How Common Is Eczema
Eczema affects up to 15 million Americans. Infants are prone to eczema and 10% to 20% will have it. However, nearly half outgrow the condition or have significant improvement as they get older.
Eczema affects males and females equally and is more common in people who have a personal or family history of asthma, environmental allergies and/or food allergies.
How Can I Take Care Of My Skin In The Winter
In our dry climate, staying moisturized is a must. Makinzee says that winter skin needs a little more TLC than a daily lotion. I tell patients to look for thick creams that hold their shape. If you pump it on your skin and it seeps through, it may be too light for the winter. Some of Makinzees favorite daily moisturizers are Cetaphil and CeraVe because they dont contain fragrances or dyes. For very chapped spots like elbows and knuckles, Makinzee says you can go straight for the Vaseline or Aquaphor. Petroleum jellies are really great barriers for rough spots.
Some other measures you can take are getting a humidifier for your bedroom , using a water softener in the winter, and ensuring that your cleansers and moisturizers are gentle .
Recommended Reading: Does Eczema Spread By Scratching
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.
- feet
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.
Recommended Reading: Best Body Moisturizer For Eczema
Recommended Reading: Homeopathic Remedies For Baby Eczema
How Do I Take Care Of Myself
Reducing your stress is very important. Try these tips:
- Count to ten as you take a deep breath.
- Exercise daily.
- Try not to drink as much caffeine and alcohol.
- Sleep eight hours a night.
- Eat healthy.
- Try to have a positive attitude.
- Journal every day.
- Talk about your life with friends, family and a therapist.
Don 70 Years Old And Never Had An Allergy In His Life
Don worked as a builder and decorator. He had a fairly active career involving heavy work and long days. Suddenly, in his late 60s his skin is so sensitive he now has to think about which washing powder to use and which shower gel and soap will not aggravate his skin. He can no longer eat peanut butter for his lunch every day because his body has decided enough is enough. Luckily for Don he recognised the symptoms and has been able to get to a situation where he can tolerate his most favourite of all foods occasionally and does not have a serious allergy. After years of watching me suffer with hives, eczema and painful itchy skin he suddenly has it himself he has a new understanding of the years of suffering me and my sister went through and is learning what triggers his outbreaks.
You May Like: How To Heal Eczema On Lips
Dealing With Severe Eczema Stress And Isolation
If your eczema is widespread and severe, you will need to be under the care of a consultant dermatologist, who will be able to assess your suitability for stronger treatments such as phototherapy or systemic immunosuppressants.
If your eczema could be attributed to stress, you might benefit from seeking out additional sources of emotional support. Your GP will be able to signpost you to local counselling services, or you could look for a counsellor at . You might also like to approach your local Mind , as many branches offer free or low-cost counselling sessions.
The Silver Line is another source of support. The Silver Line is a free confidential Helpline providing information, friendship and support to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Silver Lines phone number is 0800 4 70 80 90 and their website address is www.thesilverline.org.uk.
If youre feeling lonely, you might also consider joining a local club or interest group.
Ive Never Had Eczema Why This Year
A lot of people ask me this question, says Makinzee Kemp. Its very possible to go ten or even thirty years without eczema, then break out with a rash one day. Makinzee says that many factors can contribute to eczema beyond just dry, cold air.
One possibility is that you came into contact with something extra irritating. You may have developed an allergy to the laundry soap youre using, for example. That, on top of the winter dryness, could cause a lot of irritation. She adds that people with eczema often have a family history of allergies.
Here are some examples of irritants you may have encountered:
- The chemicals in a new soap or bath bomb ,
- The dyes or fragrances in your laundry detergent, lotion, or perfume,
- The nickel in a necklace, bracelet, or another piece of jewelry,
- Particles in the air such as pollen
Lifestyle factors may have also helped the rash develop. Taking very hot baths or showers tends to dry skin out. If you exfoliate or shave over sensitive skin, this can cause irritation. Finally, scratching your dry skin is a big reason why eczema spreads.
You May Like: Should I Let My Eczema Dry Out
Emollients And Fire Safety
Lotions, creams or ointments used to moisturise your childs skin are also known as emollients.
