Eczema: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Having eczema or having a child with eczema can be a real pain. It’s the most common allergic skin condition in America affecting about 31.6 million people –of that number, at least 17.8 million have moderate to severe symptoms.

To properly manage eczema, it’s important to know exactly what you’re dealing with.

What is Eczema?

Eczema which can also be referred to as atopic dermatitis is a chronic dry, itchy skin rash that can occur anywhere on the body. Symptoms can persist for long periods of time or constantly recur. The most common areas affected are inside the elbows, behind the knees, front of legs, ankles, hands, wrists, and neck.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema can be a tricky because it varies from person-to-person. What may trigger your eczema, may not be the cause of someone else’s. Knowing what the triggers are can prevent you or your child from eczema breakouts.

Some of the most common triggers include:

• Irritants. Certain perfume, soaps, lotions, laundry detergents, and shampoos can be the cause of your eczema flare ups.
• Allergens. The same material in the environment that causes some people to sneeze and cough may also affect your skin. These allergens may include: pollen, mold, dust mites and/or pet dander.
• Dry Skin. When your skin becomes dry, it can easily become irritated which leads to eczema symptoms.

Prevention

• Establish a daily skin care routine. Discover what’s causing eczema outbreaks. There can be many reasons you’re dealing with eczema symptoms -pinpointing the exact reason will help you establish a plan to manage it. This can be done on your own or by analyzing how your skin is being affected through daily routines or you can see an allergist to get a better understanding of what you’re dealing with.
• Use fragrance-free products. When purchasing soap and moisturizers look for labels that say sensitive skin or fragrance free. Research has shown that fragrances are among some one of the most common skin irritations.
• Try to avoid scratching or rubbing.

Treatment

• OTC medicine. Products like gentle soap and itching remedies can help ease some of the symptoms.
• Proper Bathing and Moisturizing.
• Prescription medication.

If you’re dealing with eczema symptoms and want help managing it, call or visit one of Allergy & Asthma Consultant’s locations to schedule an appointment.