Eczema is a skin condition that shows up as itchy, dry, red patches, and can result in peeling, blisters, and sores. According to the National Eczema Association, it affects more than 30 million Americans. Eczema tends to show up in childhood, usually on the cheeks, chin, elbows, or knees, and symptoms usually lessen over time.
Still, some people will have eczema as they grow older, and adults can develop it as well. It’s tricky to narrow down exactly what causes eczema, since there are so many different forms of the condition, and different triggers can exacerbate each type.
For example, allergens such as pet dander or pollen could cause the irritating rash appear, or it could be linked to other health conditions such as high blood pressure. For most forms, the cause isn’t clear and it’s linked to a combination of factors.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the two most significant risk factors for eczema are:
- Family history (does it run in your family?)
- Mutation in the filaggrin gene (FLG)
It is still not clear how the genetic components cause eczema, and how exactly you inherit it. But those who suffer from eczema are more likely to have children with the risk of the condition.
There are a number of factors that can trigger eczema or make it worse. These include:
- Skin irritants: It could be some sort of fabric, such as wool or synthetic clothes, or detergents, perfumes, soap, chlorine, or any other chemical solvent.
- Temperature: Often, extreme temperature might cause dryness of skin or worsen your condition.
- Lack of moisturizing: Do you often forget to moisturize your skin after a bath? If yes, it might make your skin dehydrated.
- Animal dander
- Pollen
- Molds
- Dust mites
- Food items
It is important to remember that the signs and symptoms of eczema may differ from person to person. And that’s why identifying them is essential for proper diagnosis.
Treatment
There is no cure for eczema. Treatment for the condition aims to heal the affected skin and prevent flare-ups of symptoms. Doctors will suggest a plan of treatment based on an individual’s age, symptoms, and current state of health.
For some people, eczema goes away over time. For others, it remains a lifelong condition.
Here are some Home remedies for Eczema: 10 Home Remedies for Eczema
Medications
There are several medications that doctors can prescribe to treat the symptoms of eczema, including:
- Topical corticosteroid creams and ointments: These are a type of anti-inflammatory medication and should relieve the main symptoms of eczema, such as skin inflammation and itchiness. They are applied directly to the skin. If you want to buy topical corticosteroid creams and ointments, then there is an excellent selection online with thousands of customer reviews.
- Systemic corticosteroids: If topical treatments are not effective, systemic corticosteroids can be prescribed. These are either injected or taken by mouth, and they are only used for short periods of time.
- Antibiotics: These are prescribed if eczema occurs alongside a bacterial skin infection.
- Antiviral and antifungal medications: These can treat fungal and viral infections that occur.
- Antihistamines: These reduce the risk of nighttime scratching as they can cause drowsiness.
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors: This is a type of drug that suppresses the activities of the immune system. It decreases inflammation and helps prevent flare-ups.
- Barrier repair moisturizers: These reduce water loss and work to repair the skin.
- Phototherapy: This involves exposure to ultraviolet A or B waves, alone or combined. The skin will be monitored carefully. This method is normally used to treat moderate dermatitis.
Even though the condition itself is not yet curable, there should be a particular treatment plan to suit each person with different symptoms. Even after an area of skin has healed, it is important to keep looking after it, as it may easily become irritated again.
