In the United States, 3% of adults and children and 10% to 20% of neonates are affected by eczema. Most kids outgrow it by the time they turn ten years old. Some people have symptoms perpetually, on and off. Depending on the individual, the condition's severity can change. Eczema flare-ups can range from minor to extremely painful, with skin that is severely damaged and bleeds. The body parts most frequently afflicted are the knees, the inside of the elbows, the side of the neck, and the area around the eyes and ears. Most people's eczema will initially be manageable before suddenly worsening and needing additional treatments.

The American Academy of Dermatology , dermatologists, and our healthcare practitioners suggest topical steroid creams, corticosteroids, antihistamines, moisturizers, and other eczema treatment options (AAD).

Types of eczema

Eczema comes in a variety of forms. The barrier function of your skin can be impacted by each type's distinct triggers, which include:

● Atopic dermatitis

● Contact dermatitis

● Dyshidrotic eczema

● Neurodermatitis

● Nummular eczema

What are the causes of eczema?

The most typical eczema is atopic dermatitis, sometimes called "atopic eczema." It happens due to an overactive immune system, which dries up and irritates the skin barrier. This disorder has many symptoms and can affect any portion of the body. Eczema can result from various reasons, including how your environment and genes interact. The skin's surface becomes inflamed or flares up when an allergen or irritant from the outside or inside the body "turns on" the immune system. This inflammation brings on the signs and symptoms of most kinds of eczema.

Foods like milk, eggs, almonds, and wheat are notorious for acting as allergens that cause eczema in many situations. However, allergies are not the only cause of eczema; other causes include cold temperatures, rough clothing, harsh soaps, excessive washing, stress, and excessive perspiration. Eczema is becoming more common in general. The relative significance of each element is unclear, although changes in our way of life or our surroundings may cause it.

Is eczema contagious?

Eczema is non-infectious. You cannot catch it from another person. Although the precise etiology of eczema is unknown, scientists know that environmental and genetic factors interact to create the condition in some people.

When to see a doctor?

Consult our UK-based healthcare professionals if the itchiness, redness, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and scaliness you're feeling persists or starts to affect your daily life.

Eczema can be diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist, but other medical specialists may also be able to offer advice. Please fill out the questionnaire and avail of our online doctor service.

Home care for eczema

People with eczema can take several steps to support skin health and reduce symptoms at home.

● Lukewarm baths

● Moisturizing your skin daily

● Wear soft fabrics

● Use a mild soap on your skin

● avoiding scratchy fabrics and wearing tight-fitting garments

● Use a humidifier in a dry or chilly weather

Treatment for eczema

Although eczema cannot be treated, many people outgrow it. But having eczema can be distressing on a physical and emotional level, so, fortunately, there are effective therapies to help manage the symptoms.

Emollients are skin-soothing moisturizers that lessen dryness, cracking, and irritation. Emollients, which typically come in creams, ointments, lotions, or bath additives, are widely used to control the symptoms.

Ointments work best for extremely dry skin, though they are the greatest. The most suitable one for you will depend on your skin kind and the severity of your eczema symptoms. Emollients can be used in place of soap, which can be extremely drying to the skin.

Corticosteroids are steroid creams, and ointments are applied to the skin during flare-ups to help lessen the redness and irritation. Smaller packs of light steroids like hydrocortisone and Eumovate can be purchased without a prescription, but stronger steroids, steroids with additional components to treat infections, and steroids in larger pack sizes are only accessible with a prescription.