Eczema
Your skin, the largest organ in your body, is physically exposed the most to the environment surrounding you. While it is naturally capable of protecting itself to some extent, extreme exposure to triggers could lead to skin conditions that affect your lifestyle. Eczema is one such condition.
If you’ve experienced this skin issue and its flare-ups, which scream immediate attention, you don’t want to miss this blog.
Bookmark it, for here you’ll find almost everything you need to know about childhood and adult eczema and some extremely useful tips to manage the condition and its flare-ups.
What Is Eczema?
- Eczema is a skin condition that makes the skin extremely dry, forming thick, leathery patches on it that itch and develop rashes.
- Eczema is infamous for causing intense itching, to the extent that it can interfere with your regular activities and affect the quality of your life.
- It is not a contagious skin condition and does not spread by touching or coming in contact with some suffering from it.
- Eczema is categorized into different types based on their intensity, symptoms, and causes.
Types of Eczema
- Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis, as the name suggests, occurs when the skin comes in contact with something that it is allergic to.
- Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema Atopic Dermatitis is also known as childhood eczema or infantile eczema as it usually begins in the early stages of childhood and exists well into adulthood.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
This condition commonly affects the scalp, causing inflammation on the skin making it look scaly and patchy with stubborn dandruff, without necessarily causing hair loss. It may also affect the oiliest areas of the body, such as the sides of the nose, eyebrows, eyelids, and sometimes ears and chest too.
- Dyshidrotic Eczema
This form of eczema is triggered by allergens and constantly moist or sweaty hands and feet. It causes blisters and itchy skin.
- Neurodermatitis
This is a long-term condition that causes intense itching. The more someone with this condition scratches the affected areas, the more their skin becomes thick and leathery. While this condition is also non-contagious, it can disrupt routine and raise several other skin complications due to consistent scratching.
- Nummular Eczema
This leaves coin-shaped patches of dry, itchy skin. It is a chronic condition wherein the affected skin sometimes ooze clear fluid and may become crusty too.
You must have noticed that the most common symptoms in these types of eczema are dryness and itching. But eczema has some more symptoms that you must look out for.
Symptoms of Eczema
- Dry, flaky, and scaly skin.
- Intense itching.
- Skin rashes and dry raised bumps on the skin.
- Dry, leathery patches on skin that feel thick to the touch.
- Swelling on the affected parts of the skin.
- Sensitive skin due to scratching.
- Oozing of clear fluid from the eczema patches and crusty skin.
Causes of Eczema
Eczema is said to be the immune system’s response to certain triggers and can be a genetic condition too. Here are some more eczema causes.
- Allergies
- Damaged skin barrier exposed to germs.
- A family history of asthma
- Stressful lifestyle
- Having extremely dry skin
- Living in cold, damp areas or swampy, hot regions
Treatment for Eczema
- Eczema treatment depends on the type of eczema and the symptoms that need immediate attention.
- Therefore, seborrheic dermatitis treatment will vary from atopic dermatitis treatment and the therapy recommended for dyshidrotic eczema.
- Your eczema treatment may either contain prescription drugs or medicated ointment for topical therapy, or a combination of both.
- The doctor might recommend bleach baths too, especially for infantile eczema wherein medication cannot be prescribed.
- The doctor should then also help you with some ways to manage eczema. Continue reading to know what they will be around.
How to Manage Eczema
You will need to make consistent efforts to manage eczema symptoms and flare-ups. Here are some easy tips to make the process convenient for you.
- Identify Eczema Triggers
Having knowledge about your eczema triggers will help you tame the dragon and prevent flare-ups. These could be certain foods, fabrics, pollutants, cosmetics, stress, sweat, pet dander, weather, etc.
Keep an eye out for any flare-ups, note down the culprit to avoid it next time, and speak to your dermatologist to know about unknown triggers.
- Gentle But Effective Hygiene Routine
Eczema skin needs to be kept clean and hygienic to prevent it from catching infections. Use a mild moisturizing cleaner to keep it clean and a soft, antibacterial towel to pat it dry without causing it discomfort.
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- Keep Skin Moisturized
Eczema skin needs to be moisturized on a regular basis even if you’re not undergoing another flare-up. The key to managing eczema is to keep it soft and supple as the condition will leave it dry and increase itching and uneasiness.
- Over-The-Counter Eczema Creams
Some over-the-counter eczema creams provide quick relief, and you can try them, but we recommend you take an expert’s opinion to check if they are suitable for you.
- Home Remedies and Alternative Therapy.
Home remedies, such as oatmeal baths and wet strips can help bring the flare-ups down. Alternative therapy, such as meditation, yoga, and managing your sleep schedule can also help relax and manage the condition better.
In case you have some more questions, we have listed some frequently asked questions below.
FAQs
- How common is eczema and who can get it?
Eczema could be genetic. If someone in your family has it, you're more likely to get it. Children under the age of 5 could get it but their bodies can heal and outgrow with some treatment and selfcare. Adult eczema, on the other hand, commonly occurs in the 20s or after the age of 50.
- Is eczema contagious?
No, eczema is not a contagious condition. It does not spread by coming in contact with someone with this skin problem.
- Does eczema hurt?
Eczema doesn’t hurt but it does cause an intense itch, which if not managed well within time, could make you scratch it till it cracks, bruises, and bleeds.
While eczema can raise your stress levels and vice versa, managing the symptoms can help curb the condition. Give these simple tips a try and lead a comfortable, eczema-free, and confident life.