Southern Cross Medical Library
The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. This information is not intended to relate specifically to insurance or healthcare services provided by Southern Cross. For more articles go to the Medical Library index page.
Scratching Can Increase The Spread Of The Disease To Other Body Parts
The lists above only present the parts of the body that are most commonly affected by eczema. In reality, all parts of the body can be affected by the disease. Eczema can cause the development of fluid-filled lumps, which can also be very itchy. However, you are not supposed to scratch them. If you do, you can easily pass the infection to other parts of your skin and further increase your skin problem.
S Of The Body Commonly Affected By Eczema
The parts of the body that are commonly affected by eczema usually depend on the patient’s age. In children with eczema, the commonly affected areas may vary as well as in adults. In babies and children, the disease usually attacks parts of the head such as the face, cheeks, and scalp. Scientists contend that the condition reflects the parts of the body where the child is able to easily scratch. In adults, the disease will most often attack the knees and elbows, which similarly reflect the parts of the body where the adult can easily scratch.
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Itchy Rash Spreading All Over My Body Psoriasis
Online Dermatologist question
Hi I am a 28 years man. At first it was only one rash which is the first picture I sent you, it started about a month and a half ago. Then 2 weeks ago, it just started spreading all over my body. They are small, but itch and leave like a scab if I scratch them. I have been to two doctors which one said it was eczema and the other one could not determine. So far, I have been taking triamcinolone acetonide and ketoconazole as a cream for 4 days now, but the symptoms seem to be getting worse. Please what should I do? Im starting to get really worried about this.
Online dermatologist Doctor Geronimo Jones answer
Thank you for sending your case of itchy red rash spreading over the body. Based on the information and images, this is possibly PSORIASIS: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin which can present at any age. Red patches usually with white scales are seen on different skin areas such as elbows, knees, lower legs and/or scalp. Nevertheless, it can appear anywhere on the skin. A variable amount of itching can be experienced or none at all. Sometimes there are more family members with the condition.
Treatment
I recommend that you see a dermatologist or your family doctor in order to obtain prescriptions. Prescription treatment options include vitamin D-derived creams with or without topical steroids , sun light or medical UV-therapy. In cases that dont respond to this treatment, other systemic alternatives are available.
Will I Have This Skin Issue For The Rest Of My Life
Under some circumstances, you might suffer from this skin issue for a short period of time. However, in many cases, you will have periodic flare-ups throughout your lifetime. These flare-ups may become more frequent if you go through a stressful time in your life or are exposed to extreme weather, harsh products, or other triggers.
Professional medical assistance can help you manage your symptoms and decrease the frequency of your flare-ups. In particular, using moisturizers and other gentle skincare products will help your skin become softer and less itchy. Further, medical assistance can be used to help you identify foods, products, and other substances that trigger your episodes. Avoiding these triggers can decrease the frequency of your flare-ups.
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Diagnosis And When To See A Doctor
People who experience symptoms of eczema should see a doctor or dermatologist. Eczema can indicate a new allergy, so it is important to determine what is causing the reaction.
Eczema can also increase the likelihood of staph infections and have a severe effect on a personâs mental health. A doctor can recommend a treatment plan to manage symptoms and flare-ups.
There is no specific test to diagnose most types of eczema. The doctor will want to know the individualâs personal and family medical history. They will also ask about recent exposures to potential allergens and irritants. It is essential that people let the doctor know if they have hay fever or asthma.
The doctor may also ask about:
- sleep patterns
- any previous treatments for skin conditions
- any use of steroids
A physical examination of the rash will help the doctor to diagnose which type of eczema it is.
The doctor may also perform a patch test, which involves pricking a personâs skin with a needle that contains potential irritants and allergens. A patch test can determine whether or not someone has contact dermatitis.
There is no cure for eczema, so treatment involves managing the symptoms and trying to prevent further flare-ups.
Some treatment options for eczema include:
Some general tips that may help to prevent eczema flare-ups include:
Should I Seek Medical Advice
1. What does the rash look like?
In the recent past the best way to understand what your rash looks like is to start googling and look for similar images. For example, if the rash looks like it could be ringworm then its time to get yourself to the doctor. Frankly, despite us creating our skin guide it can still be challenging when looking at so many different rashes, this is why we have built our AI, so that you can upload your image and be provided with the matching diseases were here to narrow your search and give you answers!
2. Are you in pain?
This seems like an obvious one but its not always! If the rash is bothering you either mentally or physically, if the itch is incontrollable and hasnt gone away within a few days then speak to a dermatologist. This is usually a good warning sign that our body is fighting something and it is time to act, dont just leave it.
