Eczema is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. Eczema is an allergic, inflammatory and irritating skin condition which causes dryness and recurring rashes on the skin. Some of the common symptoms of eczema are redness, skin edema, itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. Based on these symptoms, eczema can divided into three main types – acute, sub-acute and chronic.
Its symptoms include itching, redness, dryness and flakiness of the skin. The most common affected regions are the hands, wrists, arms, neck, face, upper chest and back of the knees.

What are the causes of eczema?
Doctors do not know the exact cause of eczema, but a defect of the skin that impairs its function as a barrier, possibly combined with an abnormal function of the immune system, are believed to be an important factors. Some forms of eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin, such as soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelry, or sweat. Environmental allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions) may also cause outbreaks of eczema. Changes in temperature or humidity, or even psychological stress, can lead to outbreaks of eczema in some people.

How Eczema can be treated ?
- Apply coconut oil on the affected area.
- Mudpack when applied in the affected area is also helpful in treating eczema.
- Carrot juice and spinach juice in combination is highly beneficial for eczema.
- Tomato juice is regarded as an effective medicine which clears up the eczema in a matter of days.
- Another effective remedy would be making a paste using 1 tablespoon each of turmeric powder and bitter neem leaves. Apply this paste to the affected areas.
- Eczema can also be treated using water. Cold compress or cold wet fomentation when applied two times a day is found beneficial in treating eczema.
- Take an iron vessel and boil 200 grams of mustard oil in it. Add 50 grams of fresh clean leaves of neem in it. Once the leaves turn black, let it cool and then strain it. Apply this oil 4 times a day to cure eczema.
- Mashed papaya seeds when applied on the eczema affected area reduce itching and help a person suffering from eczema.
- Sun bathing is also helpful in curing eczema. It kills the harmful bacteria and thus treating the inflammation caused.

Dietary Treatments for Eczema :
- Soybean products, eggs, nuts, wheat and maize should be avoided, though food allergies may vary from person to person.
- Sour foods like pickles, curds, etc. must be avoided.
- Salt must be reduced in the diet.