What is Eczema? What Causes Eczema? How Does Eczema Go Away?

Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry and itchy lesions on the skin's surface. Many genetic and environmental factors can contribute to eczema. This disease is not contagious; however, exposure to any allergen or irritant can exacerbate eczema symptoms. These symptoms can include severe dryness and itching, skin rashes, swelling, and thick, red lesions. In some cases, the symptoms can be intense, negatively affecting a person's quality of life and daily activities. Therefore, some treatment methods are applied to manage the symptoms.

What is Eczema?


Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that has become more prevalent in recent years. Although it is commonly observed during childhood, it can affect individuals of all ages. Eczema that develops in later life may also be accompanied by other allergic diseases, such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, eczema can serve as an early indicator of these diseases. It is a chronic condition that is considered an inflammatory skin problem with flare-up and remission periods.

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, and it is the first area of the body that comes into contact with the environment. Disruptions in the function of the epidermal barrier, combined with genetic, immunological, and environmental factors that cause immune system dysfunction, can lead to the development of this disease. There are many types of eczema. Each type has triggers that can affect the skin barrier’s function. The types of eczema include atopic, contact, dyshidrotic, neurodermatitis, stasis, numular, and seborrheic dermatitis. It is also possible to have multiple types of eczema at the same time.

What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?


Eczema symptoms can appear anywhere on the body. However, it is commonly found on the hands, neck, face, cheeks, lips, elbows, ankles, knees, feet, and around the ears. Less commonly, it may appear around the nipples, breasts, skin folds near the vagina, and around the penis. Eczema symptoms vary from person to person, but the most commonly observed symptoms are as follows:

  • Dry and cracked skin
  • Itchy lesions
  • Skin rashes that vary in color depending on skin tone
  • Swelling and puffiness of the skin
  • Oozing and scabbing
  • Thickened skin
  • Darkened skin around the eyes
  • Increased susceptibility to skin infections
  • Recurring eye redness and watering (conjunctivitis)
  • Elevated IgE levels in the blood
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Increased itching when sweating
  • Inflamed and pale skin

What Causes Eczema?


There is no single cause for the development of eczema. Each type of eczema has one or more triggers. However, the most common factors include a family history of eczema, stress, and exposure to certain environmental triggers. Eczema is a health problem that can occur at any age. Individuals with allergies, hay fever, and asthma have a higher risk of developing eczema. The causes of eczema can be listed as follows:

  • An overactive immune system can lead to excessive dryness and itching of the skin, thereby triggering the development of eczema.
  • Genetic changes in a protein called filaggrin, which helps maintain the skin's moisture, can cause dry and itchy skin. Individuals with a family history of eczema are at higher risk.
  • Dry air, prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold, are among the triggers of eczema.
  • Some types of soaps, body and face washes, chemical-laden laundry detergents and softeners, surface cleaners, and disinfectants can cause eczema.
  • The use of wool or polyester fabrics in clothing and bed sheets can lead to itching and eczema.
  • Food allergies can play a role in the development of severe eczema, especially in young children.
  • Exposure to dust mites and other allergens can cause skin reactions.
  • Emotional stress can trigger flare-ups of eczema.

How is Eczema Diagnosed?

Eczema can be diagnosed through a physical examination during a consultation with a specialist. The diagnosis of eczema is commonly made at a young age. Its symptoms may resemble those of other skin disorders, so doctors may request certain tests to rule out other conditions and confirm the correct diagnosis. These tests may include allergy tests, blood tests, and skin biopsies. Your doctor may recommend patch tests to identify the allergens that trigger eczema. In patch tests, small amounts of potential allergens are applied to the skin, and the skin’s reaction is analyzed. For diagnosis, consultation with dermatologists who specialize in skin conditions is recommended.

What Helps Eczema?


Individuals with eczema have very sensitive skin. Therefore, sensitive skin care can help control flare-ups caused by eczema. Methods that can be used to reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin are as follows:

  • It is recommended to moisturize the skin regularly with an appropriate moisturizer as advised by a dermatologist or pharmacist. Bath oils, creams, lotions, ointments, and sprays can be used for moisturizing. It is advised to choose products free from dyes, fragrances, perfumes, and chemicals that can irritate the skin. Additionally, it is important to wait for the moisturizer to absorb before dressing.
  • Itching is the most prominent symptom of eczema and also a factor that exacerbates the condition. When the skin itches, instead of scratching the area, the feeling of itching should be relieved by gently pressing or tapping the skin. If the urge to scratch cannot be controlled, the area should be kept covered. To prevent skin irritation, it is advised to keep nails trimmed. For children, wearing socks and gloves at night can be helpful.
  • Showers should be taken with lukewarm water instead of hot water. Applying cream or lotion to the skin while it is still damp after the shower provides more effective moisturization.
  • A gentle, unscented, soap-free skin cleanser should be used. Harsh soaps can disrupt the skin's natural oil balance. Additionally, the cleanser should be thoroughly rinsed off the skin.
  • Cool, loose, and smooth-textured clothing should be preferred. Tight, rough, and scratchy clothes can cause itching on the skin. Also, light clothing should be worn in hot weather or during exercise. Harsh detergents and fabric softeners should be avoided when washing these clothes.
  • Support can be sought for stress and anxiety management since emotional stress can trigger eczema flare-ups. Recognizing stress and taking steps to improve emotional health can help improve skin health.

How is Eczema Treated?


Eczema treatment begins with regular moisturization and personal care habits. However, in some cases, these methods may not be enough, so doctors may recommend various medications to control itching and support skin repair. Sometimes, medical treatments are combined with other therapies. The methods used in eczema treatment are briefly described as follows:

  • Medications, especially to control itching, fight infection, and manage inflammation, are prescribed by specialists.
  • If other treatment options do not provide relief, biologic therapies may be considered. Biologic drug applications can be preferred to relieve moderate to severe eczema symptoms.
  • For severe eczema, wet dressings, including the application of corticosteroid ointments followed by covering the area with a damp gauze over a dry one, can be done under medical supervision at a hospital.
  • For eczema cases that do not improve with topical treatments or that recur, phototherapy, also known as light therapy, can be applied. Phototherapy can be applied alone or combined with medications.

How Can Eczema Be Prevented?


There are some simple steps that can be taken to prevent eczema flare-ups or its spread. These steps are briefly mentioned as follows:

  • The skin should be regularly moisturized.
  • Showers should be taken with lukewarm water, not hot.
  • Daily water intake should be maintained, and dehydration should be avoided.
  • Cotton clothes should be preferred, and woolen clothes should be avoided.
  • Extra care should be taken to moisturize the skin in dry weather.
  • Irritating substances and allergens should be avoided.
  • Counseling can be sought to manage stress.

Eczema is a very common and bothersome skin disorder. It can severely affect a person’s quality of life, education, and work. It can prevent sleep, distract attention, and cause discomfort in social settings. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a specialist doctor or dermatologist when symptoms appear.

 

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