Facts That Nobody Told You About Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin ailment that produces blisters, scaly areas, rashes, itchy skin, and dry skin. The most typical eczema symptom is itchy skin. Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis are the seven kinds of eczema. 

More than 31 million Americans suffer from eczema in some form. Eczema may start in a child, an adolescent, or an adult, and it can vary in severity from moderate to severe. Eczema may appear in newborn newborns in the weeks and months after delivery. Young toddlers with eczema may have excessively dry areas of skin, itchy skin that may cause blisters, and skin infections from overscratching. Eczema may also affect adults, and adult eczema most often appears in people in their 20s or older.

Many eczema sufferers refer to a phase of their condition as a “flare-up” when they have one or more acute symptoms or adverse consequences from protracted itching; severe eczema may involve flare-ups that may linger for several days or even many weeks. Doctors, dermatologists, and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) often suggest a combination of moisturizers, antihistamines, topical steroid creams, and corticosteroids as eczema therapies.

It’s important to have a proper diagnosis since eczema may sometimes be mistaken for other skin conditions like psoriasis. A dermatologist or other competent healthcare professional will also have in-depth knowledge of available treatments, and they’re often a crucial partner in creating your strategy for managing your symptoms and preventing flare-ups in the future.

Atopic Dermatitis: What is it?

The most prevalent kind of eczema, atopic dermatitis (also known as “atopic eczema”), is brought on by an overactive immune system that causes the skin barrier to become dry and itchy. Eczema cannot be spread. One cannot “catch it” from another. Although the precise etiology of eczema is unclear, scientists do know that environmental factors and genetic factors combine to create the condition in certain individuals.  Comorbid hay fever, allergic asthma, and food allergy symptoms are often reported by many eczema sufferers. In order to prevent and treat eczema, proper, regular skin care is crucial.

What factors give rise to eczema?

The most common kind of eczema is atopic dermatitis, sometimes known as “atopic eczema.” It happens as a consequence of an overactive immune system, which dries up and irritates the skin barrier. This disorder has a wide range of symptoms and may affect any portion of the body. Eczema may result from a variety of reasons, including how your environment and genes interact. It causes inflammation, or a flare-up, on the skin’s surface when an irritant or allergen from the outside or within the body “switches on” the immune system. The signs and symptoms of most kinds of eczema are brought on by this inflammation. Irritation may result from skin crevices, particularly in the flexural regions behind the knees, elbows, lower thighs, and other areas of skin that rub against one another.

Additionally, there may be a hereditary component to eczema. A protein called “filaggrin” helps keep your skin moisturized; a filaggrin deficit might result in drier, itchier skin. You may be more vulnerable if you have a family history of atopic dermatitis or certain other kinds of eczema.

Many common home objects are possible environmental irritants and may trigger allergic responses, which can cause an eczema flare in addition to having a family history of the condition. Other typical eczema triggers may consist of:

Longer time spent in a cold, hot, or dry environment

• Few kinds of soap, dander-causing shampoos, bubble bath items, body washes, and face cleansers
• Chemically formulated fabric softeners and laundry detergents
• Specific textiles, such as wool or polyester, used in clothes and sheets
• Surface disinfectants and cleansers
• Natural liquids such as fruit, vegetable, and animal juices
• Candles with scents
• Metals in jewelry or kitchenware, particularly nickel
• Household cleaners, glues, and adhesives, formaldehyde
• Isothiazolinone is an antibacterial compound used in personal care goods.
• Ococamidopropyl betaine in shampoos and lotions
• Paraphenylene-diamine, a substance used in temporary tattoos and leather dyes
• Living in filthy environments with dust mites

The specific reason why emotional stress might cause an eczema flare-up is unknown. Others may get upset simply by knowing they have eczema, which may cause their skin to flare up. Some people’s eczema symptoms and flare-ups are worse when they’re feeling “stressed.”

Is eczema spreadable?

Eczema cannot be spread. One cannot “catch it” from another. Although the precise etiology of eczema is unclear, scientists do know that environmental factors and genetic factors combine to create the condition in certain individuals.

