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What Causes Eczema & Can We Cure It?

As we head into the colder months of the year when the air may be drier, a common problem is likely to start popping up more and more: eczema

According to the National Eczema Association, eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy, inflamed, or have a rash-like appearance. Over 31 million Americans have some form of eczema. The condition can begin during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood; and it can range from mild to severe.

While we do not know the exact cause of eczema, we do know that people develop the condition due to a combination of genes and environmental triggers. When an irritant or allergen from outside or inside the body “switches on” the immune system, it produces inflammation. This inflammation causes the symptoms common to most types of eczema.

Eczema Symptoms — What to Look For

The most important thing to remember is that eczema and its symptoms are different for everyone, but the most common complaint is itchiness. The itch can range from mild to moderate. But in some cases, it can become much worse, and you might develop extremely inflamed skin. Sometimes the itch gets so bad that people scratch until it bleeds, which can make eczema worse. This is called the “itch-scratch cycle.”

Common symptoms:

  • Itch
  • Dry, sensitive skin
  • Inflamed, discolored skin
  • Rough, leathery, or scaly patches of skin
  • Oozing or crusting
  • Areas of swelling

You might have all of these symptoms of eczema or just a few. You might have flare-ups regularly, or your symptoms could go away entirely for a long period of time. It’s fairly common for eczema to go away as a child grows older, but some will continue to experience eczema into adulthood. It is possible for adults to develop eczema even if they never had it as a child.

The best way to find out if you have eczema is to consult with a dermatologist, such as Dr. Timothy G. Rodgers, who can look at your skin, ask about your symptoms, and provide a definitive diagnosis.

Eczema Causes

Knowing what may be causing your eczema is a very important factor, and common triggers include:

Dry skin

When your skin gets too dry, it can easily become brittle, scaly, rough, or tight, which can lead to an eczema flare-up.

Irritants

Everyday products and even natural substances can cause your skin to burn and itch, or become dry and red. These can include products that you use on your body or in your home and natural liquids, such as juice from fresh fruit, vegetables, or meats.

Common irritants include: 

  • metals (especially nickel)
  • cigarette smoke
  • soaps, household cleaners, and disinfectants
  • bubble bath, body wash, and shampoos
  • fragrances
  • certain fabrics like wool and polyester
  • antibacterial ointments like neomycin and bacitracin
  • formaldehyde, which is found in household disinfectants, some vaccines, glues, and adhesives
  • isothiazolinone, an antibacterial that is found in personal care products like baby wipes
  • paraphenylenediamine, which is used in leather dyes and temporary tattoos

Stress

Emotional stress can be an eczema trigger, but we don’t know exactly why. Some people’s eczema symptoms get worse when they’re feeling stressed. Others may become stressed due to a flare-up, which can make eczema worse.

Eczema Prevention — Can We Cure It?

Unfortunately, we do not yet have a cure for eczema. But we do have many effective treatment options. Depending on age and eczema severity, these treatments include over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, prescription topical medications, phototherapy, immunosuppressants, and biologic drugs. Many people with eczema also find success with natural and alternative treatments.

For most types of eczema, managing flares comes down to these basics:

  1. Know your triggers so that you can avoid exposure.
  2. Implement a daily bathing and moisturizing routine.
  3. Use OTC and prescription medication consistently and as prescribed.

Here are a few more specific tips that may help prevent flare-ups and associated symptoms:

  • Moisturize skin at least twice a day. Creams, ointments, and lotions seal in moisture. Choose a product that works well for you. 
  • Try to identify and avoid triggers that worsen the condition. Things that can worsen the skin reaction include sweat, stress, obesity, soaps, detergents, dust, and pollen. Reduce your exposure to your triggers.
  • Take shorter baths or showers. Limit your baths and showers to 10 to 15 minutes, and use warm, rather than hot, water.
  • Use gentle soaps. Choose mild soaps. Deodorant soaps and antibacterial soaps can remove natural oils and dry out your skin.
  • Dry off carefully. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp.

You may have noticed that we did mention using products and gentle cleansers to help with eczema. It is often challenging for patients to find the products that are right for them, and this is where Dr. Rodgers at Rodgers Dermatology can really step in to help. He can examine your eczema and make recommendations on exactly what you should use for your personal situation.

Schedule An Appointment To Treat Your Eczema

If you think you or someone in your family may have eczema, schedule an appointment with us today! Schedule a consultation by calling 972-704-2400 or booking your appointment online

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