What Is Eczema?
Eczema, medically known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. While it commonly begins in childhood, it can persist into adulthood or even start later in life. Eczema is not contagious but can significantly impact quality of life due to its persistent symptoms and potential complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of eczema remains unknown, but it’s believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
Genetic predisposition: Individuals with a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever are at higher risk.
Immune system dysfunction: An overactive immune response can lead to skin inflammationSkin barrier defects: Mutations affecting skin proteins can compromise the skin’s protective barrier, leading to moisture loss and increased susceptibility to irritants.
Common Triggers
Various factors can exacerbate eczema symptoms:
Irritants: Soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants.
Allergens: Dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mold.
Environmental factors: Cold, dry air; heat and sweat
Stress: Emotional stress can trigger or worsen symptoms
Dietary factors: In some cases, foods like eggs, milk, soy, or wheat may trigger flares, especially in children.
Symptoms
Eczema symptoms can vary but commonly include:
Itching: Often severe, leading to scratching and further skin damage.
Dry, sensitive skin: Skin may become rough and scaly.
Red, inflamed patches: Especially on the face, neck, and limbs.
Oozing or crusting: In cases of infection.
Thickened, leathery skin: Resulting from chronic scratching.
In individuals with darker skin tones, eczema may present as brown, purple, or gray patches, making diagnosis more challenging.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis primarily involves a physical examination and medical history review. In some cases, additional tests may be conducted:
Allergy testing: To identify potential allergens.
Skin biopsy: To rule out other skin conditions.
Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
💊 Treatment Options
While there’s no cure for eczema, various treatments can help manage symptoms:
Moisturizers (emollients): Regular application helps maintain skin hydration.
Topical corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation and itching during flare-ups.
Calcineurin inhibitors: Non-steroidal creams that suppress immune responses.
Antihistamines: Can alleviate itching, especially at night.
Phototherapy: Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light under medical supervision.
Systemic medications: For severe cases, oral or injectable drugs may be prescribed.
Prevention and Management
Effective strategies to prevent flare-ups include
Regular moisturizing: Apply emollients multiple times daily.
Avoiding triggers: Identify and minimize exposure to known irritants and allergens.
Gentle skin care: Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and detergents.
Stress management: Incorporate relaxation techniques to reduce stress-induced flares.
Appropriate clothing: Wear soft, breathable fabrics to minimize skin irritation.
Consistent skin care routines and trigger avoidance are key to managing eczema effectively.
Book Appointment from Fallego
