What Is Behind Knee Eczema
Although eczema can appear on several areas of the body, it often develops on problems spots where skin touches skin like behind the knees. Eventually sweat can build up and cause severe chafing and irritation which in turn leads to scratching.
This irritation can be made worse day to day just by walking, running or playing. It is no wonder why so many eczema sufferers tend to get stuck in the itch-scratch cycle when experiencing behind knee eczema.
If you think you might be suffering from eczema behind the knees, here are some telling symptoms:
- Red or dark scaly patches that can look lighter or darker depending on the color of skin
- Small bumps that may leak fluid and crust over
- Red, itchy skin that resembles a sunburn or rash
If youre suffering from severe eczema, we suggest visiting a medical practitioner. This type of eczema can easily lead to complications like a staph infection due to relentless scratching. Please keep in mind we are in no way a medical professionals.
If you are already diagnosed with eczema, we suggest testing the following recommendations:
What Happens During A Skin Biopsy Test
During a skin biopsy test, a specialist skin doctor called a dermatologist will take a small sample of skin from an area without the rash. Samples of skin taken from the area with the rash don’t always give an accurate result.
The skin sample is then tested. If you test positive for DH you’ll be referred to a specialist gut doctor called a gastroenterologist to be tested for coeliac disease.
Wrap Up In Cold Weather
Cold, harsh winter winds can dry out the skin and cause eczema flares.
Keep the skin covered when temperatures are low. Also, consider covering the face with a scarf if eczema occurs in this body region.
While many home remedies are suitable for babies and children, always speak with a doctor before using them.
The following home remedies and tips may help:
Don’t Miss: Aveeno Baby Cleansing Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Wash
Care For Your Skin In The Bath Or Shower
Bathe only with a mild unscented soap, such as Dove, Basis, or Olay. Use a small amount of soap. Keep the water temperature cool or warm, not hot. Soaking in the tub for a short time can be good for your skin. Doing so allows your skins outer layer to absorb water and become less dry. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Then use a soft towel to pat your skin dry without rubbing. Immediately after drying, apply a moisturizer to your skin. This helps seal in the moisture.
Dont Miss: What Rebuilds Cartilage
How Is Weeping Eczema Treated
Weeping eczema treatment depends on what caused your condition. There are several options that can help manage your symptoms. These include:
- Corticosteroids: Topical steroids can help reduce inflammation and itchiness. In some cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral steroids, such as prednisone.
- Antihistamines: Commonly used for allergies, these medications are taken in pill form to reduce the itchiness associated with eczema.
- Immunosuppressants: These medications help lower your bodys immune response. As a result, inflammation is reduced.
If a secondary infection has developed, other medications may be needed.
You May Like: Gold Bond Ultimate Eczema Relief Lotion
Is Eczema Different For Infants Or Toddlers Than It Is For Older Children
A painful, itchy rash on a babys face, torso or body may be eczema
Eczema looks and acts differently in infants and toddlers than it does in older children. The location and appearance of eczema changes as they grow, so its important to know what to look for during every stage of your infant or toddlers life.
You May Like: Ginger Poultice For Knee Pain
Its Probably: A Yeast Infection
Most people consider yeast infections strictly vaginal. But they can also affect skin folds on the body .
What people dont understand is that yeast is not the problem itself. We have yeast everywhere, as its part of our microbiome, Dr. Friedman says. Whats actually happening is that people are experiencing intertrigo or irritant dermatitis, inflammation of the skin in skin folds caused by poor hygiene and friction. Yeast may overgrow in the inflamed area, leading to infection.
Watch for itchiness on your butt, closer to your perianal area. You might see satellite pustules, or small pus-filled bumps situated slightly away from the main rash area.
As far as treatment goes, OTC ointments or creams for yeast infections should do the trick.
