Eczema: Symptoms Causes and Treatment

Introduction

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that is characterised by inflamed, red, and itchy patchy areas of skin on the body. It can strike anyone, and for most people, it’s most common in children, but adults get flare-ups too. To manage eczema, treatments, lifestyle changes and preventive measures are all combined. We’re going through the causes, symptoms, and, of course, the treatment options for eczema so you can get rid of the itch and get healthier skin.

A. What Is Eczema?

In eczema, the skin’s natural barrier is compromised, and there is excess sensitivity and dryness. Common symptoms include:

Skin patches in red or brown.

Itching, especially at night.

Affected skin that is dry, scaly and sometimes weeps or bleeds.

Chronic cases: Thicken skin.

Face, hands, feet and behind the knees are common places of eczema, but it can happen anywhere on the body.

B. What Causes Eczema?

Exactly what causes eczema is unknown, but it is thought to be something of a blend of genetic and environmental factors. Key triggers include:

Ragweed pollen, pet dander, dust mites...

Harsh soaps, detergents and fragrance irritants.

Specific though is weather changes such as cold, dry conditions.

Symptoms can be increased by stress.

Food allergies, such as dairy, nuts or gluten.

Learning about what sets off your eczema is the first step to the effective management of eczema.

C. Top Eczema Treatments

1. Moisturisers and Emollients

Keeping the skin well hydrated is the cornerstone of eczema treatment. Moisturisers act as remedies to restore the skin surface and reduce dryness and itchiness.

Types of moisturisers: Instead, pick heavy cream and ointments over lotions because they better lock moisture.

Application: After bathing, apply your moisturiser so that it helps seal in moisture. Apply several times daily.

Popular options include:

Petroleum jelly.

Anything that’s ceramide-based, like CeraVe or Eucerin.

Coconut or sunflower seed oil (among others).

2. Topical steroids

Doctors suggest using corticosteroid creams or ointments for more severe eczema flare-ups. They reduce inflammation and itch.

How to use: As directed, use a thin layer to apply to affected areas.

Caution: Skins can become thin, and you can develop side effects such as thin skin if you use them long-term.

3. Non-Steroidal Topicals

Steroid-free options such as tacrolimus (protopic) and pimecrolimus (elidel) perform well for sensitive areas, including the face or eyelids.

4. Antihistamines

Antihistamines are over the counter and can include loratadine or cetirizine, which can help with itching, especially at night. Some sedative antihistamines can also help you sleep better.

D. Lifestyle Changes for Eczema Management

1. Keep a gentle skincare routine.

Don't use harsh soaps; rather, use mild, fragrance-free cleansers. Hot water can also strip natural oils, and short, lukewarm showers are preferable.

2. Wear protective clothing.

If you are choosing fabrics, choose them from the softest sort of cotton, as this can help in reducing burning. Wool and synthetic materials can irritate symptoms, so avoid them.

3. Stay Hydrated

Water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, particularly if you drink a lot of it.

4. Manage stress

Eczemia is a trigger for stress. Make an effort to find daily stress-relieving activities such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing.

5. Maintain a Healthy Diet

And food is not directly linked to eczema; however, some allergies can make the symptoms worse. If you don’t know which trigger foods to eliminate, and it’s this causing the discomfort, consider an elimination diet and eliminate all dairy, soy, nuts, etc.

E. Medical Treatments for Severe Eczema

If over-the-counter remedies and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, you may need to consult a dermatologist for advanced treatments.

1. Phototherapy

Phototherapy is exposure of the skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light to reduce inflammation. For moderate to severe eczema, it’s usually recommended.

2. Oral medications

In severe cases, a patient could be prescribed oral medications such as cyclosporine, methotrexate or JAK inhibitors (upadacitinib, etc.) to turn down the immune system and reduce inflammation.

3. Biologics

Dupilumab (Dupixent) is a newer biologic treatment that targets specific immune pathways critical to eczema. They are normally reserved for severe, persistent cases.

F. Natural Remedies for Eczema

1. Colloidal Oatmeal Baths

You can add colloidal oatmeal to your lukewarm bath to relieve the itch and the inflammation.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel also has antiinflammatory and cooling properties. Put it to use on problem areas for relief.

3. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used diluted to help restore skin’s pH balance. Use as a compress or in bath water.

4. Probiotics

Probiotics may improve symptoms of eczema by helping the gut, studies have suggested. Natural foods such as yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are sources.

G. Preventing Eczema flare-ups

While it’s impossible to cure eczema, these tips can help reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups:

Avoid known triggers: See if you can identify allergens and irritants to keep away from.

Maintain a consistent skincare routine: This is why you should hydrate your skin daily, as well as avoid skipping your treatments.

Use a humidifier: During dry winter months, a humidifier can help add moisture to the air.

Protect your hands: When cleaning products or washing dishes, wear gloves.

H. When to See a Doctor

Seek medical advice if:

Your eczema is severe or rapidly worsening.

Treatments over the counter aren’t helping.

You may have oozing, crusting, or fever if you get signs of infection.

Conclusion

Eczema can be tricky to manage, but with the right treatments and some lifestyle changes, you can keep symptoms down and reduce the risk of flare-ups. The goal is consistency in whatever you’re doing: moisturising creams, medical interventions, or natural remedies, and finding out what works for your skin.

However, if you stay informed and engage proactively, you can make big strides toward more healthy, happy skin. If you have eczema, don’t let it discourage you from the battle; seek help from a dermatologist who can offer you customised advice and treatment guidelines.

FAQs on Eczema Treatment

Q: Is eczema contagious?

Eczema is not contagious and isn't spread from one person to another.

Q: Can Eczema go away on its own?

Eczema tends to improve with time, particularly in children, but often it doesn’t ‘go away’ and can require ongoing management.

Q: Are there any permanent cures for eczema?

At this time there is no cure for eczema; however, well-treated, effective treatments exist that can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Q: Can diet impact eczema?

Certainly, some food allergies and intolerances can bring on flare-ups of eczema. It may be possible to reduce symptoms by staying on a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet.

If you’ve enjoyed this article, please help others by sharing it. For more skin care tips, check out our blog!