Symptoms of Eczema

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Eczema can turn a simple daily routine into a constant challenge. Imagine your skin being so inflamed and itchy that everything feels uncomfortable. That is exactly what many people suffer from. Put simply, eczema is a skin disease which makes your skin red, itchy, & swollen. This can happen practically anywhere on your body.

Ayurveda considers eczema not merely a skin disorder but a sign of deeper imbalances inside the body. Understanding eczema through Ayurveda helps us see it as a symptom of something larger, and provides natural approaches to its treatment and management.

Early Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema may start with mild symptoms and progress to more serious signs. Recognising these early signs might help manage the condition. These are some of the early symptoms you might notice :

• Dry Skin: This can often be the very first indication of eczema. Your skin might be tight and rough, lacking moisture.
  Mild Itchiness: The itch might seem minor and less of an inconvenience initially, but it’s often persistent.
• Redness: You might see areas of skin becoming red or pink, particularly on lighter skin tones. In more dark skin tones, these areas might be brown, grey or purple.
• Small Bumps: They might appear anywhere on the body and contain fluid. They might burst if scratched.
• Flaky Skin: When it advances, the dry skin might flake off, particularly on the face, limbs or neck.

Early symptoms of eczema might be mild & intermittent, which means they come and go. These symptoms can become more intense and frequent if not properly cared for. With time, repeated scratching and irritation can lead to even worse symptoms, which includes thick, leathery skin patches and increased risk of disease as the skin barrier is broken.

Advanced Symptoms of Eczema

The signs and symptoms of Eczema become tougher to manage as it progresses. This is what you should expect as the condition develops:

Intense Itching: Early symptoms of eczema like mild itching might become painful and severe, resulting in frequent scratching.
Thickened Skin: Repeated scratching and rubbing can lead to thick, leathery skin, known as lichenification, which is much more resistant to treatment.
Weeping Sores: Advanced eczema causes fluid-filled sores that become infected if not properly cared for.
Widespread Rash: First rashes might be localised but could spread throughout the body as the condition gets worse.
Infections: Broken skin from scratching could become infected with bacteria or viruses & lead to fever, red streaks and pus-filled places.

Prolonged eczema may trigger other conditions like asthma and hay fever in kids. The compromised skin barrier also makes skin infections more common. Constant scratching and discomfort may disturb sleep, leading to poor concentration and stress.

When to Seek Ayurvedic Help?

If you're experiencing severe itching, widespread rashes or a skin which frequently weeps or bleeds, these are clear signs that it's time to seek Ayurvedic intervention. Ayurveda doesn't seek to alleviate symptoms only; it treats the root cause of eczema for long-lasting relief. If your skin problems persist despite standard care or your symptoms are worsening quickly, don’t wait.

In case you notice any of these symptoms, consult an Ayurvedic expert today for personalised advice & treatment options.