How Discoid Eczema Is Treated
Discoid eczema is usually a long-term problem, but medications are available to help relieve the symptoms and keep the condition under control.
Treatments used include:
- emollients moisturisers applied to the skin to stop it becoming dry
- topical corticosteroids ointments and creams applied to the skin that can help relieve severe symptoms
- antihistamines medications that can reduce itching and help you sleep better
There are also things you can do yourself to help, such as avoiding all the irritating chemicals in soaps, detergents, bubble baths and shower gels.
Additional medication can be prescribed if your eczema is infected or particularly severe.
The face and scalp are not normally affected.
The first sign of discoid eczema is usually a group of small red spots or bumps on the skin. These then quickly join up to form larger pink, red or brown patches that can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size.
Initially, these patches are often swollen, blistered and ooze fluid. They also tend to be very itchy, particularly at night.
Over time, the patches may become dry, crusty, cracked and flaky. The centre of the patch also sometimes clears, leaving a ring of discoloured skin that can be mistaken for ringworm.
You may just have one patch of discoid eczema, but most people have several patches. The skin between the patches is often dry.
Also Check: Forces Of Nature Eczema Control
Four Ways To Ease Eczema Symptoms
In addition to following your doctor’s recommendations and taking medication as prescribed, there are several ways to manage and treat eczema at home that can offer relief.
Keep your skin well-moisturized
Moisturizing twice a day can reduce the symptoms and help to prevent future flare-ups.
Prescription creams and ointments can be beneficial for moderate to severe symptoms.
Avoid scratching
While it will be challenging not to scratch itchy skin, scratching worsens the condition.
Gently patting the skin, applying creams and ointments, and wearing soft clothing over the affected areas can help.
Trimming your fingernails and wearing gloves at night time to avoid scratching in your sleep can be helpful.
Stay away from allergens
Discovering what triggers your allergic response can be beneficial.
Avoiding certain foods, not lying down on carpets or grass, and minimizing contact with animals can be especially helpful if those triggers are known to affect you.
Manage stress
While eczema is not a psychological condition, stress can make it worse.
Figuring out what helps you manage stress effectively is crucial to keeping symptoms in check.
This might mean trying mind-body practices like belly breathing, meditation, or speaking with a trusted counselor or friend.
Why Is Treatment For Eczema Important
The early diagnosis and treatment of eczema are important for relieving symptoms and reducing the risk of scarring and discoloration.
If we are able to get patients on the right treatment to reduce inflammation, and we educate them about what to do and what not to do so they stop scratching, then we are much more likely to prevent long-term discoloration and scarring, said Dr. Hsu.
However, many Black people with eczema may not get the treatment they need.
In a 2017 study in the U.S., researchers analyzed healthcare utilization data from 20012013. Among children with eczema, Black children were less likely than white children to have visited a doctor for the condition. However, Black children who had visited a doctor received more prescriptions and were more likely to see a dermatologist. This suggests that they might have had more severe eczema by the time they received treatment.
The study authors note that financial or insurance barriers to care did not fully explain the gap in care. They highlight the need to identify and address other potential factors, such as social stressors, understanding of eczema, trust in the medical system, and access to care.
Black people may face several barriers to getting a diagnosis and treatment for eczema. Some of these barriers relate to gaps in knowledge about the condition. Others are due to larger disparities in healthcare access.
Recommended Reading: Why Is My Eczema Worse In The Morning
Oily Skin: Causes Prevention And Treatments
Having extremely dry skin, coming in contact with allergic substances in shampoo or cleansers, having certain food allergies, hay fever also called rhinitis, living in cold mountainous areas or places that are cold and damp for at least part of the year, or living in places that are swampy and hot: all of these environmental risk factors can. What causes sudden eczema flare-ups? A sudden flare-up can happen because you were exposed to a trigger such as a pollutant or irritant. It can also happen if you experience a period of heightened stress. Flares can also occur spontaneously without exposure to any known trigger. Do certain foods make eczema worse?.
How Soon After Treatment Will I Feel Better
After treatment, it could take several weeks before your skin clears up completely. Topical medications or oral medications prescribed by your healthcare provider help your symptoms go away faster. If your symptoms get worse after treatment, or if they dont clear up after a few weeks, contact your provider.
Also Check: Natural Remedies For Eczema Scars
Differences Between Ad In Adults And Children
Even if you had AD as a child, your skin can look and feel differently when you have AD as an adult. Thats actually one of the most striking differences between AD in adults and AD in children.
In adults, the skin tends to be extremely dry and scaly where the AD appears.
If youve had AD for years, patches of your skin may be thick, leathery, and darker than the surrounding skin. Years of scratching causes this. The thickened skin can itch all the time.
Adults also tend to get AD on different parts of their bodies than do children. When an adult has AD, its most likely to form in one or more of these areas:
-
Backs of the knees
-
Back of the neck
Adults, unlike children, often have AD around their eyes. Youll often see thickened, darker skin circling the eyes, as shown in the picture on this page. The skin around the eyes also tends to be very itchy.