Don’t Miss: Zinc Oxide Cream For Baby Eczema
Foods That Can Make Eczema Worse
1) Dairy. The proteins found in dairy are the triggers for eczema. It is not an issue with lactose and eating lactose-free dairy does not help. Similarly, contrary to popular belief, eating cooked dairy is still a trigger for eczema. The proteins do not get broken down enough in the cooking process to be significant. Elimination of all dairy for 3 weeks should lead to improvement if dairy is the culprit.
2) Eggs are a very common food sensitivity in children under 4 and are associated with eczema. Eliminate egg whites and yolks for 3 weeks. Eggs are often hidden in a lot of foods. While doing an egg elimination, it is imperative to read all package labels to look for hidden sources.
3) Gluten is a common trigger of eczema, but it tends to be a bigger trigger in adults vs children. Another sign of a gluten sensitivity is having keratosis pilaris, which is characterized by having bumpy skin on the backs of the upper arms . If you or your child has this and has eczema, there is a good chance that gluten is the offending food.
4)Tomatoescan be very inflammatory to young childrens skin, especially if eaten frequently. Tomatoes can also cause an acid diaper rash.
5) Citrus fruits have similar effects as tomatoes in young children, especially oranges.
Food Allergy And Eczema Flare
- Food allergies are a factor in 30% of young children with severe eczema. This factor is mainly seen in babies.
- The main allergic foods are cow’s milk and eggs.
- The main symptoms are increased skin redness and itching. Some parents report these symptoms start during or soon after the feeding.
- The eczema becomes easier to control if you avoid the allergic food.
Read Also: How Long Does It Take For Eczema To Go Away
Where On The Body Can Eczema Appear
Eczema can appear in any area where your child has come into contact with one of their triggers.
For example, if they have a grass allergy and rolled around in the backyard, they might have rashes anywhere there was exposed skin.
A child could get eczema around the outside of their mouth after eating acidic foods, like pineapple, or in the folds of their skin if they were sweating.
If your child had eczema as a baby, you might think youre a pro at identifying it. However, the symptoms of eczema in toddlers are actually different from the symptoms in babies. As kids get older, the location of their rashes can change.
Babies are prone to rashes on their faces and heads remember cradle cap? Thats a kind of eczema! Toddlers and older kids are more likely to get eczema in the following areas:
- creases of their elbows
Favorite Resource For Diet Advice
Avoiding food allergy triggers may help you manage eczema, but sometimes you need help identifying precisely what the triggers are. This is where an elimination diet may help. This approach involves omitting a food you think is problematic and then reintroducing it to see what happens. We love this article with information from the dermatologist Peter Lio, MD, which delves into some of the misconceptions about the diet, as well as the link between eczema and what you eat.
Recommended Reading: What Shampoo Is Good For Scalp Eczema
Moisturize With Ceramides To Restore The Skins Barrier
Levels of ceramides, which are lipids naturally found in the skin, decrease when skin is dry, no matter if its winter or summer. Your defense? A moisturizer that contains ceramides . It can help restore the skins protective barrier and hydration, Dr. Marchbein says. She recommends applying the moisturizer within 60 seconds of getting out of the shower for best results.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Fat Around Knees
What Causes Eczema In Toddlers
Before you panic that your child will have lifelong bouts of itchy rashes, its important to remember that some kids are just prone to eczema because of their unique skin makeup. And even thats not always fixed or permanent.
Theres no way to predict what will happen in the future, but lots of kids outgrow their eczema when they reach their preschool years.
Your child is more likely to have eczema if they also have:
- a family history of eczema
Food allergies dont cause eczema, but they are related.
According to a , other conditions that may be related to eczema may include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder.
For the most part, though, environmental triggers are the biggest cause of eczema flares. Common triggers include:
- excessive heat or sweating
Although eczema is bothersome and often hard to treat, you can take some steps to get your toddlers eczema under control.
Recommended Reading: Tanning Bed Good For Eczema
Remedies To Improve Eczema Scarring
Treating eczema scars ranges in difficulty, depending on the severity. The key is to return moisture to prevent itching, lichenification, and cracking on your skin. There are a number of treatments available to improve symptoms and prevent scarring. In some cases, treatment can also help to reduce scarring.