Emollients are very effective at treating chronic dry skin conditions, such as eczema.
But it is important to be aware of the fire risk linked with them.
Emollients won’t cause a fire on their own. But if there is a build-up of emollient residue on clothing and bedding, this can quicken the speed of a fire.
Do not smoke near your baby or allow them near naked flames:
- while they are wearing emollient
- if they are wearing clothes or bandages that may have emollient on them
There is a fire risk with all paraffin-containing emollients. There may also even be a fire risk with paraffin-free emollients. There might also be a fire risk with other products that you put on skin over large body areas for more than a few days.
Washing clothing or fabric at a high temperature may reduce emollient build-up. But it might not totally remove it.
Skin: Condition: Infomation Topical Steroid Creams Or Ointments
These will usually improve the redness and itching of AE when it is active. They come in different strengths and your doctor will advise you on which type needs to be used, where and for how long. Use a fingertip unit to cover an area the size of the front and back of your hand.
Used appropriately topical steroids are very effective and safe to use. Used inappropriately , topical steroids may cause side effects, including thinning of the skin. However insufficient treatment with topical steroids is generally considered by doctors to be more of a problem than overuse.
Weaker topical steroids are usually prescribed for use on the face, breasts, genitals, eyelids and armpits. This is because the skin is much thinner in these sites. Stronger steroids can be used at other sites, especially thicker areas such as hands and feet.
It is recommended that you do not purchase natural herbal creams, as they can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Some so-called natural creams have been shown to contain potent steroids. Other herbal creams have been shown to contain high levels of harmful bacteria including MRSA which may cause skin infections and septicaemia.
Dont Miss: Are Bath Salts Good For Eczema
Read Also: The Best Medicine For Eczema
What Does Atopic Eczema Look Like
Atopic eczema can affect any part of the skin, including the face, but the areas that are most commonly affected are the creases in the joints at the elbows and knees, as well as the wrists and neck . Other common appearances of AE include coin-sized areas of inflammation on the limbs , and numerous small bumps that coincide with the hair follicles .
Affected skin is usually red and dry, and scratch marks are common. When AE is very active, it may become moist and weep fluid and small water blisters may develop especially on the hands and feet. In areas that are repeatedly scratched, the skin may thicken , and this may cause the skin to itch more. Sometimes affected areas of the skin may become darker or lighter in colour than the surrounding, unaffected skin.
What Can I Expect If Ive Been Diagnosed With Eczema
Nearly half of children with eczema will outgrow the condition or experience great improvement by the time they reach puberty. Others will continue to have some form of the disease. For adults with eczema, the disease can be generally well-managed with good skin care and treatment, although flare-ups of symptoms can occur throughout life.
Read Also: Do I Need To See A Dermatologist For Eczema
What Causes Atopic Eczema
Atopic eczema is a complex condition and a number of factors appear important for its development including patient susceptibility and environmental factors. Patients typically have alterations in their skin barrier, and overly reactive inflammatory and allergy responses. Environmental factors include contact with soaps, detergents and any other chemicals applied to the skin, exposure to allergens, and infection with certain bacteria and viruses. A tendency to atopic conditions often runs in families and is part of your genes. An alteration in a gene that is important in maintaining a healthy skin barrier has been closely linked to the development of eczema. This makes the skin of patients with eczema much more susceptible to infection and allows irritating substances/particles to enter the skin, causing itching and inflammation. AE cannot be caught from somebody else.
How Can You Ease Your Symptoms
Dr. Fernandez recommends using a moisturizing cream or ointment if you have either eczema or psoriasis. Keeping your skin moist is helpful because youre more likely to itch if your skin is dry.
Your skin can also benefit from these general health tips:
- Drink alcohol only in moderation.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Drink more water.
- Get plenty of exercise.
