Eczema

What is eczema?

Eczema affects more than 31 million people. Multiple forms of eczema exist, but the most common type is atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis commonly affects children but can persist into adulthood. It causes patches of red, itchy skin and rashes, especially in the pockets of the elbows and knees, and is associated with seasonal allergies and asthma. 

Eczema flare-ups can come and go, so it is important for patients with eczema to have a good skin care routine to maintain clearance and avoid these flares.

What causes atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis occurs when your skin is unable to maintain a natural moisture barrier and is naturally more dry than other skin. When the barrier is missing, irritants including chemicals, bacteria, viruses (like warts) and fungus, can access your skin directly, and eczema symptoms occur. Dry skin is a damaged barrier, like a brick wall without any mortar. 

What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?

The primary symptoms of atopic dermatitis eczema include:

• Skin rashes
• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Skin that appears thickened and scaly
• Patches of red, brown, or gray skin
• Small skin bumps
• Oozing and weeping skin that crusts in response to bacterial infection 
• Increased bacterial, viral, and fungal infections in the skin 

Scratching dry skin and patches of eczema exacerbate your condition, leading to an itch-scratch-itch cycle.

What are the other types of eczema?

You may also suffer from a less common form of eczema, including:

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis looks a lot like atopic dermatitis. You experience this eczema when your skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritant. It is different from atopic dermatitis in that only the skin that came in contact with the trigger is affected and it is not a chronic condition. 

Dyshidrotic eczema 

Dyshidrotic eczema can occur in individuals with atopic dermatitis, or on its own. The skin on the hands and feet is affected by scaling, itching, and tell-tale blisters.

What is Neurodermatitis? (lichen simplex chronicus) 

Excessive scratching and rubbing leads to thickened skin that is usually darker than the unaffected skin. Occasionally, ‘picker’s bumps’ called prurigo nodules will develop. It is important for a dermatologist-trained professional to evaluate any potential underlying causes of itch leading to this excessive scratching. 

There are many other forms of eczema, too. If you’re dealing with a skin rash or another form of unwelcome skin irritation, don’t hesitate to contact the expert dermatologists at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. 

How is eczema treated?

The team at Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center does everything possible to help you understand how to prevent flare-ups of eczema. Doctors cannot cure eczema but can help with successful management. When you take care of your skin consistently using your personalized skin care routine, you can minimize flare-ups and manage them quickly at home with a treatment plan developed by your dermatologist. 

Many treatment options that are both over-the-counter and prescription-based are available. Our team can help you understand which ones are best for you and help restore the delicate skin barrier that's otherwise depleted in eczema patients. The doctors can also make you aware of what products may exacerbate symptoms and make your eczema worse. 

With the overwhelming number of people and products vying for your business, choosing who to listen to and which skin care products to use can be overwhelming. It is just as important to know what to avoid using as it is to know what to use to care for your skin health and to ensure the credentials of your sources. 

For expert eczema management, contact Absolute Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. Call the nearest office or send us a message to book an appointment on our contact page.

References and Resources:

https://nationaleczema.org/research/eczema-facts/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14417.php#symptoms

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353279