Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Your skin is the body's largest organ that helps shield and protect the external surface from harmful radiations, sun, and environmental pollutants. It acts as a physical barrier to prevent several infections. However, this barrier may be disturbed due to genetics, autoimmune, hormonal fluctuations, or side effects of certain medications. This blog highlights one such skin condition known as “Eczema, or Atopic Dermatitis,” causing dry, itchy, flaky patches on your skin that may trigger or flare up when exposed to irritants. 

Eczema is a type of dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) that isn't contagious but significantly weakens the skin barrier. This condition can affect any age group, with 10 to 20% of infants born with it. However, nearly half of them outgrow the condition or have significant improvement as they get older. Treatment for eczema includes oral or topical medications to soothe the skin and fight inflammation or light therapy to remove blemishes. 

Keep scrolling to learn more about eczema!

What is Eczema?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes dry, flaky, itchy patches on your skin that may aggravate or flare up due to exposure to irritants. This is most common in children, who gradually outgrow it after adulthood. Symptoms of Eczema can show up anywhere on your skin, but the most common places are your face, cheeks, ears, hands, neck, elbows, knees, and feet. 

What Are the Types of Eczema?

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema; however, there are several other forms, namely:

Contact Dermatitis

This type occurs as an allergic reaction when you come in contact with a substance or irritant that your immune system recognizes as a foreign invader.

Dyshidrotic Eczema

You may develop skin irritation on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, which may turn into small blisters. 

Neurodermatitis

Often occurring due to an insect bite, this leads to scaly skin patches on the head, forearms, wrist, and lower legs. 

Discoid Eczema

This is also known as nummular eczema, characterized by circular patches of irritated skin that are scaly, crusted, and itchy.  

Stasis Dermatitis

This type refers to skin irritation of the lower leg, resulting in circulatory problems. 

How is Eczema Caused?

Though the exact cause of eczema is unknown, it is believed that it could occur due to a combination of several factors. These include:

Genetics 

• A gene mutation can cause the development of eczema that may have passed down from your parents. 
• A close family member can increase your risk of developing a skin condition. 

Your Immune System

• Any irritant or allergen can activate your immune system to overreact and identify it as a foreign invader.
• This activates your body's defense system to create an inflammatory reaction.

What Factors Can Trigger Eczema?

Eczema can develop or aggravate due to irritants known as “triggers.” Different people can react differently to these triggers. Common triggers that cause eczema or a flare-up include:

Environmental Factors

• These can irritate your skin, causing itchy rashes. 
• Some examples include:
• Low humidity (dry air)
• High temperature
• Smoke 
• Air pollutants
• Fabrics like wool
• Certain harsh skin care products
• Soaps and detergents
• Pollens found in flowers 
• Dust mites 
• Pet dander 

Hormonal Changes

• Frequent hormonal fluctuations can develop skin rashes, especially during pregnancy and menstrual cycle.

Emotional Factors

• Psychological triggers like stress, anxiety, or depression can initiate an inflammatory reaction in your body, causing more frequent flare-ups. 

Certain Foods 

• Pay attention to what you eat since it may trigger an allergic reaction, causing or aggravating eczema.
• Common examples include:
• Peanut 
• Eggs
• Dairy
• Seeds 
• Soy products 

What Are the Symptoms of Eczema?

The symptoms of eczema may vary based on the age, type, and severity of your condition. Common symptoms include:

• Red, pale pink, light brown, or gray, dry, scaly skin rashes 
• Thickened, coarse skin
• Open, crusted, or leaking sores
• Skin flushing 
• Itching 

Furthermore, symptoms present differently in different age groups, such as:

Symptoms in Infants (Under 2 Years)

• Skin rashes are found on the scalp and cheeks.
• Rashes may turn into blisters that leak fluid
• Extreme itchy rashes that may impact sleep

Symptoms in Childhood (2 Years to Puberty)

• Bumpy rashes appear on the neck, wrist, and ankles, behind the knees, creases, or elbows.
• Skin rash may change color, appearing lighter or darker.
• Lichenification: Skin around the rash thickens and may become a permanent itchy patch. 

Symptoms in Adult 

• Scalier, dry, and itchy rashes 
• Cover most of the body parts 
• It can transform into a permanent itchy skin patch 

How Is Eczema Diagnosed?

When you consult a dermatologist (a doctor who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases related to the skin, hair, and nails) for skin rashes, your doctor will:

• Record your medical history, family history, and occupation to determine the possible risks and triggering factors
• Conduct a physical exam to evaluate your skin rash clinically 
• Perform additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions. These include:

An Allergy Test

• Check for increased levels of antibodies in your blood that help detect any allergy.

Blood Tests 

• Helps determine if any bacterial infection causes the rash.

A Skin Biopsy

• This test involves removing a piece of your skin tissue around the rash and studying it under a microscope.

How Can Eczema Be Treated?

Treatment for eczema often depends on the severity of the symptoms and what causes it. The options include:

Proper Skincare

• Use a gentle and moisturizing lotion throughout the day to avoid dry skin.

Medications 

• Topical and oral steroids reduce inflammation, itching, redness, and swelling. 
• Immunosuppressant drugs help regulate your immune system. 

Light Therapy 

• This is also known as photochemotherapy, which involves focusing UV light on the affected skin to inhibit the inflammatory reaction in your body and influence cell division.

Avoid Triggers 

• Preventing or managing eczema symptoms is possible by avoiding the triggers that may aggravate the condition. 

Lifestyle Changes

• Keep the room temperature as regular as possible. Avoid exposing yourself to extreme temperatures.
• Take a warm water bath instead of a hot bath to prevent dry skin.
• Use cotton clothes as much as possible.
• Avoid rubbing or scratching your skin often.

Takeaway

Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that can be distressing due to itchy rashes. It can have psychological effects by making you self-conscious and negatively impacting your quality of life. Consult your dermatologist right away if you notice any itchy skin rash. Your doctor can help you explore home remedies and prescription treatments until you find the best solution for your skin condition.