Eczema 101: Everything You need to know, from the causes to the treatment.
If you’ve recently dealt with extremely dry and itchy skin, it’s possible you had common conditions called eczema. Eczema is a skin condition that causes symptoms like dry, itchy, and irritated patches of skin. “Eczema is considered a form of dermatoidritis, a condition that causes inflammation of the skin, this can be triggered by several causes, including allergen exposure or irritation, high stress, or dry climates and weather,” says board-certified Dermatoologist Melanie Palm, MD.
We inquired about Palm’s background, along with board-certified Dermatologists Jeremy Brauer, MD, and Lauren Penzi, MD, to explain all of the information necessary about eczema. Keep reading what they said.
Discover the Experts
Melanie Palm, MD, is a certified Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeon at the Art of Skin MD.
Jeremy Brauer, MD, is a board-certified Dermatologist and Dermatological surgeon at Spectrum Skin and Laser in New York.
Lauren Penzi, MD, is a board-certified Dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic Dermatology at MDCS Dermatology in New York.
What initiates Eczema?
The specific cause of eczema is not known with certainty, but it is probable that several different causes, including genetic factors, environmental triggers, and issues with the immune system or skin barrier, are involved. Here is a bit more information about the causes of eczema or symptoms that increase in intensity:
Genetics: Eczema is typically inherited. One of the greatest risks associated with eczema is having family members who have the disease, asthma, or allergies during the season, says Brauer.
Skin barrier defects: A deficiency within the skin barrier can impede the skin’s ability to retain moisture and shield itself from external insults like irritants, allergens, and microbes that can cause eczema.
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Allergies to food: Palm states that some foods that are likely to cause eczema are peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, and dairy.
Irritants: Harsh chemicals, including soap, perfume, lotion, and detergent, can lead to flares of eczema.2 Additionally, wool and other textile materials that are rough or painful can cause problems for some people with eczema.3
Fluctuating hormones: Changes in hormones that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause can occasionally lead to an increase in eczema.
Who is More At risk of Having Eczema?
Eczema is present in people of all ages. Many people acquire the condition as children, but it can be developed at any age.5 Some causes, such as allergies and genetics, can augment the likelihood of having eczema.
Those who have environmental allergies, such as hay fever, are more likely to have eczema or atopic dermatitis. It’s also more frequent in children, but typically dissipates or improves by the time a child reaches puberty, says Palm.
How can eczema be addressed?
There’s no remedy for eczema, but you have multiple treatments available to address the condition. The particular treatment regimen may differ based on the severity of the symptoms, as some people are more susceptible to others. Preventative tactics like maintaining moisture and avoiding triggers are commonplace in the treatment of eczema for all individuals.
Here are some common treatments that your dermatologist may suggest:6
Antihistamines: These may facilitate the relief of itching and discomfort.
Moisturizer: “Hypoallergenic creams and lotions can soothe your skin and alleviate the dryness associated with eczema,” Brauer says.
Corticosteroid cream: This may facilitate the reduction of itching and soothe the skin.
Avoid initiatives: To most effectively manage eczema and prevent it from growing, it’s beneficial to understand what your initiatives are. “usually, I counsel my patients to avoid products with a scent like air freshener, perfume, dryer sheets, or even scented candles,” Palm says. If your eczema is caused by allergy to dog’s fur or pollen, be dedicated to vacuuming, washing your bedding in hot water frequently if you have pets, and having an effective air purifier in important areas of your home.
Minimize stress: Stress can negatively affect eczema and promote flares, so it’s beneficial to find methods that help you keep this at bay.
Avoid harsh clothing: For some, tight and rough clothing can be extremely painful and can contribute to flares of eczema. If you’re aware of a specific textile that causes your eczema to increase (for example, wool), it’s best to avoid it.
Use a humidifier: If you live in a dry climate, a humidifier can augment the humidity in the air, which diminishes the likelihood of an eczema flare.
Over-the-counter medications: In cases where eczema is moderate to severe, a dermatologist may recommend medication like Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, biologics that are injectable, such as dupixent, and steroids that are taken orally, both of these are used to reduce inflammation in the skin.
Light therapy: Narrowband ultraviolet phototherapy, a specific form of light therapy, has been observed to facilitate the treatment of eczema, in addition to applying topicals.
The Last Conclusion
Eczema is a common condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and irritated. Often, symptoms are erratic. It’s caused by a complex combination of genetic issues, epidermal barrier failure, immune issues, and environmental factors, Penzi says. Patients with eczema often have additional disorders associated with it, including asthma and seasonal allergies, but this is not always the case.
Eczema is unable to be remedied, but you have multiple treatment methods. If you’re worried, you might have eczema, it’s most effective to see a doctor in order to receive a tailored treatment regimen. A board-certified allergist, immunologist, or dermatologist can assist in determining if you have eczema… through an allergy test or a biopsy of the skin, Palm says.
