Eczema is one of the most common conditions that can affect almost everyone regardless of age, but there are many people who still don’t understand the nature of this disease and confuse some eczema signs with the effects of temporary irritation.
Eczema can really complicate the lives of those affected and cause significant emotional and physical problems. Here are 10 facts everyone should know about this condition.
Fact #1: Eczema Is Not Only Rough Skin
There is a stereotype that suggests that eczema is the disease that provokes the appearance of rough skin, but the reality is completely different. This condition involves a malfunction of the protective layer of the skin, which makes it prone to all kinds of irritants, allergens, and external factors. People with eczema might have such symptoms as follows:
- Persistent itching
- Red patches on the skin surface
- Peeling, flaking, or cracking skin
- The feeling of burning on the skin
- Thickening due to excessive rubbing or scratching.
The degree of severity varies depending on the specific case.
Fact #2: Eczema Is Possible in Both Children and Adults
We usually associate eczema only with infants or young children; however, this condition may occur among adults as well.
Despite the fact that some people overcome eczema symptoms in childhood and live without the disease later on, there are other patients who may have eczema outbreaks in adulthood.
It usually affects areas like hands, elbow joints, the back of the neck, and knees. Additionally, it can be provoked by such factors as stress, environmental factors, harsh products, or others.
Fact #3: Several Types of Eczema Can Exist
Eczema is believed to be the case of the same skin problem; nevertheless, there are various types of this disease. For instance, there are the following types of eczema:
- Atopic Dermatitis – the most common variant connected with asthma, allergy, and hay fever;
- Contact Dermatitis – the skin reaction caused by irritants, soap, fragrances, detergents, and metals;
- Dyshidrotic Eczema – a type characterized by blisters that occur mostly on hands and feet;
- Seborrheic Eczema – one of the most unpleasant forms of the disease that appears in oil-prone areas of the face.
- Nummular Eczema – the condition that manifests itself as coin-like red spots.
It’s rather easy to diagnose the condition by visiting a dermatologist.
Fact #4: Scratching Can Lead to Various Complications
One of the main symptoms of eczema is intense itching. Some patients find it really difficult to cope with such sensations that prevent them from doing anything and sleeping. Despite the relief that scratching provides to the patients, it often leads to increased irritation. It means that patients experience vicious circles referred to as ‘the itch-scratch cycle’.
Fact #5: Flares May Be Triggered by Numerous Causes
There are various triggers that lead to the increase of eczema symptoms. Depending on individual characteristics, each person experiences certain factors that make the situation worse. To know more about what happens in your case and avoid additional skin problems, it’s important to identify the triggers. Such possible triggers may be as follows:
- Dry climate
- Temperature increase
- Perspiration
- Skin care products that contain harsh components
- Dust
- Pollen
- Stressful situations
- Certain fabrics, especially wool
- Food allergies
Therefore, you may keep a record of factors that affect your skin badly.
Fact #6: Proper Moisturization Can Help to Treat Eczema Symptoms
One of the easiest ways to alleviate the symptoms of eczema is moisturizing your skin. Since this condition is associated with the malfunction of skin layers, it easily becomes dry and prone to other factors. As it was mentioned above, ointments and creams are much better choices to retain moisture on the skin than light moisturizers.
Moisturization can help:
- To decrease dryness
- To protect your skin
- To decrease skin irritation
- Prevent flare-ups
That’s why skin care is vital in treatment.
Fact #7: Eczema Can Be Triggered by Stress
Many eczema sufferers claim that the severity of their condition increases if they feel stressed. Emotional stress leads to inflammation of the entire body and causes irritation of the nervous and skin systems. Besides, sometimes patients feel additional stress that is provoked by their skin condition.
You can try different stress relief techniques, such as:
- Doing physical exercises;
- Meditating;
- Getting enough sleep;
- Choosing ways of relieving stress;
- Improving your lifestyle habits;
Fact #8: Eczema Cannot Spread from One Individual to Another
One of the most popular myths is associated with the contagious nature of the condition. Eczema patients are considered dangerous since they may transfer their condition through touch or even by living in the same apartment.
Nevertheless, eczema cannot be spread to other individuals. It has nothing to do with skin pathogens, as the condition is caused by genetic predisposition and immune system dysfunction.
Fact #9: Eczema May Cause Serious Skin Infection
Once patients lose control over their skin and the process of scratching becomes uncontrollable, the risk of developing infections becomes quite real. In some cases, bacteria, viruses, and fungi might get into your skin, leading to even worse problems than eczema.
Such skin infections can appear through:
- Increased redness;
- Swelling;
- Increase in the temperature of the skin area;
- Discharge;
- Crimping;
- or fever.
In case a skin infection is ignored, it might lead to complications and even hospitalization.
Fact #10: Proper Therapy Can Heal Eczema Symptoms
Unfortunately, this condition is too rare to be healed entirely, but proper treatment can really ease the symptoms of eczema. To cope with eczema, patients should use various moisturizers, anti-inflammatory agents, antihistamines, and prescriptions. Besides, there are other methods that require advanced treatment, for example, phototherapy. The right course of therapy varies depending on individual features of the skin and the patient’s age.
You can also read 7 Healthiest Foods For Skin And Hair to maintain good skin health.
Conclusion
Eczema is a widespread skin problem that makes the lives of patients difficult. Due to the misconception, people confuse this condition with dry skin and rash. Nevertheless, eczema is much more complex and dangerous. Knowing some facts about this condition may help you protect yourself.
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