermatologist and allergist.  Personally, we have found that to be difficult in our area as it seems to be that the allergists and dermatologists are in competition with one another for who is better, or more effective.  So, for us, having just an allergist has worked well for us and they are treating all our daughters’ issues; eczema, food and environmental allergens and asthma.

I have two daughters who suffer from this disease, one is more moderate while the other is moderate to severe depending on which season it is at the time.  In our case, we have not found any hereditary issues.  Neither my husband nor I have any problems with allergens, eczema or asthma.  My oldest daughter’s eczema cleared up on her face and some of the areas that are easier to hide by the time she was five.  During the winter, her tendency is to dry out with less rashes, but during the summer her arms, legs, feet or any area that has a bend or crease will be in full rash from the spring time through fall.  My youngest daughter, who is now seven, would be considered in the severe camp of eczema.  It is likely this is something that she will not outgrow and it will continue to be an issue in her life.  She cannot conceal her rashes, as they are on her hands, face, pretty much everywhere except her torso.  She is in full blown rash from spring until fall and is really dry throughout the winter.  With my daughters, they have the added issue of also having multiple food and environmental allergies so it is a constant battle to keep everything manageable for them.

If you or a loved one is suffering from this skin disease, I am sure you have heard the gamut of miracle creams, lotions or how a product cured someone they knew of this dreaded condition.  I have met so many individuals over the past decade that sincerely meant well in recommending a product because it worked well for my “insert relation”.   The truth is we have tried almost every product on the market that did not exacerbate the allergens that my girls have and had mixed results over the years.  This is not to say that the products are not good or ineffective.  They just were not consistently effective for us.  Maybe you have had the same experience.  I am truly happy that these individuals found something that will work for them and wish everyone good fortune in finding something that works for them.

This disease consumes enough of your time, effort, patience, sleep, money and a multitude of other resources you have.  Do what works best for you, consult your doctor and see if there is something that can improve your skin and body’s resistance to eczema.  Please refer to the reference page to obtain more information about eczema and a recommended products page for some of the things we have found to be beneficial, should you want to try something new.  Best of luck on this eczema/atopic dermatitis journey!