Atopic Eczema On The Face Or Neck
Atopic eczema affects these areas of the body most often in infants and adults.
In infants, it is usually the first area affected by eczema. It appears on the convexities, especially the cheeks .
In adults, eczema patches tend to appear on several areas: the hands, the crook of the arms, etc.
This type of eczema is caused by atopy rather than by an allergy. Atopy is a genetic hypersensitivity to the environment and can also manifest as asthma or rhinitis. In people with atopic skin, eczema appears in flare-ups alternating with periods of remission.
Read Also: Does Eczema Have Tiny Blisters
Eczemas Impact On Mental Health
Between battling constant itch and dealing with rude reactions, coping with the effects of eczema can add mental stress to the physical discomfort of the disease, said Bethany March, who lives in Toronto.
Bethany March
Eczema is emotionally draining, but the mental effects are the least talked about, said March. I dont think you can grasp how devastating an impact it has on a persons self-esteem and mental health unless you live with it. Its not just the damaged skin barrier that hurts, its the constant looks from strangers on the street, the interrogating questions from ignorant people.
Even doctors and well-meaning friends and family overlook the mental impact of the disease by focusing on physical symptoms, she added.
They ask how your skin is doing, but they rarely ask how you are, said March, who turns 20 this year. Because its a visible disorder, there tends to be such a clinical and physical approach to its treatment. Ive been given a plethora of prescriptions, but never once have I been offered any mental health help.
Several studies have explored the link between skin disease and mental health, suggesting that eczema patients may be at increased risk for depression and anxiety.
My self-esteem suffers a major blow. I have felt suicidal because of this disease, Budhiraja said. It might seem insensitive, but I have wished I had some other disease maybe lacked a limb or two at least people would be sympathetic to my situation then.
When In Doubt Go Gentle
How you cleanse skin during a flare-up is vitally important both on the face and the rest of your body, Stordahl says. For both the face and body, grab a mild, unscented, hydrating cleanser, like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser. Avoid harsh cleansing products at all costs. Extend this level of gentle care to your other products too. For example, zinc-based sunscreens have been shown to be more gentle for sensitive skin, Rogers notes.
And it may feel tempting to scrub away the itch with an exfoliant, but dont. Whitby recommends avoiding both chemical and physical exfoliants during a flare-up. This extends to your body too. Howard-Verovic says to refrain from exfoliation via loofah or washcloth in common breakout areas.
La Roche-Posay La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
La Roche-Posay La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Recommended Reading: Does Sea Water Help Eczema
Eczema In Young Children And Babies
Eczema can affect anyone at any age, but it is often quite common in young children. When young children have eczema, family history is almost always the cause. Even if eczema doesnt run in the family, genetics could still be at play children who have family members with hay fever, other allergies or asthma are at risk too.
Baby eczema, on the other hand, is often caused when a babys sensitive skin comes into contact with an environmental irritant. These irritants can include:
- certain cleansers, soaps and shampoos
- dry air or colder environments
- certain ointments and baby lotions
- home products with irritating fragrances
To learn more about what products can be used on sensitive baby skin or for children with eczema, check out these products that have the National Eczema Associations Seal of Acceptance.
What Is An Eczema Flare
Eczema is a general term used to describe a variety of conditions that cause redness, dryness, and itchiness of the skin.
Atopic dermatitis, the technical term for eczema, is a common condition affecting over 30 million people each year.
While eczema symptoms can be uncomfortable, they can be managed.
A variety of factors can cause what is described as an eczema flare-up, or a return of the symptoms of eczema that may affect one or more parts of the body.
There are a number of common causes which may prompt an eczema flare-up, but the good news is there are many ways to manage eczema if youre aware of your triggers, and you may even be able to prevent potential flare-ups.
This article will review causes, symptoms, and treatment for flare-ups of this skin condition.
Don’t Miss: Psoriasis Or Eczema On Hands
How Can Parents Help
Help prevent or treat eczema by keeping your child’s skin from getting dry or itchy and avoiding triggers that cause flare-ups. Try these suggestions:
- Kids should take short baths or showers in warm water. Use mild unscented soaps or non-soap cleansers and pat the skin dry before putting on cream or ointment. Teens should use unscented makeup and oil-free facial moisturizers.
- Ask your doctor if it’s OK to use oatmeal soaking products in the bath to help control itching.
- Kids should wear soft clothes that “breathe,” such as those made from cotton. Wool or polyester may be too harsh or irritating.
- Keep your child’s fingernails short to prevent skin damage from scratching. Try having your child wear comfortable, light gloves to bed if scratching at night is a problem.
- Kids should avoid becoming overheated, which can lead to flare-ups.
- Kids should drink plenty of water, which adds moisture to the skin.
