Eczema

Eczema is a broad term used to describe inflamed, itchy, red, often scaly skin, and is most commonly either atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis. It is a common condition that is not contagious. Symptoms of eczema can flare up if you come in contact with an irritant or an allergen. There are treatments available to help manage your symptoms, but there is not a cure.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy and bumpy. It is a result of a weakened skin barrier function, which is responsible for helping your skin retain moisture and protecting your body from outside elements. Eczema is a type of dermatitis. Dermatitis is a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation and irritation.

What are the different types of eczema?

There are several types of eczema. Each one has its own unique triggers that affect your skin barrier’s function from protecting you from the ‘outside world’.

• Atopic Dermatitis
• Contact Dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
• Neurodermatitis
• Nummular Eczema
• Seborrheic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition that often presents in childhood, usually in the first year of life. The skin’s barrier is compromised and it becomes extremely itchy. Scratching and rubbing result in a red, scaly rash that may flake, blister, or even bleed. In babies, the rash is commonly seen on the scalp, forehead, and cheeks. We know both genetics and the environment play a role in the cause of atopic dermatitis. Although atopic dermatitis can extend into adulthood, most children outgrow the condition by the time they are adults. Treatment of atopic dermatitis can be challenging and requires patience and persistence. Dr. Queller will devise a careful, comprehensive skincare regimen and may prescribe topical or oral medications depending on the extent of your rash. Keeping your eczema under control is important to minimize itch and to prevent skin infections, which are more common on eczematous skin.

Contact dermatitis also causes an eczema-type itchy red rash. In these cases, the skin is either irritated by something you have come in contact with OR allergic to a substance you have come in contact with or are currently using. Contact dermatitis is not dangerous but can be very uncomfortable. Irritants might include acids, corrosives, or chemicals, and allergens might include plants like poison ivy, metals like nickel, preservatives, fragrances or other chemicals. Whatever the culprit substance, the skin reacts by becoming itchy, red, scaly, and occasionally blistered. The first step of treatment is stopping skin contact with the irritant or allergen. Topical steroids or other medications are then often used to reduce inflammation and moisturizing can repair the skin’s barrier.

Who does eczema affect?

Eczema can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms usually appear during childhood and last into adulthood. You might be more at risk of having eczema if you have a family history or a diagnosis of asthma, allergies, or hay fever.

How common is eczema?

Eczema is very common and affects more than 31 million Americans. Infants are prone to eczema, and up to 20% of babies will be diagnosed with it. However, nearly half of all infants diagnosed with eczema outgrow the condition or have significant improvement as they get older.

What triggers eczema?

The first signs of eczema are itchiness, dry skin, and small bumps. These signs indicate that you came into contact with a trigger that caused your symptoms to start or flare up. Identifying environmental triggers and avoiding them can reduce your risk of an eczema flare-up.

Where does eczema appear on the body?

Symptoms of eczema can show up anywhere. The most common places are:

• Hands
• Neck
• Elbows
• Ankles
• Knees
• Feet
• Face, especially cheeks
• Lips

Do foods trigger eczema?

The connection between eczema and food allergies is still being studied. Examples of common allergies include:

• Peanuts
• Dairy
• Eggs

Pay attention to what you eat. If your eczema flares up after you eat a certain food, then you might have an allergy to it.