Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a disorder that results in dry, itchy, and inflammatory skin. Although it may happen to anybody, it is more frequent in young children. Atopic dermatitis is persistent (chronic) and sometimes flares up. Although it is not infectious, it may be unpleasant. Atopic dermatitis patients run the risk of acquiring skin asthma, hay fever, and food allergies.
Regular moisturizing and other skin asthma care practices help reduce irritation and stop new breakouts (flares). Medicate lotions or ointments may also be use during treatment.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema) may arise anywhere on the body and vary greatly from person to person. They may consist of:
- Cracked, dry skin
- Inflammation (pruritus)
- Depending on your skin tone, a rash on swollen skin will have a different hue.
- Small, raised pimples on dark-skinned individuals
- Crusting and oozing
- Extra-thick skin
- The skin around the eyes becoming darker
- Skin that is itchy and raw from rubbing
Atopic dermatitis often starts at age 5 and may last into adolescence and adulthood. Some patients have flare-ups followed by lengthy periods of improvement.
When to see a doctor
Consult a medical professional if you or your child:
- Shows signs of atopic dermatitis
- Is feeling unpleasant because it interferes with sleep and day-to-day activities.
- Has an infection on their skin; watch for fresh stripes, pus, and yellow scabs.
- Has symptoms despite using self-care measures.
If you or your kid gets a fever and the rash seems infectious, get medical help right once.
Causes
A gene mutation that alters the skin’s capacity to protect certain individuals may be linked to atopic dermatitis. A skin’s ability to retain moisture and defend against infections, irritants, allergies, and environmental variables like cigarette smoke is compromise by a poor barrier function.
Staphylococcus aureus overgrowth on the skin is what causes atopic dermatitis in other persons. This causes the skin’s barrier function to be disrupt and displace beneficial microorganisms.
The immune system reaction that results in the irritate skin asthma and other symptoms may also be brought on by a compromise skin barrier function.
One of several varieties of dermatitis is atopic dermatitis (eczema). Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) and contact dermatitis are two other prevalent kinds. Dermatitis cannot be spread.
Risk Factors
Having previously had eczema, allergies, hay fever, or asthma is the greatest risk factor for developing atopic dermatitis. Your risk is further increase if you have relatives who suffer from these disorders.
Complications
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) complications might be:
Both hay fever and asthma. Asthma and hay fever are often developed in atopic dermatitis sufferers. This may occur both before and after the onset of atopic dermatitis.
Allergy to food. Food allergies are often developed in people with atopic dermatitis. Hives (or urticaria) are one of the major signs of this illness.
Frequently scratchy, scaly skin. An itching patch of skin asthma is the first sign of neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus). Scratching the region only temporarily relieves the pain. Because scratching stimulates the skin’s nerve fibers, it actually makes the skin itch more. You could scratch out of habit after some time. The afflicted skin may become thick, leathery, and discolored as a result of this disorder.
Skin that is brighter or darker in spots than the surrounding tissue. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation are the terms used to describe this problem after the rash has healed. Dark skinned folks are more likely to experience it. The discoloration could take many months to go away.
Infected skin. Open sores and cracks may result from repeated scratching that tears the skin. These raise the possibility of contracting viruses and bacteria. These skin asthma diseases have the potential to spread and endanger life.
Skin irritation on the hands. People who often get their hands wet and are subject to abrasive soaps, detergents, and disinfectants at work are most affect.
Dermatitis from contact allergies. Atopic dermatitis patients often have this problem. An itchy rash call allergic contact dermatitis is brought on by coming into contact with things you’re allergic to. Depending on the hue of your skin, the rash might be any color.
Issues with sleep. Atopic dermatitis’ itching might make it difficult to fall asleep.
Ailments relating to the mind. Depression and anxiety are linked with atopic dermatitis. This can be connect to the chronic itchiness and sleep issues that are typical of atopic dermatitis sufferers.
Prevention
Creating a simple skin care regimen might help stop eczema flare-ups. The following advice might lessen how drying showering is.
Your skin needs moisturizing at least twice every day. Shea butter, lotions, creams, and ointments all lock in moisture. A product or goods that function well for you should be chosen. The best one for you should ideally be odorless, safe, and cost-effective.
Your baby’s skin may benefit from petroleum jelly use to help prevent the onset of atopic dermatitis.
Take a daily shower or bath. Use warm water instead of hot water, and just take a 10-minute shower or bath.
Make use of a soft, non-soap cleaner. Select a cleanser that is fragrance-, dye-, and alcohol-free. Young toddlers may often be clean with only warm water and no soap or bubble bath. Young children’s skin is particularly susceptible to irritation from soap. Deodorant and antibacterial soaps may dry out the skin and cause it to perspire excessively for persons of all ages. Avoid using a washcloth or loofah to scrub the skin.
Clean off. Use a soft towel to gently pat the skin dry after a bath. While your skin is still wet (within three minutes), apply moisturizer.
Atopic dermatitis has many different causes for different people. Try to recognize and stay away from the irritants that cause your eczema. Avoid anything that itches since scratching often results in a flare-up.
The following are typical causes of atopic dermatitis:
- Unrefined wool fabric
- Dry skin
- Skin disease
- Sweating and heat
- Stress
- Cleaning supplies
- Pet dander and dust mites
- Mold
- Pollen
- Tobacco-related smoke
- Dry and chilly air
- Fragrances
Additional Irritating Substances
Certain foods, such eggs and cow’s milk, may cause flares in babies and young children. Consult your child’s doctor about recognizing possible food allergies.
Once you know what causes your eczema, consult with your doctor about how to treat your symptoms and stop flare-ups.