- Get rid of known allergens in your household and help your child avoid others, like pollen, mold, and tobacco smoke.
- Stress can make eczema worse. Help your child find ways to deal with stress .
Skin: Condition: Infomation Antibiotics And Antiseptics
If your AE becomes wet, weepy and crusted, it may be infected and a course of antibiotics may be needed. Antiseptics, when applied to the skin alone or as part of a moisturising preparation, can be helpful in stopping the infection. Incorrect use of antiseptics can, however, irritate the skin and make AE worse. Antiseptics should not be used continuously because this can result in excessive drying of the skin.
Donât Miss: Can Stress Make Eczema Flare Up
Read Also: Eczema On Neck African American
People With Severe Atopic Eczema May Have Increased Risk Of Death From Several Causes
A new study has shown that, while there is limited evidence for overall increased mortality in patients with atopic eczema, those with severe atopic eczema may have a greater risk of dying from several health issues compared with those without eczema, according to a new study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
The research team, led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and funded by the Wellcome Trust, compared the risk of dying in over 500,000 adults with atopic eczema with more than 2.5 million without eczema. Patients with severe atopic eczema had a 62% higher risk of dying compared to individuals without atopic eczema, due to several causes the strongest links of which were seen for infections, lung problems and kidney or bladder disorders.
There was limited evidence of increased all-cause mortality in patients with non-severe atopic eczema, and the absolute risk of death was modest, with low overall mortality rates .
The researchers did not set out to find the reasons behind the increases in risk of death in severe or predominantly active atopic eczema. Previous studies have suggested that the elevated risk may be linked to reduced physical activity and reduced sleep quality, as well as immunological dysfunction due to the disease itself or the drug treatments the patients might be on. They urge for more research into the causes to help develop intervention strategies.
Publication
What Are The Current Treatment Options For Adults With Eczema
There are various types of treatments to manage eczema. A doctor can go over the different options with you and create a treatment plan that works for your specific type of eczema and symptoms.
Treatments can include lifestyle changes, medications , and alternative treatments. Well discuss each of these options in more detail below.
Don’t Miss: What Helps With Eczema Itching
How To Avoid Causing Damage To The Skin From Scratching
Eczema is often itchy, and it can be very tempting to scratch the affected areas of skin, but scratching usually damages the skin, which can itself cause more eczema to occur. The skin eventually thickens into leathery areas as a result of chronic scratching. Deep scratching also causes bleeding and increases the risk of your skin becoming infected or scarred.
- Try to reduce scratching whenever possible. You could try gently rubbing your skin with your fingers instead.
- If your baby has atopic eczema, anti-scratch mittens may stop them scratching their skin.
- Keep your nails short and clean to minimise damage to the skin from unintentional scratching.
- Keep your skin covered with light clothing to reduce damage from habitual scratching.
What Foods Should I Eat Or Avoid To Reduce My Risk Of Eczema
The connection between eczema and food allergies is unclear. If you have food allergies, then one of the reasons why you must avoid that food is that it may cause or worsen dermatitis. Examples of common allergies include peanuts, dairy, eggs, sugar, alcohol and gluten. Pay attention to what you eat. If your eczema flares up after you eat a certain food, then you might have an allergy to it.
If you dont have a food allergy then there are no foods, including chicken, that will cause or worsen your eczema.
Read Also: How To Treat Baby Eczema On Face Naturally
Don’t Miss: Can You Have Eczema On Your Privates
Eczema Resources We Love
The NEA is the most prominent U.S. organization devoted solely to education, research, patient support, and advocacy related to atopic dermatitis and other forms of eczema. We love their eczema fact sheets, glossary of skin-care terms, and informative webinars. Plus, they have a yearly family-friendly Eczema Expo each summer at a vacation destination.
This society is one of the most visible resources in the United Kingdom to educate people about eczema, provide help for people with the disease, and support research. Perhaps their most unique resource is a confidential telephone and email hotline that people in the United Kingdom can call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
The AAD says it is the largest professional dermatologic association, with more than 20,500 physicians as members worldwide. They publish information about a variety of skin conditions, and we recommend checking out the robust resource center with information about childhood and adult eczema.
Because allergens can trigger eczema flareups, it makes sense to stay on top of information about managing allergies. The AAFAs site has a wealth of information about allergies, for both adults and kids.
Causes Of Atopic Eczema
The exact cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but it’s clear it is not down to one single thing.
Atopic eczema often occurs in people who get allergies. “Atopic” means sensitivity to allergens.
It can run in families, and often develops alongside other conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.
The symptoms of atopic eczema often have certain triggers, such as soaps, detergents, stress and the weather.
Sometimes food allergies can play a part, especially in young children with severe eczema.
You may be asked to keep a food diary to try to determine whether a specific food makes your symptoms worse.
Allergy tests are not usually needed, although they’re sometimes helpful in identifying whether a food allergy may be triggering symptoms.
Also Check: Best Way To Heal Eczema