3. Are there other symptoms?
Another good way to understand your rash is to check for other symptoms, if you notice any signs such as shortness of breath, bleeding, blisters in mouth, eyes or on the skin or even swelling then we recommend you visit your doctor or get checked up by your dermatologist as quickly as possible.
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Acute Stage Treatment Options
An over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine can be used to suppress the immune system. Additionally, cold, wet compresses can help soothe symptoms.
Topical steroids can be prescribed to reduce inflammation. Oral steroids may be used in cases where the rash is very severe or widespread.
While antibiotics don’t clear up acute eczema, they may be prescribed if the rash is infected.
Types Of Facial Eczema
Eczema is actually a term for a group of conditions that cause itchy, red, and inflamed skin rashes. The types of eczema that are most likely to appear on the face are:
- Atopic dermatitis: This is the most common type of eczema overall. It is very common on the cheeks and chin, especially in infants. It can also appear around the eyes, on the eyelids, and around the lips. It can, however, occur anywhere on the face or the rest of the body.
- Contact dermatitis: This is also a common type of eczema. It is a skin reaction to a specific irritant. On the face, it is usually found around the eyes, the hairline, and in areas that contact perfumes and jewelry, like the neck and earlobes. But, like atopic dermatitis, this type of eczema can occur anywhere.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: This type most often occurs around the hairline, in the eyebrows, around the ears, and on the sides of the nose.
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Does Eczema Go Away On Its Own
Eczema can start at any time during your life and can range from moderate to severe, notes the NEA. Although the skin condition is common, learning you have it can be truly upsetting. There are several types of eczema, ranging from atopic dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis to contact dermatitis and more.
When it comes to atopic dermatitis, the disease is chronic. Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, an associate professor of dermatology at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC, notes that a chronic disease means that symptoms stick around for six months or more but they can also last a lifetime. Diagnosing a patient with eczema is a difficult conversation to have, he says.
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Itch And Pain: Two Stimuli Two Different Reactions
It is very interesting to compare the reaction to itch and pain as two different stimuli. pain and itch have very different behavioral patterns. The central processing of itch involves multiple areas of the brain. The specific brain areas activated by itch are also involved with the central processing of pain. This implies that neural networks activated by these two stimuli are not distinct. Yet itch and pain have different activation patterns and reflexes.
Pain causes a withdrawal reflex. If pain is experienced, we try to protect the painful part of the body and not touch or overuse it. For example, if you hurt your back, you become very protective, avoid bending, and move with trepidation. Itch has the opposite behavioral pattern the scratch reflex draws us to the itchy area. Intense scratching helps to relieve the itch and indeed often becomes pleasurable until damage is caused resulting in broken skin. Then itch is replaced by pain, and the person withdraws from the area.
Areas in the cortex activated in atopic dermatitis and associated with processing itch lead to the following functions relating to itch:
- Negative affective aspects of itch, and memory of negative experience
- Localized scratching reward mechanisms
The cortex in the frontal brain is the area of reward and decision-making. this gives one explanation for the compulsive and often satisfying nature of scratching. therefore physical and emotional components of itch are linked together.
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Dealing With Eczema Flares
Eczema is a condition of the skin that erupts in the different parts of the body. As true as the phrase, “Prevention is better than cure” holds, once you have acquired the condition, dealing with it becomes the prime matter of concern. Sometimes, it is the little things in life that help us overcome an ailment. To begin with, you can prevent the flares from doubling up by avoiding friction or rough contact with the area. Try not to scratch or rub the patch of skin in and around the lesions. Avoid wearing clothes that prevent your skin from breathing. Instead, choose light and skin-friendly materials. Observe your cosmetic products and toiletries for a while. If you have recently switched to a new brand or is allergic to a particular skin care product or lotion, identify them and remove them from your cupboard immediately. This method rules out the first cause of most skin irritations.
Eczema is a relatively chronic skin condition that stays for a while until the visible symptoms subside. You may experience flare-ups at different points in time, but it takes a while to leave the body completely. Proper treatment using prescribed medications can help in curbing the ailment. Overall, a good approach to hygiene, skin care routine and a healthy diet can keep eczema at bay.
Hence, once you feel that you have this condition, medical attention is required to have a proper diagnosis.
Atopic Dermatitis Treatments And Home Remedies
You can’t cure eczema, but your doctor may suggest some medication for your symptoms. These might include steroid creams or ointments for mild flares or steroid pills for more severe cases.
