What is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that leads to dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It is frequently seen in young children but can develop at any stage of life. Eczema is a persistent (chronic) condition that may have occasional flare-ups. It can be irritating,, but it's not contagious. Eczema with atopic dermatitis has a higher chance of developing food allergies, hay fever, and asthma.

Causes of Eczema

Immune System

If you have eczema where the immune system becomes overactive to small irritants or triggers, leading to redness and irritation in the skin. When you encounter a trigger, your immune system assumes that small irritants are foreign invaders, like bacteria or viruses that harm your body. As a result, the triggers activate your body’s natural defense system. This constant immune reaction makes the irritation last for a long time and is a big reason eczema often lasts for a while. 

Genetics

If your family has a history of eczema or dermatitis, there's a higher chance that you might have eczema too. The risk is also increased if there's a family history of asthma, hay fever, or allergies. Common allergies like reactions to pollen, pet hair, or certain foods can contribute to eczema. Another factor could be a genetic mutation that affects the normal functioning of your skin's protective barrier.

Environment

In addition to a family history of eczema, everyday household items can act as potential irritants in the environment, triggering allergic reactions that may result in an eczema flare-up.

Emotional triggers

Having poor mental health can impact the condition of your skin, leading to more frequent flare-ups of eczema symptoms. If you're experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression, your eczema symptoms will likely worsen.

Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema symptoms differ from person to person and can be influenced by factors like age, skin tone, and the severity of the condition. Usually, eczema symptoms are not too severe. However, symptoms may come and go and vary in severity.

• dry, scaly patches of skin
• thickened, discolored skin
• open, crusted, or weeping sores
• Rash on swollen skin that varies in color depending on your skin color
• Itching
• Darkening of the skin around the eyes
• Swelling
• Small, raised bumps, on brown or Black skin
  

Types of Eczema

• Atopic Dermatitis: This is the most common form of eczema and is often used interchangeably with the term "eczema." It is usually associated with a family history of allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever.  

• Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is caused by direct contact with a substance that irritates the skin. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, triggering an immune response.

• Dyshidrotic Eczema:  This eczema creates tiny blisters on the hands, feet, and along the edges of fingers and toes. People sometimes call it hand eczema or foot eczema, but other kinds can also affect these areas. The reason for this type of eczema is not known, but it seems to impact more men than women.

• Nummular Eczema: Circular patches scattered around are often indicative of nummular eczema, which is also referred to as discoid eczema. These patches might sometimes leak fluid or feel very dry and sensitive.

• Seborrheic Dermatitis: This eczema usually affects the scalp.causing an ongoing itch, a rash around the scalp, and other symptoms. Using shampoos designed for seborrheic dermatitis is often a helpful treatment choice.

• Stasis Dermatitis: Stasis dermatitis happens when there is inadequate blood circulation in the legs. Symptoms are typically localized to the leg and may involve itchy skin, redness in lighter skin tones (which can appear brown, purple, gray, or ashen in darker skin tones), and dry skin.

• Neurodermatitis: Feeling a strong itch might mean you have neurodermatitis, a condition that affects 12% of people. The areas that are affected can be seen because of the skin lines, scales, and discoloration caused by a lot of scratching. It can show up anywhere, but it's most common on the feet, ankles, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, and scalp.

Risk factors:

Eczema can happen more often if you're stressed or if it runs in your family. But other things can also make it more likely for you to get eczema. 

• Having very dry skin
• Using hair care or skin products with certain allergens
• Food allergies
• Living in cold, damp areas or swampy, hot areas

Diagnosis: 

It's not possible to identify eczema with just one test. Your doctor will most likely diagnose it by examining your skin and asking a few questions. Since many individuals with eczema also have allergies, your doctor might recommend allergy tests to identify any irritants or triggers. This is particularly common for children with eczema.

Treatment:

The treatment for eczema aims to relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent flare-ups. The approach may include a combination of self-care measures, lifestyle adjustments, and medical treatments. Here are some common strategies for treating eczema: 

• Emollients and Moisturizers:  Using emollients and moisturizers regularly can help maintain hydrated skin, which in turn reduces dryness and prevents flare-ups. Creams, ointments, and non-fragranced products are often recommended.

• Topical Corticosteroids:  These creams or ointments with anti-inflammatory properties can effectively alleviate itching and inflammation. They come in various strengths and should be applied according to the instructions provided by a healthcare professional.

• Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors: These drugs, like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, are commonly prescribed to alleviate inflammation and are frequently recommended for delicate skin regions.

• Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines might be suggested to alleviate nighttime itching and improve sleep quality.

• Wet Wrap Therapy: In more serious situations, wet wrap therapy includes putting a moist layer of bandages on top of moisturizers or creams to enhance their effectiveness.

• Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers that worsen symptoms, such as certain fabrics, harsh soaps, or specific foods.

• Phototherapy (Light Therapy): Under the careful guidance of medical professionals, controlled exposure to UV light can have positive effects in certain situations.

• Systemic Medications: In more serious situations, doctors may recommend taking oral or injected medications like corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.

• Biologic Medications: If other treatments aren't working for moderate to severe cases, biologic medications could be an option. These medications focus on specific parts of the immune system that play a role in eczema.

• Behavioral Interventions: Stress management methods, like practicing relaxation exercises or seeking counseling, could potentially assist in managing flare-ups of stress-related eczema.

Prevention:

• Moisturize your skin at least twice a day
• Take a daily bath or shower
• Use a gentle, non soap cleanser
• Pat dry

Infants and children may experience outbreaks triggered by consuming specific foods like eggs and cow's milk. Consult your child's healthcare provider to explore possible food allergies.

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Once you've identified the triggers for your eczema, discuss with your healthcare provider on how to effectively control your symptoms and minimize flare-ups.

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