Eczema is a chronic skin disease affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It is distinguished by inflamed, dry, itchy, and often painful skin parts.
What is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a complex disease impacted by genetic, environmental, and immune system variables. The term "atopic" refers to an allergy. Eczema patients frequently have allergies or asthma as well.
It's a common, non-contagious disorder. The illness can have an adverse effect on a person's quality of life, causing discomfort and lowering self-esteem.
Characteristics of Eczema
When you think about eczema, itchy, red, dry, scaly, or thickened skin may come to mind. While this is true for people with medium to dark skin tones, it may not be as noticeable and can appear brown, purple, or ashen on others. Small pimples on the torso, arms, and legs are more common in people with brown or black skin. If you spot any similar symptoms and are unsure, it is best to reach out to your family doctor and get a consultation.
Who can get affected by Eczema?
It often begins in childhood, with approximately 60% of cases emerging in the first year of life and about 90% developing before the age of five. It can, however, appear in adulthood. According to the National Eczema Association, 10% of the population will develop the disease at some point in their lives.
Types of Eczema
1. Atopic Dermatitis
The most prevalent type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It usually begins in childhood and gradually fades or disappears with age.
Atopic dermatitis is a component of what doctors refer to as the atopic triad. The word "triad" signifies "three." Asthma and hay fever are the other two disorders in the trio. Many people who have atopic dermatitis suffer from all three symptoms.
Atopic dermatitis develops when your skin's natural barrier to the elements is compromised. As a result, your skin is less capable of protecting you from irritants and allergens. Atopic dermatitis is most likely caused by a mix of factors, including genes, immune system problems, and environmental triggers.
2. Contact Dermatitis
Direct contact with irritants or allergens causes this type of eczema. When the skin comes into touch with irritants such as soaps, detergents, solvents, or chemicals, irritant contact dermatitis develops.Â
There are two types of contact dermatitis: Allergic contact dermatitis is a reaction of the immune system to an irritant, such as latex or metal. Irritant contact dermatitis on the other hand starts when a chemical or another substance irritates your skin.
3. Dyshidrotic Eczema
Due to dyshidrotic eczema, small, itchy blisters grow on your hands and feet. It tends to affect more women than men.
When you have this, your skin can scale, crack, and flake. The etiology of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown but may be related to allergies, stress, or metal exposure.
4. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by scaly, greasy patches of skin with dandruff-like flakes. These patches frequently form on the body where there are more sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. The hairline, scalp, upper back, nose, and groin are all included.
When this dermatitis appears in infants, it is referred to as cradle cap and does not reoccur afterward. Seborrheic dermatitis appears as a chronic skin condition in teenagers and adults.
5. Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is similar to atopic dermatitis. It causes your skin to develop thick, scaly areas. Neurodermatitis causes thick, scaly patches to appear in various places of your body. These areas can be extremely itchy, particularly while you're calm or sleeping.
Neurodermatitis generally develops in persons who already have eczema or psoriasis. Doctors aren't sure what causes it, but stress may be a factor.
6. Nummular eczema
Round, coin-shaped patches appear on your skin as a result of this type of eczema. In Latin, the word "nummular" signifies "coin." Nummular eczema differs from other types of eczema in appearance and itchiness.
They appear round, and coin-shaped spots form on your skin. A reaction to an insect bite or an allergic reaction to metals or chemicals can cause nummular eczema. It can also be caused by dry skin.
7. Stasis Dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis occurs when fluid leaks into your skin from compromised veins. This fluid produces swelling, redness, itching, and pain in light skin tones. Stasis dermatitis occurs in persons who have poor blood flow in their lower legs. Blood can pool in your legs if the valves that normally push blood up through your legs into your heart fail.
Causes of Eczema
- Eczema frequently runs in families, implying a hereditary predisposition. People with a family history of eczema and asthma are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
- Certain environmental elements might aggravate the symptoms of eczema. These are examples of irritants such as soaps, detergents, scents, chemicals, and allergens such as dust mites, pollen, mold, pet dander, and certain foods.
- Eczema is connected with an unusual immunological response, resulting in chronic skin inflammation. This inflammation compromises the skin's barrier, leaving it more vulnerable to irritants and allergens. Strengthening the immune system is important in such cases.
Treatment Options for Eczema
1. Moisturizers:
Applying moisturizers on a regular basis is critical for maintaining the skin's barrier function and preventing dryness, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms. Apply fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers shortly after showering to lock in moisture.
2. Topical Steroids:
Topical corticosteroids are often used to treat inflammation and irritation. These medications come in a variety of strengths and should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. To avoid any adverse effects, it is critical to adhere to the recommended instructions.
3. Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors:
These drugs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory creams or ointments, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus. They are typically used to treat mild to moderate eczema or sensitive places where steroid treatment is not advised, such as the face or groin.
4. Antihistamines:
Antihistamines, especially if itching is a severe symptom, can help relieve irritation and encourage better sleep. They may, however, cause sleepiness, therefore it is best to take them before going to bed.
5. Wet Wrap Therapy:
Wet wrap therapy is applying a moisturizer or topical medication to the affected areas before wrapping them in wet bandages or garments. This approach hydrates the skin, reduces irritation, and improves drug absorption.
6. Phototherapy:
Light therapy or phototherapy may be advised in various instances. To reduce inflammation and improve symptoms, the afflicted skin is exposed to controlled amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light. Phototherapy should always be performed under the supervision of a healthcare expert.
7. Lifestyle Modifications:
Identifying and avoiding triggers is critical in eczema management. This includes avoiding irritants and allergies, wearing soft and breathable materials, sticking to a consistent skincare routine, and managing stress levels. You can also opt for natural remedies to calm your nerves.
Seeking A doctor
Consult your doctor if the itching, redness, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and scaliness persists or interferes with your daily life. A dermatologist can diagnose and treat eczema, but other medical professionals may be able to help with other symptoms and treatments.
Understanding the reasons, varied forms, and possible treatments is critical for managing the condition effectively. Access Health Care Physicians offer a number of treatment options along with an informative and helpful directory of nearby physicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
While eczema cannot be avoided, there are precautions you may take to lessen the likelihood of flare-ups. These include avoiding triggers like irritants and allergies, sticking to a consistent skincare routine, moisturizing regularly, and controlling stress.
Certain foods might cause or worsen eczema symptoms in some people, especially youngsters. Cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, and seafood are all common causes. Working with a healthcare practitioner to identify and manage any food sensitivities or allergies is suggested.
Yes, stress can cause and worsen eczema symptoms in some people. Emotional stress can compromise the immune system and cause inflammation, making the skin more prone to flare-ups.
Extreme weather, particularly cold and dry air in the winter or hot and humid weather in the summer, can aggravate eczema flare-ups.