What eczema symptoms are there?

The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that everyone experiences eczema and its symptoms differently. The afflicted skin regions will respond differently to each person’s skin care regimen. The appearance of your eczema may differ from that of another adult’s or your child’s. Even the afflicted sections of the body may have different forms of eczema at various periods.

Despite the fact that the two disorders are distinct, some individuals confuse the psoriasis symptoms with those of eczema. Numerous eczema sufferers also describe hay fever, allergic asthma, and food allergy-like symptoms. In order to prevent and treat eczema, proper, regular skin care is crucial.

Itchy skin is nearly usually a symptom of eczema. For many individuals, the itch may be minor to severe; the medical word for it is “pruritus.” When the itch is very intense, some individuals may scratch it until it bleeds. This is referred to as the “itch-scratch cycle.”

Eczema symptoms often include:

• Itch
• Dryness and delicate skin
• Inflammatory skin color
• Skin that is rough, leathery, or scaly and appears in patches
• Crusting or oozing
• Areas of enlargement

You could experience any or all of these eczema symptoms. Your symptoms might reappear sometimes or they could go completely. Eczema may seem red on those with lighter complexion, but it may appear as ashen, grey, deeper brown, or purple on persons with darker skin. Severe eczema symptoms are more often reported by Black Americans. The most effective approach to determine whether you have eczema is to speak with a medical professional, such as a dermatologist who is skilled in identifying and treating eczema.

Eczema types

There are seven basic forms of eczema, and sometimes it may be difficult to distinguish between atopic dermatitis symptoms and those of other types. In fact, many of the signs, causes, and cures are similar. Here are some broad predictions for the most prevalent categories.

Dermatitis atopy

In the United States alone, more than 9.6 million children and almost 16.5 million adults suffer with atopic dermatitis, the most prevalent kind of eczema. Itching is the primary symptom, although it may also result in other symptoms including rashes, soreness, and trouble sleeping. The skin barrier may break down in people with this kind, which may damage their immune systems. Atopic dermatitis may affect any part of a person’s body, and as a consequence, oozing rashes may develop.

Contact dermatitis 

You can have contact dermatitis if your skin gets inflamed or irritated after coming into touch with anything. This variation has normal eczema signs, but what distinguishes it from other varieties is that it develops in response to an environmental stimulus.

Eczema with dyshydrosis

Small blisters on the hands, feet, and tips of the fingers and toes are a symptom of dyshidrotic eczema. Although other varieties of eczema may also affect these locations, this variety is commonly referred to as hand eczema or foot eczema. Although it affects more males than women, the etiology of this type is unclear.

Neurodermatitis

One of the symptoms of neurodermatitis, which affects 12% of the population, might be a severe itching. Because of the skin wrinkles, scales, and discolouration that develop from chronic itching, affected regions are often noticeable. Although it may occur everywhere, the feet, ankles, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, and scalp are where it most often appears.

Eczema with nummular bumps, also known as discoid eczema

Nummular eczema, sometimes referred to as discoid eczema and nummular dermatitis, is frequently characterized by sporadic circular spots. These areas often leak or may be very dry and painful.

Dermatitis seborrheica

The scalp is often affected by seborrheic dermatitis. The symptoms of this disorder include a persistent itch, a rash around the scalp, and other signs and symptoms. Shampoos are often an excellent therapy choice for seborrheic dermatitis.

Stasis dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis, also known as gravity dermatitis, venous eczema, and venous stasis dermatitis, develops when the legs’ blood flow is compromised. Itchy skin, redness in lighter skin tones that may seem brown, purple, gray, or ashen in darker skin tones, and dry skin are symptoms that are often limited to the leg.

Does eczema have a treatment?

Eczema cannot be cured, but it may be treated. Your specific eczema symptoms should be taken into account while creating any treatment plan. These treatments could include medical-grade moisturizing creams, prescription topical drugs like topical corticosteroids, over-the-counter (OTC) home remedies, phototherapy (also known as light therapy), immunosuppressants, and injectable biologics, depending on your age and the severity of your eczema.