Other treatments may include:
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Other skin creams
You can do a few things at home to ease your flares:
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Take warm oatmeal baths. Antioxidants in ground oatmeal may help ease inflammation and itching. Take a 10-minute bath, then moisturize your skin right away.
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Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air can help keep your skin from drying out and being itchy.
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Donât scratch your skin. Try putting pressure on itchy areas instead of scratching them, and keep your nails trimmed. With children, you may want to have them wear gloves at night to keep them from scratching while they sleep.
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Wear loose clothing that wonât bother your skin. Loose-fitting clothes wonât rub against your skin, and they can help keep you from sweating.
To treat it in babies , use bath oils and creams after a bath to keep their skin moist and ease irritation. Itâs also best to keep them out of extreme hot or cold temperatures. If the rash doesnât go away, your pediatrician might recommend a medication with an antihistamine to help with the itching. Find out more on home remedies for atopic dermatitis.
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Find An Eczema Support Group
Even though eczema is a common disease affecting more than 31 million Americans, many people say they are too embarrassed or ashamed to talk about it. Oftentimes, they report covering up their skin and thus go through life not knowing if the person standing in line next to them also has eczema. Its human nature to want to talk with others who have the same problem and know what youre going through. The National Eczema Association can help. Connect with us on and to discuss the latest news and research with others in the eczema community. Join Eczema Wise, an online support group where people living with or affected by eczema can post discussion topics, exchange ideas and make new friends.
What Is The Difference Between Eczema And Dermatitis
None eczema and dermatitis are two names for the same thing. Eczema comes from the Greek word to boil, which seems appropriate for the red, dry and itchy skin it describes. Repeated scratching can make the skin thick and infection can cause weeping and blistering. The two main causes of eczema are an overactive immune system that also causes hay-fever, allergies and asthma, or contact with chemicals.
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Natural Treatments At Home
Aside from moisturizing your skin, some natural treatments may help heal your skin.
Oatmeal baths are one type of natural treatment that can soothe the itchiness and discomfort of eczema rashes. Be sure to use lukewarm water and follow up with a moisturizer immediately after.
Theres some evidence that both probiotics and prebiotics may stabilize your microbiome to help treat inflammation. However, more research is needed to support this approach in eczema treatment.
Everything Youve Ever Wanted To Know About Eczema
Eczema can be a year-round torment for the 1.6 million adults affected in the UK, but winter causes particular misery. So how can you avoid it or treat it if you have it?
Winter can be grim: coughs, cold, flu and the general sense of malaise brought on by dark nights, too much food and not enough exercise. And to add to the misery, as the temperature plunges and the heating goes on, normally reliable and trouble-free skin can start to itch, flake and drive a person to distraction. Welcome to the onset of winter eczema. About 1.6 million adults in the UK live with eczema, many since childhood. It can be a year-round torment or flare up in the cold months. A recent Allergy UK survey of adults with eczema found that 88% say it has an impact on their daily lives, 58% say it affects personal relationships and 73% claim that their social life suffers. But despite the scale of the problem, adult eczema remains an underfunded, under-recognised and undertreated condition that can cause profound distress.
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What Are The Symptoms Of This Condition
There are a number of signs that may suggest that you are suffering from this skin problem. In particular, your skin may become red, dry, and itchy. In addition, you could develop swelling, bumps, and crusty skin. You may also notice leathery patches on your skin.
Certain health issues may also indicate that you are suffering from this skin problem. For example, you may feel very depressed or have anxiety. In addition, you could have sleep issues, asthma, and allergies.
Can I Go Swimming If I Have A Skin Condition
Swimming in the ocean or in a pool will not transmit your skin condition to other people. That said, going swimming may irritate your skin and cause you to experience an uncomfortable flare-up. Cleaning your body after you swim and carefully patting your skin dry can decrease your chances of experiencing irritation. Applying a gentle moisturizing cream may also prevent your skin from becoming excessively dry.
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Do Most Kids Grow Out Of It
Many kids do, but not all, and some people develop it for the first time as adults. In kids, atopic eczema typically affects the backs of knees and elbow creases. Adults often find hands, eyelids and skin creases affected. Anyone with atopic eczema is also more prone to contact eczema. And as well as being more prone to other allergic conditions such as asthma, hay-fever and food allergies, there are also links with insomnia, depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder . Some adults with eczema are well aware that they get a flare up when exposed to a particular trigger such as stress but, often, the eczema waxes and wanes for no apparent reason.