Symptoms And Causes Of Eczema: Your Complete Guide

• Eczema is a skin condition characterised by inflammation resulting from various factors, including an overactive immune system, genetic predisposition, and exposure to environmental triggers.
  
  
• Atopic dermatitis is the most prevalent form of eczema, characterised by inflamed, itchy skin that can appear red and dry. It often occurs in individuals with a family history of allergies or asthma.
  
  
• Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by various factors, such as consuming specific foods, coming into contact with abrasive soaps or chemicals, and experiencing shifts in weather conditions.
  
  
• It is crucial to customise the treatment plan for eczema based on your specific type and the factors that trigger it. Personalising the treatment approach ensures the most effective and targeted management of symptoms.

If you're concerned about eczema, you might be curious about the factors contributing to this skin condition and the steps you can take to manage it effectively.

Eczema symptoms can cause considerable discomfort and disrupt your daily routine, particularly when you experience intense itching and struggle to get a good night's sleep. These unpleasant symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life.

The visible dry and scaly patches caused by eczema can hurt one's self-esteem, causing insecurity and self-consciousness.

You can take solace in the fact that you are not alone if you are dealing with eczema. This skin condition is prevalent, affecting approximately 10% of the population at some point in their lives.

This article will provide an in-depth exploration of the different factors that can contribute to the development of eczema, as well as an examination of the common signs and symptoms associated with this skin condition. Additionally, we will explore the potential triggers that can lead to flare-ups and exacerbate the symptoms of eczema.

What Is Eczema?

 Eczema is a skin condition characterised by inflammation that compromises the skin's protective barrier, which is responsible for retaining moisture and shielding the body from external elements.

This health issue can manifest at any stage of life, whether during childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, and its symptoms can vary in intensity from mild to severe.

Understanding Eczema Symptoms

There are many types of eczema, but these are the most common symptoms:

Rough And Scaly Patches On The Skin

The following symptoms characterise eczema:

• Thickened skin
  
  
• Dehydrated skin
  
  
• Scaly skin
  
  
• Itchy skin

Eczema typically presents in localised patches and is characterised by flakiness, roughness, and scaliness. In addition, individuals with eczema often experience inflammation and swelling of the affected skin, which can worsen if scratched repeatedly due to persistent itching.

Eczema typically presents as inflamed and itchy skin patches in specific body areas.

Skin Colour Changes

People with darker skin tones may notice a discolouration in areas affected by eczema, with the affected skin appearing darker or lighter than the surrounding areas.

Lighter skin tones may exhibit brown, purple, or grey discolouration patches.

A Rash Or Hives

Atopic dermatitis frequently causes the skin to become inflamed and irritated, forming an itchy rash or hives.

Small Bumps

Little bumps that develop on the skin are a commonly observed symptom in atopic dermatitis. These bumps tend to be most prominent on the upper arms and thighs.

Oozing Or Crusting

Oozing or weeping eczema should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to skin infections if left untreated. Constant itching and scratching of the dry and scaly patches can cause them to become crusty and potentially discharge fluid, increasing the risk of infection.

Sensitive Skin

The constant scratching and itching associated with eczema can leave individuals with a compromised skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and rawness.

Key Point: Is Eczema Contagious?

Unlike bacterial or viral conditions, such as the flu or a cold, eczema cannot be transmitted from one person to another through physical contact. It is not contagious and does not spread like an infectious disease.

Eczema is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from one person to another. It is a condition that results from a combination of genetic predisposition, immune system functioning, and exposure to environmental triggers.

What Are The Different Types Of Eczema?

Each type of eczema presents with its distinct visual characteristics.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic eczema, commonly known as allergic eczema, is the most prevalent form of the condition. It develops when the skin barrier becomes excessively dry and itchy, leading to the appearance of a rash or small raised bumps on the skin.

In addition to causing discomfort, the itching and dry skin associated with atopic dermatitis can lead to other health problems. One such issue is disrupted sleep, which can negatively affect overall well-being and cognitive function.

Atopic dermatitis can manifest as eczema on any part of the body, and it can lead to the formation of intense and persistent rashes.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis, also known as allergic contact dermatitis, is a type of eczema that occurs when the skin comes into contact with substances that cause an allergic reaction. These triggers can include harsh soaps, fragrances, and detergents, leading to irritation and inflammation of the skin.

Dyshidrotic Eczema

The most common parts of the body affected by dyshidrotic eczema are:

• Hands
  
  
• Edges of the fingers and toes
  
  
• Feet

In addition to the hands and feet, dyshidrotic eczema can manifest in other body areas. It is more commonly diagnosed in women than in men.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap in babies, is a form of eczema that primarily affects the scalp. It is characterised by persistent itching and a rash in the affected area.

Nummular Eczema

This condition, known as discoid eczema, is characterised by circular patches on the skin. These patches can exhibit symptoms such as oozing, dryness, and sensitivity, making them easily identifiable.

Stasis Dermatitis

Poor leg circulation is often the underlying cause of this eczema, primarily in the leg area. Common symptoms include leg swelling, aching, heaviness, and increased pain when standing or walking.

There are several names for stasis dermatitis, including:

• Venous stasis dermatitis
  
  
• Gravitational dermatitis
  
  
• Venous eczema

Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis typically manifests in the skin's creases, such as the inner bend of the elbow or the gaps between fingers, making it easily recognisable as a form of eczema.

The scales look similar to scales, especially if the person has experienced excessive itching. There are several familiar places where this type of eczema occurs:

• Ankles
  
  
• Elbows
  
  
• Wrists
  
  
• Hands
  
  
• Neck
  
  
• Shoulders
  
  
• Feet

What Are The Risk Factors For Eczema?

