Eczema

Eczema

Eczema is a skin disorder that causes dryness, itching, and bumps. It deteriorates the functioning of the skin’s barrier, which helps preserve moisture and guards the body from external elements.

Eczema falls under the category of dermatitis, a group of illnesses characterized by skin inflammation.

Types of eczema

There are various kinds of eczema, and each type has particular triggers that are likely to compromise the function of your skin’s barrier. They include:

  • Atopic dermatitis.
  • Contact dermatitis.
  • Dyshidrotic eczema.
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  • Nummular eczema.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis.

It is also possible to experience more than one form of eczema simultaneously.

Who is likely to be affected by eczema?

Anyone at any age can get eczema. The symptoms typically start in childhood and persist until maturity. Certain factors likely to increase the risk of developing eczema include a family history or personal diagnosis of dermatitis, allergies, asthma, and hay fever.

What triggers eczema onset?

Dry skin, itching, and a rash are the initial symptoms of eczema. These symptoms suggest that your problems began or worsened because of an environmental trigger that you encountered. However, you can lower your chance of experiencing another flare-up of your eczema by recognizing and avoiding environmental triggers.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Common eczema symptoms may include:

  • Itchy skin
  • Dry skin
  • Skin rash
  • Swelling
  • Flaky, scaly, or crusty skin
  • Small bumps on the skin
  • Thick, leathery skin patches

What does an eczema rash look like?

The appearance of eczema can vary from one person to another. The rash might be gray, brown, or purple if you have dark skin. For those with a lighter skin tone, it may appear red, pink, or purple.

Where do eczema symptoms appear?

Eczema symptoms can develop anywhere on the skin. However, the most common areas include:

  • Neck
  • Hands
  • Ankles
  • Elbows
  • Feet
  • Knees
  • Lips
  • Face, mainly on the cheeks
  • In and around the ears

Eczema may as well occur in less common locations, such as:

  • Breasts
  • Nipples
  • Vulva (folds of skin near the vagina)
  • Penis

Causes

Factors likely to contribute to eczema involve:

  • Immune system: In people with eczema, the immune system overreacts to minor allergens (triggers) or irritants within the surroundings. When exposed to a trigger, the immune system mistakes it for a harmful invader, such as bacteria or virus, and activates the body’s defense mechanism. This response leads to inflammation, which causes eczema symptoms to appear on the skin.
  • Genetics: Eczema is more likely to occur if you have a family history of eczema, dermatitis, asthma, hay fever, or allergies. Common allergens include foods that cause an allergic reaction, pollen, and pet hair. You may also carry a genetic mutation that weakens the skin’s natural barrier, making it less effective.
  • Environmental factors: Certain environmental elements can irritate the skin and trigger eczema. Common examples are air pollution, smoke, harsh soaps, wool fabrics, and certain skincare products. Dry air or low humidity might also make your skin dry and itch, while heat and high humidity can lead to sweating, making itching worse.
  • Emotional triggers: Mental health can sometimes affect the skin and result in eczema symptoms flare-up. Increased levels of anxiety, stress, or depression may trigger more frequent episodes.

Common eczema flare-up triggers

Eczema triggers vary from person to person, meaning what causes a flare-up for one individual may not affect another. Common triggers include:

  • Dry weather or low humidity
  • Fabrics or clothing materials
  • Makeup or skin care products
  • Smoke and pollutants.
  • Soaps and detergents
  • Stress and emotional well-being
  • Contact with allergens

Foods triggering eczema

The relationship between food allergies and eczema isn’t fully understood. However, if you have a food allergy, eating that food can lead to or worsen eczema symptoms. Common food allergens include:

  • Eggs
  • Peanuts
  • Dairy

It’s important to monitor what you eat. If your eczema worsens after consuming a specific food, it may indicate an allergy. For individuals without food allergies, there are no specific foods that will cause or aggravate eczema.

Diagnosis and Tests

A physician or dermatologist (skin conditions specialist) diagnoses eczema through a physical examination, which involves closely inspecting your skin. Although eczema is often diagnosed during childhood since it’s common in children, it can be detected at any age when symptoms appear.

