The basics

Eczema is a skin condition that usually begins--and is most common--during infancy. If you’ve suffered from eczema, you know how frustrating this condition can be. Also known as atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis, eczema is thought to be genetic and characterized by itchy, inflamed rashes. People with eczema typically have asthma or hay fever as well. The first step to battling eczema is to understand the basics of this condition and how you can successfully minimize symptoms.

The symptoms

People with eczema often exhibit symptoms after a hypersensitive reaction to certain stressors, like harsh soaps or extreme temperatures, similar to an allergy – but the exact cause is unknown. The result is long-term skin inflammation. If you have eczema, you might notice periods of intense flare-ups followed by symptom-free periods. Symptoms usually clear up by the end of adolescence, but some people deal with eczema well into adulthood .

Common skin changes include:

• Dry, itchy and scaly skin.

• Rashes, which usually develop on the arms, legs and cheeks. They can also occur on the scalp, neck, hands and feet. Toddlers younger than two years old may experience rashes on their hands, feet, scalp and face.

• Oozing and crusting blisters, sometimes accompanied by redness or inflammation.

• Raw skin that results from too much scratching – which is especially common in children.

• Skin that is either darker or lighter than usual.

• Skin that looks and feels thicker than normal.

10 eczema triggers

1. Products. Harsh soaps, shampoos, face wash, alcohol, laundry detergents and astringents are very irritating to people with eczema.
2. Water. Being in water for long periods of time can trigger symptoms, so shorten your showers and take care when washing dishes, swimming or engaging in other water-related activities.
3. Sweating. Sweating can trigger eczema – so avoid working out in extremely hot weather or overdoing it at the gym.
4. Extreme temperatures. Intense hot and cold temperatures can lead to a flare up, so layer up when it’s cold, wear cool clothing in the summer and take medium-temperature showers.
5. Dyes and fragrances. If your skin is dry, use a mild moisturizer free from irritating dyes or fragrances, like Mustela Stelatopia Moisturizing Cream. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist if you’re easily irritated by cosmetics.
6. Clothing. Avoid rough, irritating materials like wool, and opt instead for clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo.
7. Low immunity. Common illnesses like a cold or flu, which compromise the immune system, can trigger an attack – so take care of yourself, especially when you start feeling sick.
8. Other allergens. If you have existing allergies to other things in your environment – such as animals, dust mites, pollen or mold – talk to your doctor about how to keep these under control.
9. Stress. Emotional stress can be a trigger, so don’t neglect your mental and emotional health.
10. Scratching. Most importantly, don’t scratch! You’ll risk secondary infections and further irritation.

Preventing eczema

Your doctor can diagnose atopic eczema by looking at your skin and examining both your personal and family history. He or she may also conduct allergy tests. If you (or your child) have eczema, you can help control it by monitoring your lifestyle, avoiding triggers and taking a medication – and luckily, it’s not contagious. Talk to your doctor about what options are best for you or your child.

Home treatments

• Reduce the itch. Scratching skin can exacerbate eczema. Use a cold compress when skin becomes itchy, and take antihistamines if it gets any worse (unless otherwise noted by your doctor).

• Keep nails short. For children with eczema, keep their fingernails short so they don’t irritate their rashes when scratching. And if they tend to scratch their rashes at night or while sleeping, try having them wear light gloves.

• Maintain hydration. Keep skin moist with lotions, creams or ointments like petroleum jelly throughout the day. But remember to stay away from products with irritants like alcohol, fragrances or dyes.

• Shower smart. Help keep you or your child’s eczema subdued during bath time. The key is shorter, cooler baths or showers. Use a mild soap and avoid abrasive loofahs or washcloths and harsh scrubbing. Rub on Thalgo Plasmalg Marine Gel before the bath for an effective treatment to stimulate circulation and calm irritation.

Over-the-counter relief

Choose a hydrocortisone ointment to control the itch and inflammation associated with eczema. Rite Aid Hydrocortisone Cream 1%, Plus 10 Moisturizers contains aloe and vitamins A, D and E to reduce itchiness while restoring skin with much needed hydration.

For relief at nighttime, doctors recommend an antihistamine like Benadryl to control symptoms and help you sleep. Keep in mind that this medication will make you drowsy, so it’s not recommended for daytime use. Use Children's Benadryl Perfect Measure, Pre-Filled Spoons, Cherry for treating symptoms in kids.

At the doctor

For persistent or severe symptoms, visit your doctor for oral or topical medications that can help, especially if your rashes don’t respond to, or worsen with, at-home treatments.

Look out for signs of an infection – such as a fever, redness or pain. The doctor may prescribe you antihistamines, cortisone cream or barrier repair creams. Doctors can also give you an allergy shot, oral immunosuppressants or antibiotic creams or pills. For severe cases, he or she might give you corticosteroid pills or injections.

If other treatments aren’t working for adult patients or children ages two and older, a doctor might prescribe a small dosage of the topical medications Elidel or Protopic. According to WebMD, these creams have had the FDA’s strongest “black box” warning on their packaging since 2006 due to a possible cancer risk involved with using these products. Although some experts are skeptical about the cancer risk, most doctors recommend that they be used for a short period of time. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Although eczema is a chronic condition without a cure, you can keep the symptoms under control by avoiding triggers and working with a doctor to reduce flare-ups.

See also:

Eczema

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