Before pursuing alternative treatment, discuss the pros and cons with your doctor. While homeopathic remedies can help reduce symptoms, more severe cases of eczema may require traditional medical treatment.
When To Seek Medical Advice
See a GP if you have symptoms of atopic eczema. Theyâll usually be able to diagnose atopic eczema by looking at your skin and asking questions, such as:
- whether the rash is itchy and where it appears
- when the symptoms first began
- whether it comes and goes over time
- whether thereâs a history of atopic eczema in your family
- whether you have any other conditions, such as allergies or asthma
- whether something in your diet or lifestyle may be contributing to your symptoms
Typically, to be diagnosed with atopic eczema you should have had an itchy skin condition in the last 12 months and 3 or more of the following:
- visibly irritated red skin in the creases of your skin such as the insides of your elbows or behind your knees at the time of examination by a health professional
- a history of skin irritation occurring in the same areas mentioned above
- generally dry skin in the last 12 months
- a history of asthma or hay fever children under 4 must have an immediate relative, such as a parent, brother or sister, who has 1 of these conditions
- the condition started before the age of 2
Recommended Reading: Baby Eczema Natural Remedies Uk
What Should I Do If My Baby Has Weeping Eczema
If your babys eczema starts to weep, call your healthcare provider so they can help get it under control. To ease symptoms, you can apply steroid cream or ointments. You may also want to consider giving your baby antihistamines for a few days to relieve itching.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Typical eczema is itchy and inconvenient. But when it begins to weep, it becomes a more serious health problem. If you develop weeping eczema, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider right away. Timely treatment will clear up your infection and reduce painful symptoms so you can get back to normal life.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/29/2021.
References
- Johnson BB, Franco AI, Beck LA, Prezzano JC. Treatment-resistant atopic dermatitis: challenges and solutions. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019 Mar 21 12:181-192. Accessed 11/26/2021.
- Makrgeorgou A, Leonardi-Bee J, Bath-Hextall FJ, et al. Probiotics for treating eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Nov 21 11:CD006135. Accessed 11/26/2021.
- National Eczema Association. Multiple pages were reviewed for this article. An Overview of the Different Types of Eczema. Accessed 11/26/2021.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy
Eczema Coping Tips Reducing Skin Irritation
People with eczema have sensitive skin. Irritants such as heat or detergents can easily trigger a bout of eczema.Suggestions for reducing skin irritation include:
- Avoid overheating your skin. Wear several layers of clothing that you can remove, as required, instead of one heavy layer. Dont put too many blankets on your bed and avoid doonas.
- Dont use perfumed bubble bath or bath products labelled medicated.
- Wear soft, smooth materials next to your skin, preferably 100% cotton. Avoid scratchy materials, such as pure wool, polyester or acrylic. You could try a cotton and synthetic mix material this is fine for some people with eczema. Remove labels from clothing.
- Always wear protective gloves when using any type of chemical or detergent. You may want to wear cotton gloves inside rubber or PVC gloves.
- Avoid chlorinated pools. If you have to swim in a chlorinated pool, moisturise your skin well when you get out.
Don’t Miss: Can You Develop Eczema In Adulthood
How Do Dermatologists Treat Severe Ad
Each patient with severe AD receives a personalized treatment plan.
To create this plan, your dermatologist will want to know how long youve had AD, your response to past treatments, and your preferences for treating AD.
Even for severe AD, treatment often begins with the basics skin care, trigger management, and medication.
For treatment to work, its equally important to find out if you have any other medical conditions. If you have an undiagnosed medical condition, it may prevent your AD treatment from working.
Heres what you can expect if you see a board-certified dermatologist for severe AD.
Tea Tree Oil For Eczema
This oil is a popular natural relief ingredient for skin-related diseases. It has antiseptic, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that combat skin inflammation and irritation. Try adding tea tree oil to your skin products like shampoos and body washes for effective results.
