The Preception of An Itch

There are no special itch sensors in the skin. It is normally agreed that itch and pain are elicited by unspecialised free nerve endings in the skin. However, recent research indicates that the actual transmission of the itch sensation is through a separate subset of dedicated nerve fibres.
The itch-transmitting nerve fibres enter the spinal cord where it links up with a relay nerve cell, which then carries the impulse to the thalamus and then to the brain. At this linking junction in the spinal cord, the nerve impulse may be dampened or amplified by inhibitory or excitory circuits related to local nerve cells or to nerve cells from higher up in the central nervous system.
Apart from peripheral stimulation of nerve endings causing itch, there is also the important concept of “central itch”, i.e. itching which is perceived to occur in the skin but which actually originates in the brain due to abnormal processing of sensory information.
Itch can be caused by peripheral stimulation in the skin by:
Physical factors like light touch, stroking and vibration.
Chemical factors like mild acids, mild alkalis and venoms (for example, from caterpillars and moths).
Special substances released by cells. The most important of these is histamine. Others include substance P, interleukins and prostaglandins. These mediators are important in the causation of itch in the majority of skin disorders.
Apart from peripheral stimulation, factors that affect the control mechanism for regulation and interpretation of itch impulses in the brain may cause itch. For instance, heat aggravates itch and the heat stimulus appears to act centrally. Parasitophobia (delusions of parasitic infections of the skin) is a well-known cause of psychogenic itch, which can result in widespread excoriations in the skin.
An itch can be trivial and scratching certainly can be pleasurable. However, in certain disease states, itching can be so severe that scratching brings no relief. In fact, severe itch can be a great distress, causing poor sleep, depression, agitation, difficultly in concentrating and reduced sexual desire and function. Some severely affected patients may even contemplate suicide.

Another Winter Eczema: Nummular Eczema

Nummular eczematous dermatitis (nummular eczema or nummular dermatitis) is a name given to a stubborn, itchy rash that forms coin-shaped patches on the skin (nummular means coin in Latin). The lesions as they get older may clear in the center or become scaly and then resemble fungus (ring worm) or psoriasis. The condition tends to be chronic, with periods when it gets much better or worse.

The cause is unknown. Only occasionally does this turn out to be a medication allergy, although this is often considered in the evaluation. It is more common in the winter.

Nummular eczema is frequently associated with dry skin. Wool, soaps and frequent bathing (more than once a day) often worsen the condition. People with eczema often have skin that is dry and easily irritated by soap, detergents, and rough clothing. Clothes washed or dried with liquid or sheet fabric softeners such as Kling, may also irritate the skin. Hot and cold weather often aggravates eczema. Certain allergies may worsen eczema, but they don't cause it. This is not the same condition as atopic eczema, a much more common skin problem that can be allergic.

Unfortunately, there is no cure. However, there are effective ways of controlling it. Very strong prescription strength cortisone ointments applied to the skin are the best medicines for controlling nummular eczema. When used for an extended period of time, or over large areas of the body, periodic dermatology exams are necessary. Strong cortisone ointments shouldn't be applied to the face, armpits, groin, or rectal area. When using cortisone ointments always remember to use just a little and massage it in well. In most cases, application once daily does as much good as using it more often. For stubborn scaly nummular eczema, coal tar can be added by the pharmacist into an ointment. Although this can be helpful, it smells and stains the clothing. The sites of nummular dermatitis are prone to infection ("Staph") and often a week or two of oral antibiotics are very helpful. Severe cases can be calmed down with internal treatments of oral or injected cortisone. Persistent itch outbreaks can be controlled with ultraviolet light treatments given in the dermatology office.In general, keep the skin lubricated. Apply oil such as Neutrogena body oil or Alpha-Keri oil to the skin at the end of ones shower. Vaseline is even more helpful if not too greasy. Do not take more than one bath or shower a day. Use lukewarm water, as hot water dries out the skin. When toweling dry pat, don't rub. Blot the skin so there is still some water left on the skin. Soap irritates and dries the skin, so keep it away from the eczema. When bathing limit the use of soap to the face, armpits, genital area, and feet. For soap, use Cetaphil, Oil of Olay, Dove or Basis. Avoid contact with wool or rough clothing. Cotton clothes (100%) are best. When laundering the clothes, use no fabric softener, Kling or dryer sheets. Wash the clothes using dye free, fragrance free detergents such as the "All free" detergent. It is possible to find a treatment routine that controls nummular eczema.

THE WINTER ECZEMA PICTURE

Many names have been used to describe this condition but perhaps this is the most descriptive term. Winter eczema only occurs in that season and is confined to people with a tendency for dry skin. Central heating giving a dry atmosphere, plus frequent, long, hot showers with liberal use of soap are the trigger factors in this condition. Winter eczema tends to become more common and more severe as we grow older and this tendency is probably due to older skin being less able to produce oil and retain moisture. In some elderly people winter eczema persists year round.
The first change seen in the skin is some mild flaking which is associated with itch. Soon redness, cracking and scaling appear. The commonest sites for winter eczema are the flanks and the lower limbs but any area can be affected.

The Eczema - Rosacea Picture

Nothing in the medical literature links rosacea and eczema. The two diseases may share some symptoms, but also have many differences. Rosacea is more common in fair-skinned individuals and nearly always affects the face only, causing redness, visible blood vessels, bumps and pimples and sometimes swelling of the nose from excess tissue. Eczema is more common in individuals with dry skin and can appear in various areas of the body, producing bumps and pimples, scales, crusts and scabs that can itch or burn.

The Eczema Medication and Treatment Picture

The following medications are most commonly used to treat eczema:
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine which is used to help decrease the amount of itching. These medications may cause drowsiness. Some new antihistamines are also available that do not cause drowsiness;
Topical steroid creams used to help to decrease the inflammation in the skin, thus decreasing the itching and swelling. Many topical steroids in various strengths are available. Steroids, if overused, are potentially damaging to the skin.
Other options include oral antibiotics;
oral cyclosporine designed to suppress the immune system;
phototherapy;
topical immunomodulators which are a new class of drugs for the treatment of eczema. These drugs are used topically to alter the immune response.

BEFORE AND AFTER ECZEMA TREATMENT PICTURES

In trying to evaluate the success of an eczema treatment, before and after eczema pictures can reveal amazing insight into the progression of your eczema and it'd healing process. Your eczema treatment pictures are living proof that you can recover from eczema and regain beautiful and healthy skin.

Your eczema treatment and recovery may involve home remedies, special diet, perscription creams and ointments and lifestylke changes.

In the clinical picture of eczema there can be more than one cause and more than one effective treatment.

Eczema Skin Care Tips

* Use light coloured loose, cotton clothes. Avoid using nylon, polyester and other synthetic materials.
* Avoid having hot water bath as it can dry the skin. Have bath twice a day, preferably with cold or warm water.
* Avoid sun exposure between 12 noon and 4 pm. Use sunscreens with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) more than 15 on exposed parts one hour before going out in the sun. Also use umbrella / caps for sun protection.
* Avoid oily cosmetics. Use talcum powder/prickly heat powder after bath.
* Drink at least 8 - 10 glasses of water a day and fluids like fresh fruit juices, buttermilk, and coconut water regularly to keep the skin hydrated.
* Consume at least three servings each of fruits and vegetables daily as they provide us with all vitamins and minerals.
* Consume 1 -2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds as they contain omega 3 fatty acids which are very helpful in maintaining a healthy and flawless skin.