What is Eczema?
Eczema (eg-zuh-MUH) is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. Itchy skin is the most common symptom of eczema. There are seven different types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis.
More than 31 million Americans have some form of eczema. Eczema can begin during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood – and it can range from mild to severe. Newborn babies can experience eczema within the first weeks and months after birth. Young children with eczema can experience patches of skin that are extremely dry; itchy skin that can lead to blisters and skin infections due to excessive scratching. Adults can also experience eczema and adult eczema is most commonly developed when someone is in their 20s or over the age of 50.
Many people with eczema use the phrase “flash-fire” or “flare-up” to describe a phase of eczema when they are experiencing one or more acute symptoms or side effects from prolonged itchiness; severe eczema may include periods of flare-ups that can last many days or even several weeks. Moisturizers, antihistamines, topical steroid creams and corticosteroids are among the potential treatments recommended by healthcare providers, dermatologists and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
Sometimes eczema is confused with other skin diseases, like psoriasis, so it’s important to get a diagnosis. A dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional will also have expert knowledge on treatment options–and they’re often an invaluable partner in developing your symptom management plan and in stopping future flare-ups.
What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema (sometimes referred to as “atopic eczema”), results from an overactive immune system that causes the skin barrier to become dry and itchy. Unlike fungal diseases like Athlete’s Foot, Eczema is not contagious. You can’t “catch it” from someone else. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers do know that people develop eczema because of an interaction between genes and environmental triggers. Many people with eczema often report accompanying symptoms of hay fever and food allergies. Proper, consistent skin care is essential in the prevention and management of eczema.
Atopic dermatitis (sometimes referred to as “atopic eczema”) is the most common type of eczema affecting over 2.5 percent of the world's population. It results from an overactive immune system that causes the skin barrier to become dry and itchy. This condition can occur on any part of the body and has varied symptoms.
What are the causes of eczema?
Many factors can contribute to eczema, including an interaction between your environment and your genes. When an irritant or an allergen from outside or inside the body “switches on” the immune system, it produces inflammation, or a flare-up, on the surface of the skin. This inflammation causes the symptoms common to most types of eczema. Creases of the skin, especially the loose areas behind the knees, elbows, lower legs and other areas of skin that rub against each other can lead to irritation.
There is also a potential genetic component to eczema that includes a protein called “filaggrin” that helps maintain moisture in your skin; this often filaggrin deficiency can lead to drier, itchier skin. If you have family members with atopic dermatitis and certain other types of eczema, you may be at an increased risk.
Along with having a family history of eczema, many common household items are also potential environmental irritants and can cause allergic reactions leading to an eczema flare. Additional common triggers of eczema may include:
- laundry detergents and fabric softeners with chemical additives
- extended exposure to dry air, extreme heat or cold
- some types of soap, shampoos that cause dander, bubble bath products, body wash, and facial cleansers
- certain fabrics like wool or polyester in clothing and sheets
- surface cleaners and disinfectants
- natural liquids like the juice from fruit, vegetables and meats
- fragrances in candles
- metals, especially nickel, in jewelry or utensils
- formaldehyde, which is found in household disinfectants, some vaccines, glues and adhesives
- isothiazolinone, an antibacterial found in personal care products like baby wipes
- cocamidopropyl betaine, which is used to thicken shampoos and lotions
- paraphenylene-diamine, which is used in leather dyes and temporary tattoos
- living in dirty spaces
To avoid being triggered by a household product, make sure to use products with the National Eczema Association Seal of Approval.
Emotional stress can also trigger an eczema flare-up, but it’s not exactly known why. Some people’s eczema symptoms and flare-ups get worse when they’re feeling “stressed.” Others may become stressed, just knowing they have eczema, and this can make their skin flare up.
Can I get eczema from someone that has it?
Eczema is not contagious. You can’t “catch it” from someone else. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers do know that people develop eczema because of an interaction between genes and environmental triggers.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
The most important thing to remember is that eczema and its symptoms are different for everyone. Every individual’s skin care routine will also impact the affected areas of the skin differently. Your eczema may not look the same on you as it does on another adult or on your child. Different types of eczema may even appear in different affected areas of the body at different times.
Some people mistake symptoms of psoriasis for eczema, although the two conditions are different. Many people with eczema also report similar symptoms to hay fever, allergic asthma and food allergies. Proper, consistent skin care is essential in the prevention and management of eczema.
Eczema almost always includes itchy skin. The scientific term for itch is “pruritus.” For many people, the itch can range from mild to moderate. Sometimes the itch gets so bad that people scratch it until it bleeds. This is called the “itch-scratch cycle.”
Symptoms of eczema often include:
- Itch;
- Dryness, sensitive skin;
- Inflamed, discolored skin;
- Rough, leathery or scaly skin, appearing as scaly patches;
- Oozing or crusting;
- Areas of swelling.
