Are you seeking clear and comprehensive information about eczema? This dossier is tailored for you! Eczema, a skin condition, can occur at any age in life and can lead to physical and psychological suffering.
Table of Contents
What is eczema?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by active periods, known as flare-ups or crises, alternating with symptom-free (or nearly symptom-free) periods of calm.
Beyond this general definition, several types of eczema exist. Atopic eczema, primarily found in young children, is the most well-known.
In adults, eczema can take various forms: affecting the face and neck, eczema on the hands, and generalized eczema, and it can even occur in adulthood if it is present in childhood. During pregnancy, it’s trying to anticipate whether skin inflammation will improve or deteriorate.
Other normal types of dermatitis incorporate contact dermatitis, set off by delayed contact with an allergenic substance, and ongoing hand skin inflammation, frequently connected to aggravations, especially in proficient settings.
Rest assured, eczema is not contagious.
What are the causes of eczema?
People with eczema sometimes wish to pinpoint a single cause for their lesions, but in reality, several factors can be responsible for eczema.
Stress is often mentioned, but it is not always the sole cause of eczema, as this condition is not psychosomatic (related to the mind). It’s important not to reduce eczema to a mere mental issue because it genuinely manifests on the skin. Sweating can trigger flare-ups and requires preventive measures, especially during physical exercise.
Eczema can be associated with allergies, as in the case of contact dermatitis, although identifying the allergen can sometimes be challenging. In atopic eczema, the allergy is often more diffuse, resulting from increased sensitivity related to genetic factors rather than a specific allergy. Heredity plays a major role in atopic eczema.
Symptoms of an eczema flare-up An eczema flare-up is characterized by poorly defined red patches with blurred edges. These patches can be swollen, oozing, or, conversely, dry and rough. Eczema-affected skin is painful, irritating, burning, and, most importantly, it itches.
People with eczema often find it hard to resist the urge to scratch, which worsens the situation. Skin dryness is a significant symptom of eczema, especially in the case of atopic eczema. This dryness can affect the entire body, even outside the areas affected by eczema.
What about infantile eczema?
Eczema can appear in the first few months of life. Before the age of 2, it mainly affects the outer limbs, trunk, and cheeks. After 2 years, body creases, such as the neck, elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles, are more commonly affected.
In the case of eczema in a child, it is essential to consult a doctor for a precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Doctors and pharmacists are there to help families understand and incorporate treatment into their daily lives.
Hygiene also plays a crucial role in managing eczema. When dealing with eczema, it’s best to take quick, lukewarm showers using products suitable for atopic skin. Living with eczema on a daily basis The basic treatment for eczema involves using topical corticosteroids during inflammatory flare-ups and long-term emollients to strengthen and protect the skin. Other treatments may be prescribed individually by a dermatologist. In the case of contact dermatitis, it is essential to avoid contact with the responsible substance to stop eczema.
Although eczema treatments do not cure the condition, they can reduce the frequency of flare-ups and alleviate symptoms, especially itching. Sometimes, eczema naturally disappears, especially as the child grows.
There are several tips for relieving itching, including the use of cold or keeping hands occupied, for example, with a foam ball. It is essential to avoid scratching to reduce the risk of infection and scarring.
Taking care of your skin by gently cleansing and moisturizing it should become a daily routine. Adapting to the environment does not require strict or expensive rules but rather common sense: vacuum regularly, opt for clothing made of natural fibers, choose hypoallergenic laundry detergent, and reduce the use of fabric softeners.
Some questions arise frequently, especially those related to diet. Although some forms of eczema are associated with food allergies, it is essential not to impose overly restrictive diets, especially on growing children, to prevent deficiencies.
Medications and adopting simple lifestyle hygiene measures contribute to reducing the number of flare-ups and improving the quality of life.
Areas affected by eczema
Eczema can affect any part of the body:
On the abdomen, it can appear as early as the first months of life and spread throughout the region or remain localized, for example, around the navel.
On the arms, it affects the outer and rounded surfaces, or conversely, creased areas like the elbow and wrist folds.
In the case of eyelid eczema, the affected area is limited but highly visible, which can be challenging in daily life. The same situation occurs with hand eczema, making a simple handshake uncomfortable and awkward.
Eczema often affects the face and neck, especially in adults, causing significant discomfort and sometimes embarrassment in the eyes of others. The nape of the neck and ears can also be affected.
