Eczema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
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
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.
Frequency in the US
Eczema concerned more than 31 million Americans. Around 9.6 million kids under the age of 18 have eczema. The percentage of those affected increased since 1997 and is about 12% today. Out of every 10 people, one will have eczema sometime in his life. Learn more about babies with eczema (link to article Baby eczema).
Population at risk
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.
Most affected body parts
Eczema can appear anywhere on the body. The most common places where you will notice symptoms are on your hands, neck, elbows, ankles, knees, feet, face, in and around ears, or lips. Depending on which type of eczema is affecting you, either your whole body can show symptoms, or it can be localized in specific areas.
You can experience:
- Eczema on eyelids
- Ear eczema
- Eczema on hands
- Breast eczema
- Eczema on lips
- Eczema on neck
At what age can you develop 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.
There are seven types of eczema (link to article type of eczema), but it can be hard to tell the difference between all of them as the symptoms often overlap.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It can appear anywhere on the body and affect mainly children but can continue through adulthood. The symptoms include itching, rashes, swelling, fluid-filled bumps and cracked skin. Atopic dermatitis can be painful and lead to harsh scratching causing infection. It usually develops when the skin’s barrier function is damaged.
Contact dermatitis (link to contact dermatitis article) includes two types:
- Allergic contact dermatitis: allergic reaction to an allergen which can take several days to develop after exposure.
- Irritant contact dermatitis: irritation reaction to an irritating substance like detergents, soap, cleaners which develop quickly after exposure. Irritant contact dermatitis is more common than allergic contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis is when the skin becomes inflamed or irritated after contact with a substance. This substance is something you are either allergic to or something that irritates your skin. The rash can form anywhere on your body and symptoms are red bumps, itchiness and pain.
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.
Nummular eczema symptoms are circular plaques on external body areas. These plaques ooze and can be very dry and sensitive. It is a chronic condition when the plaques can last for weeks to months and flare-ups can occur repeatedly. Learn more about nummular eczema (link to Nummular eczema article).
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.
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:
Genetic factors
Genetics play an important role in eczema. Indeed, eczema often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. If you have a family member with eczema, you are more likely to develop the condition. Children with parents who have eczema, asthma, or hay fever are more at risk of developing eczema.
A specific gene involved in the skin barrier function may contribute to drier and itchier skin which are often the starting point of eczema. We talk about a gene variation in the filaggrin gene.
An overactive immune system causes the skin barrier to become dry and itchy, and this condition can be considered as another genetic factor triggering eczema. When in contact with a small irritant or allergen, the immune system overreacts, which creates inflammation leading to the first symptoms of eczema.
Environmental triggers
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
Eczema has three stages: acute, subacute and chronic.
Acute eczema is the starting point of the skin condition when the first noticeable symptoms appear such as itchy lesions.
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.
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.
Consulting a dermatologist
Always look for a certified dermatologist with experience in treating eczema.
Consider dermatologists who offer comprehensive care, including allergy testing and advanced treatments.
To diagnose eczema, a healthcare provider will make a clinical examination to take a closer look at your symptoms and focus on your medical history. Symptoms of eczema can often be mistaken for psoriasis symptoms which is why your dermatologist may need to run other tests like allergy test, blood test or a skin biopsy to confirm the skin condition.
Eczema-friendly products
When you are prone to eczema symptoms, it is important to carefully choose your skincare products. They need to be safe for eczema-prone skin.
Choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products that are better for dry skin.
Bioderma offers a wide range of specific products which address eczema-prone skin. Atoderm offers a full range of cleansing and care products for the face and the body which can be used daily alongside your treatments.
Atoderm Intensive Balm
Intensively replenishing care. Ultra-soothing & ultra-nourishing.
Very dry to atopic skin
Atoderm Shower Gel
The soap-free cleansing gel that respects the skin's softness
Normal to dry skin
Atoderm Shower Oil
24h hydration and immediate comfort right from the shower.
Very dry to atopic skin
Complications following eczema
Eczema symptoms can worsen and lead to complications such as:
complication of eczema characterized by fluid-filled blisters on the skin. The condition is caused by prominent inflammation.
a severe and potentially life-threatening inflammation of most of the body skin.
Result of constant scratching leading to thick and leathery skin
Infected eczema occurs when bacteria, fungus or a virus breaks through the skin and causes an infection.
Several viruses can cause skin infection like herpes for example.
Result of eczema around the eyes which can cause vision problems, swelling, redness and increase the risk of vision loss.
Asthma, hay fever, food allergies
Patches of skin’s darker or lighter than the skin tone
Sleep problems, depression, anxiety
Identifying triggers
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.
Treatment during flare-ups
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
Important
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.
Managing eczema flare-ups
To manage and handle better eczema flare-ups, there are several strategies
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
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.