The term “eczema” (eg-zuh-MUH) refers to a collection of inflammatory skin disorders that include blisters, scaly patches, rashes, dry skin, itching, and skin infections. There are seven different kinds of cutaneous eczema. Although eczema is not curable, numerous therapies can help you manage it. Among the eczema reasons, we will talk about allergies, immunological system dysfunction, genetics, environmental factors, and stress.
When they experience one or more aggravated eczema symptoms or complications resulting from persistent itching, many eczema sufferers refer to this period of their condition as a “flare.” This phase might endure for many days or even weeks. In addition to rashes and itchy skin, severe eczema can cause infections that, if addressed, can result in hospitalisation.
It’s crucial to visit a doctor for an accurate diagnosis because eczema can occasionally be mistaken for other skin illnesses like psoriasis.
Why does eczema occur?
Eczema’s precise cause is uncertain. The causes of eczema might vary depending on the type. Among the most frequent reasons are:
- An eczema family history
- Experiencing specific environmental cues
- Anxiety
- A mix of these triggers
Generally speaking, eczema results in inflammation when an allergen or irritant from the body or outside “turns on” the immune system. This inflammation causes the symptoms that are common to most kinds of eczema. It can affect body parts, from the brain to the hands, feet, and lower legs. With the head to the hands, feet, and lower legs, it can impact any part of the body. Irritation, increased perspiration, and other potential contributory factors can result from skin creases, particularly in the flexural regions, elbows, lower legs, behind the knees, and other parts of skin that rub against one another. Many people still believe that TV remains the most accessible and popular source of entertainment.
Atopic dermatitis is one type of eczema that can be brought on by several things, such as:
- A compromised skin barrier, or the skin’s outermost layer of defence
- An immune system that is hyperactive and causes inflammation
- Triggers in the environment
- Genetics
What are the triggers for eczema?
Both eczema sufferers and medical professionals, such as dermatologists, will use the term “trigger” to describe anything that triggers or exacerbates their condition. Each person’s eczema trigger is unique, and rarely is a single trigger the cause of every flare-up. Knowing what is causing your flare can help you stay as far away from it as you can.
Remember that an eczema flare may occur sometime after being exposed to a topical irritant or allergy when attempting to pinpoint possible triggers. Certain triggers may be difficult to identify because of this lag time.
Typical triggers consist of:
- Textiles like synthetic, wool, and latex
- Metals like copper, gold, nickel, cobalt chloride, and chromium
- Insects and petslike Cockroaches, pet dander, bug stings and bites
- Environment like mould, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and pollen
- Weather like seasonal variations, high or low humidity, and intense heat or cold
- Fragrance such as fragrant goods, including perfumes
- Stress such as anxiety, new tasks, and life stressors
How is eczema treated?
Eczema can be treated with a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Not everyone will react to the same therapies in the same manner because eczema symptoms might vary from person to person. Generally speaking, medical professionals advise the following to assist in managing flare-ups of eczema:
- Establish and follow a consistent bathing and moisturising schedule.
- Take prescription and over-the-counter drugs as directed.
- Recognise your triggers and try to stay away from them.
The first signs of eczema include a rash, dry skin, and itching. These signs imply that an environmental trigger you experienced caused your issues to start or get worse. By identifying and eliminating environmental triggers, you can reduce the likelihood of another eczema flare-up.
Do certain foods contribute to eczema?
The relationship between eczema and dietary allergies is unknown. If you have dietary allergies, you should avoid certain foods since they can cause or worsen your eczema symptoms. Examples of common allergies include:
- Peanuts.
- Dairy products.
- Eggs.
Pay attention to what you eat. If a certain food triggers a flare-up of your eczema, you might have a food allergy. If you are not suffering from a food allergy, these foods will not cause or worsen your eczema. Every eczema sufferer has a different experience with the condition. The exact things that make your symptoms worse could not trigger someone with the illness.