Many eczema sufferers also benefit from certain natural and complementary therapies, including acupuncture, cryotherapy, medical-grade honey, meditation, and bleach baths. You should exercise caution and get advice from a healthcare professional before beginning any of these natural and alternative remedies. When used with over-the-counter, prescription, or topical drugs or ointments, certain natural remedies, like meditation, perform wonderfully well.

Managing flares for the majority of eczema types boils down to three fundamentals:

• Recognize your triggers to help you prevent exposure;
• Establish a regular schedule for bathing and moisturizing;
• Apply over-the-counter lotions and prescription drugs regularly and as directed.

Children may exhibit various symptoms from one another. The majority of the time, eczema disappears as a child gets older, while some kids may continue to have it until adulthood. Even those who never had eczema as children might get it as adults. To learn more about treating itches, continue reading.

Eczema: Frequently-asked questions

As you probably have already guessed, millions of individuals across the globe are affected by the complex ailment known as eczema. Here are the answers to the most often asked questions concerning this skin issue. There is a lot of information available about this condition, including the resources on this particular page.

What is the primary reason for eczema?

Eczema has no one “main” cause. In actuality, there are seven categories, and each has one or more causes. A family history of eczema, being exposed to certain environmental triggers, and stress are some of the most frequent reasons.

What is the ideal eczema treatment?

The best eczema therapy relies on the patient’s preferences, the severity of their condition, their age, and the kind of eczema they have. Consult a dermatologist to determine the best course of action for you or someone you care about. A dermatologist will often come up with a treatment strategy that includes a skin care regimen, all-natural remedies, over-the-counter goods, and/or prescription pharmaceuticals.

It’s essential to remember that finding the optimal therapy for you or your kid may take some time, as well as some trial and error. That’s fine and very natural. Instead of focusing on finding the greatest objective therapy available, locate a treatment that helps you manage your symptoms.

What quickly heals eczema?

Sadly, there isn’t a fast fix for eczema. In fact, there is no recognized treatment for this illness! Fortunately, there are certain therapy choices that may help you control symptoms, and others may be able to rapidly reduce symptoms. Consult with a dermatologist or other trained medical practitioner to determine the best course of action for you.

What other names do people who have eczema sometimes use to characterize their skin condition?

Within broad categories like “atopic dermatitis,” there are several subclasses of eczema, each of which may have unique causes and symptoms that are exclusive to certain body areas. For instance, eczema may manifest differently on your hands and feet than it does on your ears or face. Each person’s skin condition manifests and develops differently.

Sometimes the terms “discoid eczema” and “nummular eczema” or “discoid dermatitis” are used interchangeably. Here you may find guidelines for general care and treatment of discoid or nummular eczema. The National Eczema Association Eczema Provider Finder offers recommendations for specialists in discoid eczema and other severe eczema types. Beyond scratchy skin and rashes, severe eczema has additional risks that, if addressed, might result in hospitalization. A trio of illnesses known as the Atopic March—atopic dermatitis, food allergies, and asthma—are more likely in those with severe eczema. If your doctor prescribes topical corticosteroids, use them cautiously to treat this skin condition to prevent withdrawal symptoms that might be problematic. 

Before selecting skin care products, steroid creams, or other eczema treatments for your eczema-prone skin, be sure to look through the NEA Product Directory. What may work for one person’s acute eczema or severe cases may cause an allergic reaction or inflamed skin if the product is not a good fit for your specific set of eczema symptoms. Consult your dermatologist or allergist about the treatment options for the symptoms of this skin condition, including itching, skin infection, and allergy. 

How to manage eczema and what to do next

This is only the tip of the eczema iceberg, as you would expect! There is still plenty to learn if you or a loved one has eczema, from understanding your particular kind to selecting the right therapy. Many people with eczema often feel overburdened while attempting to identify the root of their condition and the most effective strategy to treat symptoms.