Eczema 101: Understanding the Basics of this Common Skin Condition
May 31, 2023
5 min read
Do you struggle with itchy, scaly skin? You may have eczema. It can range from occasional minor irritation to a severe, chronic, and intensely uncomfortable problem.
Eczema can vary in intensity and affect different parts of the body, making it incredibly challenging to manage on a day-to-day basis. As daunting as this may seem, understanding what causes and increases the risk of developing eczema is key in managing its short-term and long-term symptoms.
Eczema: What Is It?
Eczema is a medical skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, itching, and rash. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages, but it is most commonly seen in children.
Eczema: What Are the Common Types?
When it comes to skin conditions, eczema is one of the most common and affects millions of people around the world.
A closer look at its many forms can help those trying to understand their condition better and ultimately put them on the path toward finding effective ways to manage flare-ups.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most widely experienced form of eczema and often develops in early childhood. It is characterized by dry, red skin patches that may itch or burn. These patches can appear on any part of the body but are commonly found on the face, neck, elbows, and knees.
Atopic dermatitis can be managed with topical medications, moisturizers, and lifestyle modifications such as avoiding triggers like certain fabrics or soaps.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is caused when your skin comes into contact with something irritating or an allergen, such as soap or certain fabrics. It usually appears as redness and swelling around the affected area and may also cause itching and burning sensations.
Treatment may include avoiding contact with irritants/allergens as well as using creams or ointments to reduce symptoms like swelling and itching.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is another type of eczema common among adults between the ages of 30-60 years old. Symptoms include dry yellowish flakes on parts of your body, such as your scalp or face, and irritation and itching.
Seborrheic dermatitis can be managed through lifestyle changes (such as using milder soaps) and prescription medication if needed.
Stasis Dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis occurs when blood fails to circulate properly in veins near your ankles due to poor circulation or varicose veins. Symptoms include swelling at these sites, redness, and itching, which can eventually lead to thickened skin if left untreated for too long.
Treatment typically involves compression garments that help improve circulation and topical steroids for inflammation relief.
Dyshidrotic Eczema (Pompholyx)
Dyshidrotic eczema (also known as pompholyx) is a type of eczema characterized by small blisters filled with fluid on the palms of hands or soles of feet that typically last for three weeks at a time before subsiding for several months before returning later on.
Topical steroids are often used for treatment, and oral antihistamines for symptom relief during flare-ups.
Nummular Eczema (Discoid)
Nummular eczema is often identified as a disc-shaped skin rash that can become itchy and scaly when scratched over time. If left untreated, these patches may linger for lengthy periods of time.
However, proper moisturization strategies in combination with topical steroid use have shown to be successful measures against this ailment—with patience being your most important ally!
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is a type of skin condition in which an individual develops intensely itchy, thickened patches on the skin. It is triggered by repeated scratching of the same area and can cause significant psychological and physical distress.
It can be managed with lifestyle changes such as avoiding particular triggers, reducing stress levels, and applying topical treatments to the affected area. Medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and antidepressants can help relieve symptoms.
Eczema: What Are the Main Causes?
Eczema is a mysterious condition characterized by skin irritation, but researchers believe it could be due to a complex interplay between heredity and environmental influences.
The primary cause is believed to be an abnormal response of the body's immune system to certain triggers, leading to inflammation and irritation of the skin. Other potential causes of eczema may include:
Genetics: Certain genetic predispositions, such as defects in the skin barrier and an overactive immune system, may make you more likely to develop eczema.
Irritants: Exposure to certain substances, such as soaps, detergents, fragrances, or certain fabrics, can irritate the skin and trigger a flare-up of eczema.
Allergens: Proteins in certain foods, dust mites, pollens, and animal danders may trigger allergic reactions that can lead to eczema.
Stress: Stressful or emotional situations have been known to worsen the symptoms of eczema.
Hormones: Fluctuations in hormone levels during puberty or pregnancy may contribute to the development of eczema.
Eczema: What Are the Treatment Options?
Despite no known remedy for eczema, there are various treatments available to help control flare-ups and ease the associated discomfort.
Moisturizing
Moisturizing the skin is crucial for treating eczema. Keeping the skin hydrated can help to reduce itching and inflammation. It is recommended to use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer several times a day.
Topical Steroids
Medically prescribed topical steroids are an extremely common way to treat eczema successfully. These medications reduce swelling, redness, and itchiness by suppressing the immune system.
Antihistamines
For eczema patients who also have symptoms of allergies, antihistamines can help to reduce itching. These can be taken orally or applied topically.
Light Therapy
UV light therapy is an innovative way to ease the irritating symptoms of eczema. This treatment uses controlled doses of UV radiation to reduce itching, redness, and swelling associated with this skin condition. It is usually done under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Avoid Triggers
Identify and avoid the things that trigger eczema flare-ups, such as certain fabrics, soaps, detergents, and stress.
Diet
Eating a nutrient-dense diet that includes wholesome fruits and veggies, lean meats, and heart-healthy fats may be the key to softening eczema flares.
Say Goodbye to Itchy, Dry Skin
Living with eczema can be challenging but understanding what triggers your flare-ups and having an effective management strategy in place can make all the difference in living with this condition more comfortably day-to-day.
If you're suffering from eczema, don't hesitate to speak with your doctor about treatments that may work best for you. Always remember that everyone's experience will be different, so don't give up if something doesn't work—keep trying until you find something that does!
Having a good skincare routine combined with the right treatment plan should help reduce the frequency of flare-ups so you can live a happier life despite having eczema!
