In a patient with eczema, a gene variation prevents the skin from providing the usual protections it would perform for itself, including retaining moisture and blocking out irritants, allergens or bacteria. With this protective barrier down, the skin is more readily exposed to irritants and bacteria. Children’s eczema can also be related to certain food allergies. One’s risk of developing eczema increases when there is a family history of the condition or a family history of allergies or asthma.
Environmental factors can trigger or exacerbate eczema. Many of these factors are common household products or foods and include irritants and allergens.
Some patients may also react to isothiazolinone, which is used as an antibacterial in baby wipes and other bathroom products, as well as a substance used in temporary tattoos.
When your skin reacts to a soap, skin cream or cosmetic, it is not the product in a general sense that is causing the reaction, but a substance used inside that product that is affecting your eczema. For example, many shampoos and skin lotions use a substance called cocamidopropyl betaine as a thickener to make them more appealing to consumers. For this reason, many patients with eczema must look for soaps, skin creams and cosmetics that do not contain these eczema irritants. You can work in partnership with your dermatologist to identify which substances in these products irritate your eczema so that you can select the best options for your particular situation.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between eczema and psoriasis for some. Both present as red patchy areas on the skin, but psoriasis typically creates thicker and more irritated patches.While both are triggered by stress and infection, only eczema is triggered by environmental irritants, such as soap, detergents, allergens and foods.Psoriasis can be triggered by vaccination, medication and sunburn. Eczema also triggers much more intense itching in many patients, while psoriasis typically presents with a burning sensation.
There is no known cure for eczema at this time but medical science and dermatologists havedeveloped a wide variety of effective treatments. These treatments can control and alleviate the symptoms associated with eczema, making life with the skin condition much easier for patients.
Treating eczema most often involves a combination of prescribed and home remedies. Your doctor may recommend the application of corticosteroid creams and ointments. When bacterial infections are present, you may also need to take antibiotics. In the most severe cases, your doctor may also recommend taking corticosteroids that work against inflammation in the body. Home remedies can include applying wet dressings and engaging in relaxation activities. For some patients, receiving light therapy can also be hugely beneficial. Patients experiencing mental or emotional stress from eczema can also consider therapy as a supplementary intervention.
For those with dry skin or milder forms of eczema, changes in daily routine may be able to help control flares. Minimizing hot showers and exposure to irritants or triggers (such as scented perfumes, harsh soaps, scented detergents or pets) can reduce flares. Consistent daily moisturizing can also improve the skin barrier and reduce flares. Other recommendations such as a bleach bath may be prescribed by your physician. These quick and safe baths have been shown to minimize eczema-related infections and lessen flares.
First line treatment for eczema is topical prescription steroids. These creams, lotions and ointments range in strength and efficacy. Once a flare is controlled, your physician may recommend a calcineurin inhibitor. This class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories can be used for a longer period of time without the side effects associated with the long-term use of topical steroids. Consistent follow up visits with your medical provider will provide you with a safe and effective treatment plan for your condition.
For widespread or persistent eczema, nbUVB phototherapy treatment may be recommended. This treatment requires the patient to come in for two to three quick visits per week. The patient will then stand in a booth that emits a very safe and effective band of light. This gives the patient the anti inflammatory benefits of ultraviolet light, but without the harmful rays that cause skin damage.
With persistent inflamed or cracked skin, infection is always a possibility. Your medical provider may recommend periodic dilute bleach baths to treat or prevent infection. In the instance that an infection does occur, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
For severe and persistent eczema unresponsive to topical or phototherapy treatments, systemic treatments may be recommended. These oral treatments such as Cellcept, Cyclosporine and Methotrexate are powerful oral medications that require consistent monitoring and follow-up visits with your physician.
