Written by: Hailey Rudman
More than 30 million people in the U.S. have some form of eczema. Learning about preventative strategies is key in controlling outbreaks and most importantly protecting self-confidence. Eczema is medically defined as a particular type of inflammatory reaction of the skin in which there is erythema (reddening), edema (swelling), papules (bumps), and crusting of the skin followed, finally, by lichenification (thickening) and scaling of the skin.
Although the direct causes of eczema are not yet entirely understood by doctors, they do believe that “flares” can be triggered by an overactive immune system. This means that when people with eczema are exposed to external irritants, their immune systems overreact and they endure flare-ups. Researchers have also discovered that people with eczema do not make enough of a certain protein, filaggrin (filament aggregating protein), which is responsible for keeping the skin moisturized. There are a number of several triggers that can cause flares. Some of those are cigarette smoke, sweating, stress, synthetic fabrics, and even temperature changes. Eczema is a widespread and changing skin inflammation with symptoms that range from itchy skin, scaly skin, and crusty patches of dried yellowish ooze, which signal that there may be an infection. Yet, not everyone experiences the same symptoms or the same severity of each. Flares can occur, subside, and then reappear. Many people find their symptoms worsening at night, making it difficult to sleep. Scratching eczema further irritates and inflames the skin.
The three most common types of eczema are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and dyshidrotic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis: causes dry, itchy skin that often appears with a red rash
most common
typically appears on the arms and behind the knees
Contact dermatitis: caused by exposure to something that irritates the skin or triggers an allergic reaction
common culprits include soap, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, and poison ivy
Dyshidrotic dermatitis: causes itchy, scaly patches of skin that flake or become red, cracked, and painful
affects fingers, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet
more common in women
A dermatologist or primary care doctor will typically treat patients with eczema by utilizing one of, or a combination, three main categories: medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. As for medications, many over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines work very well to relieve the itching sensations. Examples of these include Zyrtec, Benadryl, Allegra, and Claritin. Another option is cortisone (steroid) creams or ointments. However, this can have side effects after long-term use. Those are discoloration, thinning skin, and even irritation. Moreover, therapies such as phototherapy use ultraviolet light (UV) or sunlamps to help prevent immune system responses that trigger eczema. Although a series of treatments is required to clear eczema, it often protects against bacterial skin infections as well. Additionally altering one’s lifestyle by reducing stress through yoga, meditation, and listening to relaxing music can lower the chances of flaring occurring. These forms of lifestyle changes have proven to help prevent future outbreaks.
Atopic eczema can take a toll on one’s life emotionally. People with this condition tend to suffer from stress, anxiety, anger, depression, low self-esteem, and embarrassment. This causes a vicious circle since the negative feelings people have due to their eczema can actually cause more flare-ups and higher chances of a severe one. A 2017 study completed by Allergy UK found that in people with eczema, 82% felt their mood was more depressed because of their eczema. Also, 73% of people reported having felt that their condition has affected their social life. It is important that people with eczema seek methods of relaxation and mood-boosting activity to reduce flare-ups as well as improve their confidence in their skin.
Sources:
Image Source: Healthline
“Eczema Definition.” MedicineNet, MedicineNet, 29 Mar. 2021, https://www.medicinenet.com/eczema/definition.htm. Behring, S. “Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): Causes, Treatment, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 24 Nov. 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/eczema. “10 Facts about Eczema Everyone Should Know - Westlake Dermatology.” Westlake Dermatology®, 2 Feb. 2022, https://www.westlakedermatology.com/blog/eczema-facts/.
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