Because eczema symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, additional tests may be recommended to rule out other issues and confirm the diagnosis. These tests may include:

  • Allergy tests
  • Blood tests. Helps detect underlying causes of the rash unrelated to dermatitis.
  • Skin biopsy. Done to differentiate eczema from other types of dermatitis or skin conditions.

Management and Treatment

Eczema treatment varies based on the cause of symptoms flare-ups. Common options include:

  • Moisturizers: For dry skin, use gentle or sensitive skin moisturizers regularly. This is mostly recommended after bathing or showering when your skin is still damp.
  • Topical medications: Apply topical steroids or other prescribed creams as directed by your provider.
  • Oral medications: Take antihistamines, corticosteroids, or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce itching and swelling.
  • Immunosuppressants: These help regulate your immune system to minimize symptoms.
  • Light therapy: Helps improve skin’s appearance and reduce blemishes.
  • Avoidance: Identify and avoid triggers that worsen your eczema symptoms.

Treating childhood eczema

Managing eczema in children involves steps such as:

  • Giving short, warm baths rather than long, hot baths to prevent dryness.
  • Moisturizing frequently, especially for infants—apply moisturizer during every diaper change.
  • Maintaining a consistent room temperature to avoid drying out their skin.
  • Dressing your child in cotton clothing and avoid irritating fabrics like silk, wool, or polyester.
  • Using unscented, sensitive-skin laundry detergents.
  • Discouraging your child from scratching or rubbing their skin.

Managing eczema symptoms

If the reason, such as genetics, is beyond your control, treating and managing eczema can be challenging. Thankfully, you might have some control over your surroundings as well as stress levels. Try to identify the things that cause or exacerbate your eczema, then stay away from them. The aim is to reduce discomfort and itching while avoiding infection and flare-ups.

Complications of Eczema

Eczema can lead to complications if not properly managed. These complications may include:

  • Weeping eczema: This occurs when fluid-filled blisters develop on the skin.
  • Infected eczema: An infection arises when bacteria, fungi, or viruses penetrate the skin.

Symptoms that may point to complications are:

  • Fever and chills.
  • Clear to yellow fluid leakage from blisters on the skin.
  • Discomfort and swelling.

Prevention

To avoid flare-ups and outbreaks of eczema, consider the following strategies:

  • Keeping your skin hydrated by applying moisturizer often, especially after a bath or shower, to lock in moisture.
  • Using warm (not hot) water for bathing or showering.
  • Drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily to maintain skin hydration. Water ensures the skin remains moist at all times.
  • Wearing loose-fitting outfits made from cotton or natural materials. Do not wear wool and synthetic fabrics that can irritate your skin. Also, wash new clothes before wearing them.
  • Opting for a humidifier, especially if dry air causes skin dryness.
  • Managing stress and emotional triggers, as well as visiting a therapist or psychiatrist for support if emotional health affects your skin.
  • Avoiding known irritants and allergens.

Living with Eczema

Caring for oneself

Managing eczema can be challenging, but with proper care, you can reduce its impact on your life. Eczema symptoms may come and go, with periods of “remission” when symptoms disappear and “flare-ups” when they worsen. Therefore, to manage eczema effectively, moisturize often, avoid triggers, take medication, and adhere to the given instructions.

When to consult a physician

Consult your physician or dermatologist if:

  • You develop eczema symptoms.
  • Your symptoms worsen despite treatment.
  • Your symptoms persist and don’t improve after a few weeks of treatment.
  • You develop an infection, experience severe discomfort, or have a fever.

Conclusion

Eczema is a widespread and often uncomfortable skin disorder that can significantly impact your quality of life. Severe cases may disrupt sleep, hinder concentration, and affect your confidence in social settings.

If you notice early signs of eczema, consult a dermatologist or GP right away. Consider looking into both prescription and at-home treatments until you discover the most effective remedy for managing your symptoms and maintaining healthier skin.

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