You might have all of these symptoms of eczema or only just a few. You might have some flare-ups or your symptoms could go away entirely. Eczema can appear red in lighter skin, whereas people of color may experience eczema as ashen skin, grey skin, darker brown or purple in color. Black Americans are more likely to report severe symptoms associated with eczema. The best way to find out if you have eczema is to consult with a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist who has experience diagnosing and treating eczema.
Types of eczema
There are seven main types of eczema and it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between symptoms of atopic dermatitis and other types. In fact, many of the symptoms, causes and treatment options overlap. Here’s what you can generally expect from the most common types.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, affects more than 9.6 million children and about 16.5 million adults in the United States alone. The hallmark symptom is itching, but the itching can cause other symptoms such as rashes, pain, and poor sleep caused by itching. folks with this type can also experience the breaking down of the skin barrier, which can weaken the immune system. People with atopic dermatitis can get the skin condition anywhere on their body and oozing rashes can form as a result.
Contact dermatitis
If the skin becomes inflamed or irritated after coming into contact with a substance, you might be experiencing contact dermatitis. This version displays typical eczema symptoms, but what sets it apart from the other types is that it happens as a reaction to an environmental trigger.
Dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema causes small blisters on the hands, feet and edges of the fingers and toes. This form of eczema is sometimes referred to as hand eczema or foot eczema, though other types can affect these areas too. The cause of this form is unknown, though it affects more men than women.
Neurodermatitis
Experiencing an intense itching could be a sign of neurodermatitis, which affects 12% of the population. Affected areas are often visible because of the skin lines, scales, and discoloration that form from excessive itching. While it can appear anywhere, it is most common on the feet, ankles, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck and scalp.
Nummular eczema (sometimes called discoid eczema)
Scattered circular patches are often a sign of nummular eczema, also known as discoid eczema and nummular dermatitis. Often, these patches ooze or can be very dry and sensitive.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis usually affects the scalp. Those with this condition often experience a constant itch, a rash around the scalp, and other symptoms. Shampoos for seborrheic dermatitis are often a good treatment option.
Stasis dermatitis
Also called gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, and venous stasis dermatitis, stasis dermatitisoccurs when there’s poor circulation in the legs. Symptoms are usually contained in the leg and can include itchy skin, redness in lighter skin tones that may appear brown, purple, gray or ashen in darker skin tones, and dry skin.
Is there a cure for eczema?
There is no cure for eczema, but there are treatments. This is critical to know. You can spend a lot of money and time to be treated but never cured from eczema. Every treatment plan should be tailored to your individual eczema symptoms. Depending on your age and the severity of your eczema, these treatments might include: medical grade moisturizing creams, prescription topical medications including topical corticosteroids, over-the-counter (OTC) home remedies, phototherapy (also known as light therapy), immunosuppressants and injectable biologics.
Many people with eczema also find success with specific natural and alternative treatments, including bleach baths, cryotherapy, medical-grade honey, meditation and acupuncture. With these natural and alternative treatments, you want to be careful and also consult a healthcare professional before starting. Some natural treatments, like meditation, work amazingly with over-the-counter or prescription medications or ointments.
For most types of eczema, managing flares comes down to these basics:
- Know your triggers so that you can avoid exposure;
- Implement a daily bathing and moisturizing routine;
- Use OTC creams and prescription medication consistently and as prescribed.
Symptoms may be different from one child to the next. More often than not, eczema goes away as a child grows older, though some children will continue to experience eczema into adulthood. Adults can develop eczema, too, even if they never had it as a child. Read more for additional information about managing itch.
Questions about eczema:
What is the main cause of eczema?
There is no “main” cause of eczema. In fact, there are seven types and each has at least one cause, if not more. Some of the most common causes are a family history of eczema, being exposed to certain environmental triggers and stress.
What is the best treatment for eczema?
The best treatment option for eczema depends on the individual’s preferences, the severity of your case, the age of the person with eczema and what type of eczema they have. To find the best treatment for you or a loved one, consult with a dermatologist. Usually a dermatologist will create a treatment plan consisting of a skin care routine, natural treatments, over-the-counter products and/or prescribed medications.
It’s important to note that it could take some time, as well as trial and error, to find the best treatment for you or your child. Again, there is no cure for eczema. Focus on finding a treatment which works to manage your symptoms, not the best objective treatment out there.
Any magic cure, potion or treatment for eczema?
Unfortunately there is no quick cure for eczema. In fact, there is no known cure for this condition! Luckily there are some treatment options which can help you manage symptoms and some might be able to minimize symptoms quickly. To find the best treatment for you, talk with a dermatologist or qualified medical professional.