Ingredients
- 10 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
Directions
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Store the mixture in a sealed container.
- Apply to the areas of your body affected by eczema 2 times a day until symptoms disappear.
5. Nutmeg
Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and ease pain from eczema. This is one reason why nutmeg is a common ingredient in beauty products. You can scrape a whole fresh nutmeg against a cheese grater to get it in powder form.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of nutmeg powder
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
Directions
- Mix 1 teaspoon of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of nutmeg powder to form a thick paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected area of your skin.
- Leave for about 20 minutes.
- Rinse off using cool water.
- Repeat once a day until you finally get rid of eczema.
Also Check: Can Eczema Be All Over Your Body
Our Fair Little Man With His Perfectly Smooth Skin Was Now An Itching Monster
He would sit there and scratch through his pyjamas, put his hands down his pants and scratch the back of his knees until they bled. Try telling a 2-year-old to stop scratching and see how that goes .
We took him to the doctor and we took him to the naturopath. We tried different things for about a year before we finally started seeing some improvement. But today? Heâs 5 years old and has been eczema free for over a year and a half.
No itching, no scratching, no heated arguments while trying to reason with a child. Itâs glorious.
Of course I had to share it because so many people keep asking me, so here are my top 4 ways on how to get rid of eczema that are 100% natural and were more effective than anything else I tried:
What Caused My Babys Eczema
There is no single cause of atopic eczema. Eczema is a complex condition it is genetic but also involves an overactive immune response to environmental factors, which cause eczema flares. Because the atopic gene is hereditary, it runs in families, and is responsible for three conditions: eczema, asthma and hay fever.
Fifty per cent of people with eczema have an additional genetic element a difference in a skin protein called filaggrin which leads to further problems in the skin barrier. All atopic conditions can be linked to allergies in some people, but there are also many universal irritants, such as soap and heat.
Recommended Reading: Is Watermelon Good For Eczema
Diagnosing Food Allergy And Eczema Flare
- Your childs doctor may suggest the steps listed below:
- Remove the suspected food or foods from your childs diet for 2 weeks. The eczema should greatly improve.
- Then give your child that food when the eczema is under good control. This is called a challenge.
- If the food is causing flare-ups, the eczema should become itchy and red. The flare-up should occur quickly within 2 hours of eating the food.
- If this occurs, avoid giving this food to your child. Talk to your childs doctor about the need for any food substitutes.
- If the eczema does not flare-up, your child isnt allergic to that food.
Dont Miss: Is Kokum Butter Good For Eczema
Home Remedies For Eczema
Home remedies for eczema can be simple or complex. The easiest, most effective treatment is to make changes to avoid or remove whatever is causing the allergic reaction. But try not to expect a quick response. Eczema is easier to control than cure.
Here are some things you can try on your own to ease the irritation of eczema.
Change your laundry detergent or fabric softener. Liquid detergents may be less irritating than powders or tablets. Use an extra rinse cycle when you wash to remove residue.
Put on a cool compress. Holding a clean, damp cloth against skin can ease itching.
Take lukewarm showers or baths for no more than 10 or 15 minutes to prevent dry skin. Dry yourself very carefully and apply moisturizing lotion all over your body.
Add colloidal oatmeal to the bath or as a paste on your skin. This finely ground oatmeal helps with itchy, dry skin. Or try a baking soda bath or paste.
A mild solution of bleach and water may ease inflammation and itching, as well as killing the bacteria that can cause skin infections when you have eczema. Add a half-cup of household bleach to a full tub of water, soak for 10 minutes, and rinse. Talk to your doctor before giving this a try because chlorine can cause problems for some people.
Add apple cider vinegar to bath water. Use an amount between 1-2 cups.
Moisturize your skin twice a day. But avoid lotions with fragrances or other irritating ingredients.
Don’t Miss: Hand Eczema Won T Go Away