Eczema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Eczema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Eczema is characterized by dry, itchy, and red skin (atopic dermatitis). It's a common, non-contagious skin ailment. You’re high risk if you have asthma or allergies. As many as 15 percent to 20 percent of people experience eczema or another form of dermatitis at some point.

What exactly is eczema? How does it seem and feel?

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is a skin ailment that produces dry, red, itchy, and rough skin. It's one of numerous dermatitis varieties. The skin barrier function is damaged by eczema. Because of the lack of barrier function, your skin becomes more sensitive and susceptible to infection and dryness.

Eczema is not harmful to your health. It doesn't indicate your skin is unclean or sick, and it isn't infectious. Treatments are available to assist you manage your symptoms.

The word "dermatitis" means "skin inflammation." The words "derm" and "itis" imply "skin" and "inflammation," respectively. The term signifies "skin irritation" in its entirety. The word "eczema" comes from the Greek word "ekzein," which meaning "to boil over" or "to erupt."

What is the prevalence of eczema?

Up to 15 million Americans suffer from eczema. Eczema is common among infants, and 10% to 20% of them will get it. As kids become older, approximately half of them outgrow the ailment or see considerable improvement.

Eczema strikes both men and women equally, and it is more likely in persons with a personal or family history of asthma, environmental allergies, or food allergies.

What is the cause of eczema?

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is brought on by a mix of factors including immune system activation, genetics, environmental triggers, and stress.

1. Your immune system- If you have eczema, your immune system responds inappropriately to minor irritants or allergens. This response might cause skin irritation.

2. Your genetics- If your family has a history of dermatitis, you're more likely to get eczema. If you have a history of asthma, hay fever, or allergies, you're at a higher risk. Allergens are substances that cause an allergic reaction, such as pollen, pet hair, or foods. Also, your genes that govern a protein that helps your body maintain healthy skin may have changed. Your skin will not be totally healthy without appropriate quantities of that protein.

3. Your surroundings- Your surroundings can irritate your skin in a variety of ways. Tobacco smoke, air pollution, harsh soaps, wool textiles, and certain skin creams are just a few examples. Dry air and low humidity can make your skin dry and irritated. Heat and extreme humidity can promote perspiration, which can aggravate the itching.

4. Your stress levels- Stress can either cause or aggravate eczema. Stress manifests itself in two ways: mental/emotional and bodily. Among them are-

Mental/emotional symptoms-

• Depression
• Relaxation is difficult
• Relaxing with wine, smoke, or illicit narcotics
• A negative self-perception (low self-esteem)
• Constant concern and anxiety
• You're overloaded
• Concentration difficulties
• Irritability, mood swings, or a short fuse are all signs of a short fuse

Physical symptoms-

• Nausea & dizziness
• Aversion to have sex
• Excessive sleeping
• Not getting enough sleep
• Constipation
• Tense muscles
• Muscle aches and pains

What are the symptoms of eczema (atopic dermatitis)? What tests are carried out?

Your skin will be examined closely by your healthcare practitioner. They'll search for basic eczema symptoms including redness and dryness. They'll inquire about the symptoms you're having. Typically, your healthcare professional may diagnose eczema by looking at your skin. However, if they are unsure, they can do the following tests:

1. A skin test for allergies.

2. Blood testing to rule out other possible causes of the rash besides dermatitis.

3. A skin biopsy to distinguish between different types of dermatitis.

What is the treatment for eczema? What drugs are being used?

When the cause of eczema (atopic dermatitis) is something you can't control, such as genetics, treating it might be tough. You may, however, have some control over your surroundings and stress levels. Try to figure out what causes or aggravates your eczema, and then avoid it. The objective is to alleviate itching and pain while also avoiding infection and further flare-ups.

Consider the following therapy suggestions:

• If dry air makes your skin dry, use a humidifier.
• If you're having trouble with your mental or emotional health, see a psychiatrist for medication and a therapist for treatment.
• Use a lotion or ointment to moisturize your skin. Lotions aren't as effective. Apply many times throughout the day, including after bathing or showering. Instead of hot water, use lukewarm water in the tub or shower.
• Use fragrance-free, dye-free, and alcohol-free soaps and other items. Look for "fragrance free," "hypoallergenic," and "for sensitive skin" on items.
• Use ceramide-containing skin care products. Some of the "glue" (the barrier) lacking from your skin is replaced by these moisturizers.
• For extreme itching, use over-the-counter antihistamines.
• Use prescription drugs as directed. Steroid creams, tablets, and/or injections may be prescribed by your doctor. Side effects such as elevated blood pressure, weight gain, and skin thinning are long-term hazards.
• Topical immunomodulators (TIMs), which are newer drugs, have shown to be effective in treating individuals who have not responded to prior therapies. They alter the immunological response to allergens in the body and cause less negative effects.
• Phototherapy: Certain skin problems, such as eczema, have been proven to benefit from ultraviolet light waves present in sunshine. UV radiation, mainly ultraviolet B (UVB), from specific lamps is used in phototherapy.

How can I lower my eczema (atopic dermatitis) risk?

There are several things you can do to help avoid eczema flare-ups:

• Start a skin-care routine and stick to your doctor's advice for maintaining your skin in good shape.
• When doing chores that need you to put your hands in water, use gloves. Wear cotton gloves inside plastic gloves to absorb sweat, and gloves outside, particularly in the cold.
• When bathing or showering, use mild soap and pat rather than rubbing your skin dry. After drying your skin, use a moisturizing lotion or ointment to help seal in the moisture. Reapply the lotion or ointment every two to three hours.
• Take tepid (lukewarm) baths or showers rather than heated ones.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a highly common and often unpleasant skin condition. It can have an impact on your quality of life. It may keep you from sleeping, distract you, and make you feel self-conscious in public if you're not careful. As soon as you notice symptoms, consult a dermatologist or other healthcare expert. Examine both at-home and prescription therapies.

You're not by yourself! Eczema or another kind of dermatitis affects 15% to 20% of the population at some time in their life. Estique Skin Clinic is here to support you at every step of your journey with Eczema. For the best team of skin specialists and dermatologists in Gurgaon, visit us at Estique Skin Clinic.