Eczema is a common skin condition that can be relieved with good skin care practices. Discover all our advice on how to understand, soothe and prevent your rashes
Normal, dry to atopic skin
Eczema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Reading time : 9 min
Understanding eczema
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition causing itchiness, dry skin and rashes. We often talk of eczema for any inflammatory skin condition, but eczema, also called dermatitis, is in fact the name for a group of different skin inflammation. Atopic eczema/dermatitis is one of them and the most common type.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a common condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy and inflamed.
Eczema can affect all ethnicities, genders and ages. But some are slightly more likely to develop the condition like children and adult women. Also, Native Americans and Asians or Pacific Islanders are the two groups most affected by eczema.
Eczema can appear during childhood, adolescence or adulthood. Newborn babies can also experience eczema within the first weeks and months after birth. Eczema often appears very early under the age of 5 and may continue into teen and adult years or disappear. But you can develop eczema symptoms first in adulthood as well.
Dyshidrotic eczema is responsible for the appearance of small blisters on the hands and feet. The causes are unknown, but the triggers may include allergies, stress and sweaty hands and feet.
Most common on the scalp, hands, neck, wrists, knees or elbows, neurodermatitis is characterized by excessive itching and scratching. It is estimated that 12% of the population in the US is concerned with neurodermatitis. The causes are unknown but neurodermatitis usually starts during extreme stress, anxiety or depression. .
Stasis dermatitis, also called gravitational dermatitis, occurs on the lower legs due to poor circulation and fluid buildup. The legs are itchy, red and the skin is dry. Because of venous insufficiency, water and blood cells pool in the lower legs. It often appears in elderly, but it can also be associated with heart or kidney disease.
Seborrheic dermatitis affects areas with many oil-producing glands, like the scalp and face. The symptoms include red, dry and itchy skin. It is a lifelong condition that comes and goes with treatment and flares up.
Symptoms of eczema
The symptoms of eczema depend on the type of eczema encountered, but the following symptoms are the most common:
Dry skin
Itchy skin
Plaques
Swelling
Scaly, crusty skin
Discolored skin
Symptoms are different from one person to another, but they always include itchy skin. Eczema can appear red in light skin tone whereas for darker skin tone it will turn into grey, brown or purple colors.
Causes of eczema
Several factors can contribute to the appearance of eczema symptoms but there is no main cause. Here are some of the most common causes:
Environmental factors play a significant role in triggering eczema. Common triggers of eczema are potential environmental irritants such as:
Allergens: pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold
Irritants: soaps, detergents, shampoos, makeup, disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits, meats, vegetables, peanuts, dairy, eggs
Fabrics: such as wool
Other environmental factors include:
Climate: extreme temperatures and humidity levels associated with dry weather
Stress: emotional stress can worsen symptoms
Diet: certain foods, such as dairy products, nuts, and wheat
What are the different stages of eczema?
Eczema has three stages: acute, subacute and chronic.
Subacute happens between acute and chronic eczema. This is a phase when the skin becomes flaky, cracked or even infected. This condition may revert to acute, stay like this or progress to chronic stage.
Chronic eczema is the phase when itching intensifies, and lesions may spread. The skin is thickening and can be hyperpigmented.
Contagiousness of eczema
Eczema is not contagious and is only triggered by an interaction with environmental triggers or genetic tendency. It cannot be spread from one person to another.
Do you know your skin concern?
Finding the right care
There is no cure for eczema but there are effective treatments to help you manage and limit your symptoms. Seeing a dermatologist is the best way to find a proper treatment which is adapted to your condition.
Always look for a certified dermatologist with experience in treating eczema.
Consider dermatologists who offer comprehensive care, including allergy testing and advanced treatments.
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Complications following eczema
Eczema symptoms can worsen and lead to complications such as:
Weeping eczema: complication of eczema characterized by fluid-filled blisters on the skin. The condition is caused by prominent inflammation.
Erythroderma: a severe and potentially life-threatening inflammation of most of the body skin.
Severe lichenification: result of constant scratching leading to thick and leathery skin.
Bacterial infection (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus): infected eczema occurs when bacteria, fungus or a virus breaks through the skin and causes an infection.
Viral infection (e.g. herpes, Molluscum contagiosum): several viruses can cause skin infection like herpes for example.
Eye disorders: result of eczema around the eyes which can cause vision problems, swelling, redness and increase the risk of vision loss.
Allergies: asthma, hay fever, food allergies
Post-inflammatory hyper/hypo pigmentation: patches of skin’s darker or lighter than the skin tone
Mental health conditions: sleep problems, depression, anxiety
Managing eczema flare-ups
To manage and handle better eczema flare-ups, there are several strategies:
For most types of eczema, when you identify and know your triggers you can easily avoid exposure.
Keep a detailed diary to identify specific triggers and help you understand what can be responsible for your flare-ups.
Note diet, local environment, stress levels, and products usage on your skin.
During flare-ups, use medications consistently and as directed by a healthcare provider. Treatments can include:
Natural treatments: bleach, baths, cryotherapy, meditation and acupuncture can help relieve your eczema symptoms
Over-the-counter products: easily accessible in any drugstore, over-the-counter products can help in the first stage of eczema when the symptoms are not too severe.
Prescriptions: in case of mild to severe eczema, your health provider can prescribe stronger treatments like topical medications, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants drugs, injectable biologics and oral medications
Phototherapy: UV light can help reduce the symptoms and clear up the skin
Remember to keep skin hydrated by moisturizing it at least twice a day with hypoallergenic and gentle products, and above all, avoid scratching which worsens symptoms and can lead to infections.
After treatment, it can take several weeks before your skin clears up. If the symptoms don’t go away after a few weeks, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.
Living with eczema
Finding support groups and organizations dedicated to helping eczema patients might help you with the physical and mental health impacts that can cause eczema.
Connecting with others provides emotional support and practical advice.
Organizations like the National Eczema Association offer support groups, forums, and local meetups. Learn more about this association (link to: https://nationaleczema.org/)
Conclusion
Eczema is a chronic condition requiring diligent management. There is no cure for eczema but understanding causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial. Eczema can be challenging. Keep in mind that if you regularly moisturize, avoid triggers, and seek professional advice to get the best treatment, it can significantly improve your quality of life.
