Overview:
Eczema is a common skin condition that causes itchiness, redness, dryness, and irritation. The condition is also known as Atopic dermatitis. It usually begins in infancy or early childhood and can last into adulthood. Eczema, on the other hand, can affect people of any age.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is classified into several types. The type of eczema you have can influence the type of rash you develop and where it appears on your body. Some people grow out of the condition, while others will have it throughout their lives.
Eczema is not harmful to your health. It does not imply that your skin is contaminated or infected, and it is not contagious. There are treatment options available that can help you manage your symptoms. Paid Dermatology Clinical Trials can help us learn more about this condition in both children and adults.
This blog will delve deeper into Eczema and go over its symptoms, treatments, causes, and types.
Who is at Risk of Getting Eczema?
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) typically begins in childhood, but it can affect anyone at any age. But you are at high risk if you:
- Are Female
- Are African-American
- Have been diagnosed with hay fever or asthma
- Have a family history of dermatitis, hay fever, or asthma
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is caused by a combination of a variety of reasons including immune system activation, genetics, environmental triggers, and stress.
Immune system: Your immune system overreacts to minor irritants or allergens if you have eczema. This overreaction may cause skin irritation.
Family history: If your family has a history of dermatitis, you are more likely to develop eczema. You’re also more prone to this condition if you have a history of asthma, hay fever, or allergies. Allergens are chemicals that cause an allergic reaction, such as pollen, pet hair, or foods. There may also be a change in your genes that control a protein that aids your body in maintaining healthy skin. Your skin will not be completely healthy unless it has normal levels of that protein.
Environmental triggers: Numerous things in your environment can irritate your skin. Tobacco smoke, air pollutants, harsh soaps, wool fabrics, and some skin products are some examples. Dry and itchy skin can also be caused by low humidity (dry air). Heat and high humidity can cause sweating, which can aggravate the itchiness.
Stress: Eczema like many other skin conditions can be triggered by stress. The body produces a high amount of cortisol hormone during stress which has a great effect on the skin and ultimately triggers eczema. Not only does it cause eczema but also makes the outbreaks last longer. This seems like an endless ongoing cycle.
What are the Symptoms of Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) often presents itself as itchy, dry, rough, flaky, inflamed, and irritated skin. It can flare up, then subside, only to flare up again. Eczema can appear anywhere but is most commonly found on the arms, inner elbows, backs of the knees, cheeks, and scalp. It is not contagious and sometimes gets milder with age.
Other signs and symptoms include:
- severe itching
- patches of red or brownish-gray skin
- when scratched, small, raised bumps ooze fluid crusty patches of dried yellowish ooze, which can indicate infection
- skin that is thickened, scaly, sore, or raw-feeling
Many people find that their symptoms worsen at night, making sleep difficult. Scratching eczema aggravates and inflames the skin. This can result in infections that require antibiotic treatment.
Mild eczema can sometimes be managed at home by avoiding triggers and keeping skin moisturized. However, it is best to consult a doctor if symptoms are difficult to manage or are worsening. It is advisable to schedule a medical appointment if you think that:
- Over-the-counter treatments aren’t working for your eczema.
- The symptoms keep you awake at night symptoms make it difficult to complete daily tasks
- The skin is blistering or weeping
- The skin is peeling and becoming thick or scaly
What Triggers Eczema?
When one or more eczema symptoms appear on the skin, this is referred to as an eczema flare-up. According to the National Health Service (NHS), studies have shown that both external and internal factors can contribute to eczema (atopic dermatitis) flare-ups. Typical triggers include:
- Cleansers and detergents contain chemicals or preservatives, as do scented products.
- External allergens such as pollens, mold, dust, or dust mites are emitted by cigarette smoke.
- Rough and scratchy material, such as wool or synthetic fabrics.
- Temperature fluctuations.
- Food allergens.
- Upper respiratory infections are caused by animal dander.
How is Eczema Diagnosed?
Your skin will be examined carefully by your healthcare provider. They will look for classic eczema symptoms such as redness and dryness. They will inquire as to the symptoms you are experiencing.
Typically, your healthcare provider can diagnose eczema by examining your skin. But sometimes, if there is any doubt, they may ask for the following tests:
- A skin test for allergies.
- Blood tests to rule out other causes of the rash that are familiar to dermatitis.
- A skin biopsy to differentiate types of dermatitis.
How Can We Treat Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) can be chronic. To control it, you may need to try several treatments over months or years. Even if treatment is effective, signs and symptoms may reappear (flare-up).
It is critical to identify the condition early so that treatment can begin. If regular moisturizing and other self-care measures are ineffective, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Creams that relieve itching and aid in skin repair:
Corticosteroid cream or ointment may be prescribed by your doctor. After moisturizing, apply it as directed. Overuse of this medication may result in side effects such as skin thinning.
Other creams that contain calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel), affect your immune system. They are used to help control the skin reaction in people over the age of two. After moisturizing, apply it as directed. When using these products, avoid direct sunlight.
These medications carry a black box warning about the possibility of cancer. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, however, has concluded that the risk-to-benefit ratios of topical pimecrolimus and tacrolimus are comparable to those of most other conventional treatments for persistent eczema and that the data do not support the use of the black box warning.
Anti-infective medications:
If your skin has a bacterial infection, an open sore, or cracks, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream. To treat an infection, he or she may advise taking oral antibiotics for a short period.
Anti-inflammatory medications are taken orally:
Your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, in more severe cases. These drugs are effective, but they cannot be used long-term due to the risk of serious side effects.
A newer treatment option for severe eczema (Atopic Dermatitis):
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved dupilumab, an injectable biologic (monoclonal antibody) (Dupixent). It is used to treat patients with severe diseases who have not responded well to other treatments. Because this is a newer medication, there isn’t a long track record of how well it helps people. It has been shown in studies to be safe when used as directed. It is extremely expensive.
Outlook:
There is no cure for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), but the right treatments can effectively manage symptoms. A combination of lifestyle changes and medications may be used in treatment.
In some cases, eczema can lead to other health problems such as infections, asthma, or worsening skin. Finding the right treatments, on the other hand, can help prevent complications.
Consult a doctor if you’re having trouble managing your eczema or if your symptoms are worsening. They can assist you in determining a treatment plan that works for you and reduces flare-ups.
Keep track of your symptoms and make regular visits to your doctor. Medication and treatments that were previously effective may no longer be so. Multiple Clinical Research Organizations in your area are conducting Clinical Trials in Eczema and other dermatologic conditions to help us understand these complex conditions and find potential treatment options.
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