Chronic Skin Conditions Incomprehensible even to Today: Eczema
What is it?
Often confused with psoriasis, eczema is not an autoimmune disease but is closely linked to it. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes dry irritated patches on skin which can later swell and cause rashes to ooze with clear liquid or pus. As a result, the skin barrier will weaken and make it harder for it to retain the moisture that it needs to protect itself from external elements such as bacteria which can trigger an immune system response. This response then leads to skin inflammation.
Eczema is a chronic (long-lasting) condition with no cure. It is most commonly seen in infancy and childhood but can also appear in teens and adults, though it is not contagious. When in infants and children, it has been observed that they are able to outgrow it. However, in some cases it can appear in later years which may be due to environmental triggers.
According to research, there are correlations between those having eczema also having asthma, hay fever, or a family history of it.
People have yet to discover the direct causes of eczema, meaning a cure is yet to be developed. However, there are ways to prevent eczema from frequently interfering with day-to-day life.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of eczema is characterized by
Dry red patches of skin
Itchiness
Bumps
Flaky, crusty, or scaly skin
Swelling
Rashes that may ooze liquid
Thickening/hardening skin
Eczema may not be painful but is itchy and can become irritated when scratched. These scratched areas may ooze liquid, cause further redness, swelling, cracking, and potentially bleeding which may lead to crusting on the skin.
Symptoms can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on:
Hands
Neck
Elbows
Ankles
Knees
Feet
Face
Ears
Lips
Types
Atopic dermatitis: Most common type of eczema which is caused by emotional/mental triggers, certain foods, immune system overreaction, genes, and environment
Contact dermatitis: Caused by direct contact of a substance or an allergic reaction to that substance such as metals or certain chemicals which can cause rashes on that area of skin
Dyshidrotic dermatitis: Caused by metals, sweaty palms, laundry detergent, hot humid weather and is characterized by small blisters on hands, feet, toes, fingers, and palms
Neurodermatitis: Caused by itching the skin which may lead to scratching that can cause the skin to become thick and leathery
Nummular eczema: Causes are unclear, however, its main symptoms are coin-shaped lesions which can cause intense itching, burning, oozing liquid, and inflamed skin surrounding those lesions
Seborrheic dermatitis: Causes are unclear but is assumed to be due to the yeast Malassezia, excess oil, or an immune system issue; it mainly affects the scalp and oily areas of the body and can cause dandruff, inflamed skin, and scaly patches
Treatments
Always consult your doctor or medical professional before administering any medication or implementing any therapies.
Treatments of eczema can vary from topical steroid creams, light therapy, oral steroids, and more. Topical steroid creams may keep itchy to a minimum and encourage skin repair which may help it retain the moisture it needs to boost its skin barrier, overuse of these creams may cause thinning skin or even pigment loss. Light therapy is encouraged for those with severe eczema flares, it is not recommended for long-term use as over time it may cause skin cancer and signs of aging. Oral steroids are also typically used for those with severe symptoms of eczema and are used to control inflammation. Similarly to laser therapy, it is recommended for short-term use as overdose of the prescribed drugs may lead to high blood sugar, glaucoma, stunted growth in kids, and may decrease wound healing time.
There are many other treatment options, however, all should be discussed with a doctor or health professional before being used.
Written By: Sunny Han
Sources
Cleveland clinic. (2022). Eczema in Adults and Children. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema
Litchman, G., Nair, P. A., Atwater, A. R., & Gossman, W. G. (2023). Contact dermatitis. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459230/
Mayo Clinic. (2018a). Contact dermatitis - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352742
Mayo Clinic. (2018b). Seborrheic dermatitis - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seborrheic-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352710
Mayo Clinic. (2023, May 9). Atopic dermatitis (eczema) - Symptoms and causes. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273
National Eczema Association. (2013a). Nummular Eczema | National Eczema Association. National Eczema Association. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/nummular-eczema/
National Eczema Association. (2013b). What is dyshidrotic eczema and how do you know if you have it? National Eczema Association. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/dyshidrotic-eczema/
Neurodermatitis - Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neurodermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20375634
NIAMS. (2022). Atopic Dermatitis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis
