What to know about eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that affects the skin.

It’s characterized by patches of skin that can become red, itchy, dry, scaly and inflamed.

Eczema is a common skin condition that can affect people of all ages, but is most common in children.

While there is no cure for eczema, there are various treatments available to help control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

What causes eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an overactive response by the body’s immune system to something in the environment.

People with eczema may be more sensitive to certain substances that can irritate the skin, such as soaps, detergents, rough fabrics and dust mites.

Additionally, some people with eczema have an increased sensitivity to environmental allergens, such as pollen and pet dander, which can trigger flare-ups.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

The most common symptom of eczema is itchy, dry skin. Other symptoms can include:

• Red, inflamed skin
• Small bumps that may ooze and crust over if scratched
• Thickened or leathery skin
• Scaly patches of skin
• Areas of swelling
• Dark-colored patches of skin
• How is eczema diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and examine your skin to diagnose eczema. If your doctor suspects an allergic reaction, they may recommend an allergy test.

Your doctor may also recommend blood tests to check for inflammation.

How is eczema treated?

Eczema can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications. The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Avoid triggers, such as rough fabrics, soaps, and detergents, dust mites, and environmental allergens.
• Use mild soaps and moisturizers on your skin.
• Take lukewarm baths and showers instead of hot ones.
• Limit time spent in water.
• Choose gentle cleansers and fragrance-free products.

Medications:

• Topical steroids: These are creams or ointments used to reduce itching, redness, and swelling.
• Systemic Steroids: These are taken orally for more severe cases of eczema.
• Immunosuppressants: These medications suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• Biologic drugs: These are newer drugs that are injected, which target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation and itching.
• Light therapy: This treatment involves being exposed to ultraviolet light to help reduce inflammation.

Can eczema be prevented?

Although there is no way to completely prevent eczema, there are steps you can take to reduce the number of flare-ups.

Try to avoid triggers, such as rough fabrics, soaps, and detergents, dust mites, and environmental allergens by wearing protective clothing and using mild soaps and moisturizers on your skin.

Taking lukewarm baths and showers instead of hot ones, and limiting time spent in water can help reduce your risk of a flare-up.

Choose gentle cleansers and fragrance-free products as well.

Conclusion

Eczema is a common skin condition that can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in children. It is characterized by patches of skin that can become red, itchy, dry, scaly and inflamed.

While there is no cure for eczema, there are various treatments available to help control symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

With lifestyle changes and medications, eczema can be managed and the number of flare-ups can be reduced.