Eczema is a common skin condition, one that affects an estimated 10% of the population at some point in their lives. While the condition tends to peak during childhood, it can occur at any age and to any person regardless of skin color, race, or ethnicity.
Do you think you’re suffering from eczema? This article will outline the type of eczema, as well as signs, symptoms, steps for diagnosis, and treatment. With his information, you can hopefully gain a sense of control over your condition and go on to lead a happy, healthy life.
What Is Eczema?
There are seven major types of eczema. They are:
- Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema which causes inflammation, dryness, and itchy skin.
- Contact dermatitis which is triggered by environmental factors and presents as a thick, scaly skin rash.
- Neurodermatitis (discoid eczema) characterized by small patches (as opposed to large, fuller body rashes) of itchy, scaly skin.
- Dyshidrotic eczema is characterized by itching, burning blisters on the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet.
- Nummular eczema (nummular dermatitis) creates small, rounded lesions all over the body with the majority found on the arms and legs.
- Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory form of eczema which affects your scalp.
- Stasis dermatitis is a skin discoloration on the legs due to poor blood flow.
When discussing eczema, though, the majority of people mean Atopic Dermatitis, or AD. This is the most common form of eczema which we’ll focus on throughout this article.
What Causes Eczema?
The cause of eczema depends on the type of eczema.
When it comes to atopic dermatitis, the cause is a combination of various factors.
First and foremost, AD is caused by an overreaction by your immune system to a perceived threat. This causes inflammation. However, genetics, environmental triggers, and stress also play a role.
If you have been diagnosed with AD, then certain lifestyle changes can help to reduce the number and severity of flares. This includes avoiding allergens, taking antihistamines for seasonal allergies, and reducing stress levels.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Eczema?
If you suffer from atopic dermatitis, you may experience one or more of these symptoms during a flare:
- Dry skin (xeroderma)
- Itchy skin (pruritis)
- Red rashes
- Bumps on the skin (papules)
- Scaly, leathery patches of skin
- Crusting skin
- Swelling
If you have atopic dermatitis, you may suffer from comorbid conditions. These are conditions that occur together due to one or more underlying factors. These conditions include allergies (food or seasonal), asthma, hay fever, and allergic contact dermatitis.
How Is Eczema Diagnosed and Treated?
When it comes to atopic dermatitis, it’s one of the easier conditions to self-diagnose. However, it’s always best to get your doctor’s opinion.
Your doctor will most likely be able to diagnose by simply examining your skin. If they have doubts, they may order a blood test or a skin biopsy.
For atopic dermatitis, your doctor will likely recommend lifestyle changes to accommodate the condition. This includes avoiding hot showers and baths, using a humidifier in your home, replacing skin care products with fragrance-free products, and moisturizing with a cream or ointment multiple times per day.
Medications, like steroids, are a possibility. However, they come with a long list of side effects. Only you and your doctor can determine if a prescription treatment is the right course for you.
Beyond the lifestyle changes mentioned above, you may also consider over-the-counter cortisone cream or phototherapy.
Conclusion
If you suffer from eczema, you’re not alone. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people will develop eczema in their lifetime and the conditions affects people of all races. The breakdown is as follows:
- White – 11%
- Black or African American – 10%
- Asian or Pacific Islander – 13%
- Native American – 13%
While you can’t change your immune system’s response, which is the main cause of flares in atopic dermatitis, you can make lifestyle changes. These include reducing stress levels, avoiding known allergens, and changing your skincare routine.
With a bit of experimentation, many people are able to find a balance that helps them to feel in control of this irritating, and sometimes embarrassing, skin condition.