Eczema is a common chronic skin condition that causes dry and itchy skin. It is non-contagious and can manifest in children and adults alike. People with eczema suffer flare-ups when they come into contact with an allergen or an irritant.
Eczema weakens the skin’s natural protective layers, affecting how skin retains moisture and protects the body from the environment. There are several types of eczema, each with unique triggers:
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterised by dry, itchy, and coloured skin patches. This eczema affects children and adults and may come and go throughout a person’s life. Symptoms often vary from person to person, and these appear in areas where the skin bends or flexes, such as behind the knees and inside of the elbow.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a rash that develops after contact with a substance or allergen. Rashes swell and become itchy and uncomfortable. There are two types of contact dermatitis: allergic and irritant. In allergic contact dermatitis, you come in contact with a substance and develop a rash.
Common allergens are nickel jewellery, cosmetics, fragrances, and food preservatives. Meanwhile, irritant contact dermatitis develops a painful rash after contact with irritants such as soap, household cleaners, detergents, and acids.
Dyshidrotic Eczema
The cause of dyshidrotic eczema remains unknown. This type causes itchy blisters, usually from allergies, stress, and due to sweaty hands and feet. Dyshidrotic eczema is common in females with a family history of eczema and also in occupational or clinical settings.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis causes dry, itchy, and discoloured skin, usually on one or two patches, mostly appearing on the arms, elbows, shoulders, legs, ankles, wrists, hands, scalp, and back of the neck. The itching is intense and may come and go, usually more active when the person relaxes or sleeps.
Nummular Eczema (Discoid)
Nummular eczema causes raised and round spots on the skin. These lesions are coin-shaped, very itchy, and may ooze clear fluid, eventually turning crusty. These patches last weeks, and flare-ups repeatedly happen for a long time. This form of eczema is often misdiagnosed as ringworm.
Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
This eczema appears as dry, red, and flaky skin patches on the scalp but may also occur in other parts of the body. It is non-contagious and may be managed by medications or treatments. Similar to other types, seborrhoeic dermatitis may flare up from time to time.
Common Eczema Triggers
A trigger is something or a situation that can cause eczema symptoms. Eczema symptoms, such as itching and dryness, are manageable and can disappear after treatment, but they may flare up because of these triggers.
Eczema triggers vary from person to person. You may rarely have only one trigger for every flare. Thus, you must identify things or situations that cause your flare-ups. Here are the most common eczema triggers:
Environmental
Environmental factors may trigger or worsen eczema symptoms. These include exposure to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander and irritants such as soaps, detergents, and solvents. Changes in temperature and humidity can also trigger eczema.
Lifestyle
Living a lifestyle that causes dry skin, such as working in air-conditioned workspaces or taking long, hot showers, can trigger eczema. Wearing certain fabrics, such as wool or polyester, can also trigger it.
Dietary
Certain foods, such as eggs, cow’s milk, peanuts, wheat, nuts, fish, and shellfish, may also trigger eczema attacks. Some people with eczema cannot tolerate citrus fruits, tomatoes, and soy.
Stress
When the body experiences stress, it releases cortisol, a hormone that suppresses the immune system. This leads to flare-ups and can worsen existing symptoms such as itching and redness. Stress also impacts the skin barrier function, making people more susceptible to inflammation and irritation.
Eczema Treatments: What Works
Eczema treatments mainly focus on reducing inflammation and relieving itching. A dermatologist will thoroughly check your symptoms and take your health history to provide personalised treatment.
Here are expert eczema treatments that work:
Over-The-Counter Creams
Over-the-counter creams such as topical corticosteroids and antihistamines help control symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation. These topical treatments are used particularly for mild cases of eczema.
Dermatologists may also recommend using moisturisers to hydrate skin and seal it in moisture. The best moisturisers are fragrance-free, colour-free, and alcohol-free to reduce irritation.
Prescription Treatments
Dermatologists may also prescribe corticosteroids, which are available in various strengths, to control inflammation and itching in moderate cases of eczema. They may also prescribe topical calcineurin, JAK, or phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Dupilimab is a new treatment for resistant eczema that can be life-changing. These prescription treatments help reduce inflammation for mild to severe eczema cases.
Phototherapy
Light therapy is an effective treatment for moderate to severe eczema in children and adults, especially when other treatments are unsuccessful. Skin is exposed to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light to reduce inflammation and other symptoms.
Lifestyle Modifications
Eczema symptoms are controllable through lifestyle changes such as the following:
- Regular moisturising
- Avoiding irritants
- Keeping the skin cool
- Avoiding stress
- Eating a healthy diet
- Maintaining good sleep hygiene
When Should I See a Dermatologist?
Following self-care routines can help manage eczema symptoms; however, this may not be enough, especially for moderate to severe cases of eczema. It’s time to seek professional help if you notice the following:
Recurrent Flare-Ups
You notice eczema symptoms disappearing and returning more frequently. Your flare-ups become more frequent, and each time, your symptoms become more difficult to manage using simple self-care techniques.
Signs of Infection
Aside from itching and redness, you also notice swelling, pain, and pus formation. Together with these symptoms, you have a fever, headaches, and weakness.
Symptoms Affecting Your Mental Health
Eczema can be managed, but it may be too much to handle, especially when you’re busy with work, school, and family. Flare-ups can be overwhelming and may affect you physically and mentally.
Are you looking for effective eczema treatments? We can help.
Led by Dr Ritu Gupta, Dr Refresh is Sydney’s premier dermatology clinic. We understand that every patient has unique skin concerns. Our specialist clinic staff personalise each treatment plan to ensure we achieve the best skin results for our patients.
Schedule a consultation with Dr Ritu or her specialist clinical staff to discover how we can help. Call the Dr Refresh team at (02) 8014 6500 to book a consultation. Alternatively, you can also enquire and book online.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between eczema and psoriasis?
Eczema and psoriasis cause inflammation, irritation, and discolouration. However, eczema appears on skin creases and folds, such as behind the knees or inside the elbows. Psoriasis appears on exterior skin surfaces such as the knees and elbows and may also appear on the palms, soles of the feet, buttocks, and scalp.
2. Can stress cause eczema flare-ups?
Yes, stress can cause flare-ups as it increases cortisol levels, suppressing the immune system. This increases inflammation and impacts the skin barrier, leading to flare-ups
3. Are there natural remedies that work?
Natural remedies such as moisturising the skin and avoiding soap and taking short showers all reduce inflammation and manage itching in eczema.
4. What is the best moisturiser for eczema?
The best moisturiser for eczema is one that is hypoallergenic and developed for sensitive skin. These products do not contain fragrance and dyes, which may cause irritation and worsen eczema symptoms.