Some individuals have a greater susceptibility to developing eczema compared to others. Factors that may increase your likelihood of experiencing eczema include:

• Having a high birth weight at birth
  
  
• During infancy, exposure to hard water
  
  
• Cesarean section birth
  
  
• During infancy, antibiotics were administered
  
  
• Obesity
  
  
• Smokers exposed to secondhand smoke
  
  
• Having a mother who is older than the average childbearing age
  
  
• Climate-controlled or located in a city

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema is thought to result from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors rather than a single specific cause.

Several factors can cause eczema.

An Overactive Immune System

When individuals with eczema come into contact with allergens and irritants, their immune system goes into overdrive, mistaking these harmless substances for harmful pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. This hypersensitivity causes the immune system to mount an exaggerated response, leading to the characteristic symptoms of eczema.

When these irritants come into contact with the skin, they activate the immune system, leading to an inflammatory response that manifests as eczema.

Environmental Factors

In addition to exacerbating eczema symptoms, certain environmental factors can trigger the development of eczema.

Climate and the level of smoke, pollutants, and humidity in the environment are among the environmental factors that can impact health.

Genetics

A family history of eczema or other skin diseases increases the likelihood of developing this condition. Similarly, if there is a history of asthma and hay fever in your family, you may be at risk of experiencing eczema.

If you have certain genetic variations, your skin barrier may not function properly, increasing your likelihood of developing eczema.

Key Point: A Filaggrin Deficiency

When there is a lack of filaggrin in the body, it can cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed, often resulting in the development of eczema. This deficiency is usually inherited and can significantly affect the skin's overall condition.

What Can Trigger Eczema Flare-Ups?

Eczema flare-ups are a common occurrence for those with this skin condition. These flare-ups are characterised by a worsening of eczema symptoms, often triggered by various factors such as allergens, stress, or changes in weather conditions.

Numerous environmental factors can contribute to triggering an eczema flare-up.

Key Point: Why You Should Know Your Eczema Triggers

Understanding the causes of your eczema flare-ups is essential in developing an effective treatment strategy. By pinpointing your triggers, you can proactively avoid these factors and minimise the risk of experiencing adverse reactions.

Providing this information to your doctor is especially beneficial, as it enables them to prescribe treatments that effectively prevent flare-ups by addressing and mitigating the triggers.

Food Allergies

Consuming high-allergen foods like cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, soya, or gluten can trigger an eczema flare-up in individuals with allergies to these products.

When exposed to certain foods, the body can cause an allergic reaction that leads to an exaggerated response from the immune system, ultimately resulting in eczema.

Soaps And Detergents

Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by contact with harsh substances such as soaps, chemicals, cleaning detergents, bubble bath liquids, perfumes, cosmetics, and skin products.

These products frequently remove the skin's essential oils, causing it to feel tight and prone to itchiness. As a consequence, this can trigger an outbreak of eczema.

Pollen And Pet Dander

Pollen and pet dander exposure can exacerbate eczema symptoms as the immune system identifies these substances as allergens and triggers a reaction in individuals with already sensitive skin.

 

Dust Mites

Mites in dust or sand can cause inflammation and itching. The immune system can react to the protein in dust mite droppings, which can irritate the skin.

Climate

Fluctuations in humidity levels can directly impact your skin's health, potentially leading to eczema flare-ups and increased irritation.

When the air becomes drier during colder months, it can cause a decrease in humidity, resulting in reduced moisture levels. This lack of moisture in the air can contribute to dry skin, which can trigger eczema flare-ups.

Stress And Anxiety

While the exact relationship between eczema and stress remains elusive, many individuals with eczema report that their symptoms tend to exacerbate during times of heightened stress or anxiety.

Create a plan to manage your stress, such as exercise or meditation. Additionally, keeping your skin hydrated and avoiding triggers such as irritants or allergens can help reduce the severity of flare-ups.

How Can I Treat Eczema?

Customising your eczema treatment based on your specific type of eczema and triggers is the most effective approach among the available treatments.

While it is true that there is no known cure for eczema, there are various treatment options available that can effectively control symptoms and alleviate itching.

Among the most common treatments are:

• Remedies available over-the-counter (OTC)
  
  
• Anti-immunosuppressive drugs
  
  
• Seborrheic dermatitis shampoos with medicated ingredients
  
  
• Medications prescribed for topical use, such as corticosteroids
  
  
• The use of light therapy
  
  
• Medication taken orally

When Should I Seek Medical Treatment For Eczema?

Failure to seek treatment for eczema can lead to an increased risk of dangerous skin infections, especially if the condition progresses to open wounds or crusting. It is crucial to prioritise treatment and seek medical attention if you suspect you have eczema.

If you suspect you have eczema, it is crucial to seek treatment as it can pose potential dangers. Skin infection symptoms, such as red streaks, yellow scabs, and pus, should not be ignored. Seeking medical attention is especially important if the pain and discomfort interfere with your sleep or daily routine.

In cases where your current treatments are no longer effective, scheduling a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss alternative treatment options is essential. This is especially crucial if your eczema is impacting sensitive areas such as the eyes, genitals, or face.

Mobi Doctor offers the opportunity to connect with a qualified healthcare provider specialising in eczema. This enables you to receive personalised treatment recommendations and ongoing support to monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed treatments.

Connect with one of our doctors at Mobi Doctor with the click of a button and receive the care you require.