There is no cure for psoriasis and multiple types of eczema, including atopic dermatitis. But you can help limit the symptoms by getting proper treatment and taking good care of your skin, Dr. Fernandez says.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Face Wash For Eczema
What Parts Of The Body Can You Get Eczema
Eczema appears most often inside the elbows and behind the knees. It can also be on the neck, wrists, or ankles, or the area between the buttocks and the creases at the top of the thighs. Rash that feels warm to the touch. Raised patches that look scaly and may crust over.
What Questions Might My Healthcare Provider Ask To Diagnose Eczema
The conversation with your healthcare provider will need to cover a lot of information. Be sure to be specific about your symptoms.
- Where is your eczema located?
- What have you used to try to treat your eczema?
- What medical conditions do you have? Allergies? Asthma?
- Is there a history of eczema in your family?
- How long have you had symptoms of eczema?
- Do you take hot showers?
- Is there anything that makes your symptoms worse?
- Have you noticed that something triggers or worsens your eczema? Soaps? Detergents? Cigarette smoke?
- Is there so much itchiness that you have trouble sleeping? Working? Living your normal life?
Don’t Miss: Como Quitar El Eczema En Bebes
Q : Where Can More Information Be Obtained
Nip Allergies in the Bub
Patient support organisations : www.allergy.org.au/patients/patient-support-organisations
ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand
ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice. The content of ASCIA resources is not influenced by any commercial organisations.
Types Of Eczema Commonly Found In Older Adults
There are many different types of eczema so its important to know your type so that you can avoid the triggers and heal the skin. Here are the most common types of eczema in older adults:
Asteatotic Eczema
Common in adults over the age of 60, this type of eczema appears as fissures or grooves that are pink and red, affecting the superficial layers of skin. Its usually found on the legs but can be found on the upper arms, thighs and lower back. Other symptoms include soreness and itchiness.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is temporary and occurs when your skin is exposed to an irritant such as chemicals in a cleaning product or laundry detergent.
Venous Eczema
Venous Eczema mostly shows up on the lower legs in the form of itchy, red and scaly patches. Older adults who have a high body mass index or a family history of varicose veins are most susceptible.
Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema is characterized by coin-shaped scores on the skin. These sores may be open and are very itchy. The lesions may also be dry or weeping.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic eczema tends to appear on areas of the body where there are a lot of oil-producing glands . It appears as red, greasy or swollen skin with white or yellow crusty flakes. While people of any age can develop seborrheic dermatitis, people with certain diseases such as Parkinsons Disease are believed to be at an increased risk.
Also Check: Is Eczema Itchy At Night
Something Youve Come Into Contact With
Irritant contact dermatitis or allergic dermatitis tend to be caused by common irritants, which include household detergents, dust mite debris, pet hair, cosmetics, scented toiletries, shampoos or body wash, toxic plants, industrial chemicals, fabrics such as polyester or wool, ingredients such as lanolin, sulphates, alcohol and synthetic preservatives. Skin can also react to beauty treatments such as chemical peels, strong essential oils, face masks, or tanning devices.
How Much Is Atopic Dermatitis Affecting Your Quality Of Life
How will you know if youre experiencing it? You might notice an immediate reaction where the skin came into contact with the substance. It could swell or even blister. Or, it could show up days to weeks later as dry, itchy, cracking skin. While the reaction to irritant dermatitis stays close to where the exposure happened, allergic dermatitis can spread away from the site, according to the National Eczema Association.
The symptoms of eczema can change over time, lessening and worsening at different points. A dermatologist can help you get to the bottom of whats causing the irritation. Here are eight potential culprits.
Read Also: Best Pajamas For Toddlers With Eczema
Also Check: Best Tinted Moisturizer For Eczema Skin
The Importance Of Sleep When You Have Eczema
Easier said than done, right? People living with eczema know how difficult it is to sleep when your skin is itchy and uncomfortable. If eczema is keeping you or your child awake at night, talk with your doctor about how to get a better handle on your symptoms. Taking an antihistamine before bed can help you become drowsy. Enjoying warm, relaxing baths or showers and lathering on the moisturizer before bed can induce sleepiness and stave off itch. It also helps to turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary by keeping the room dark, cool and clean, and limiting the use of electronics an hour or two before bedtime.
Learn more about how to get a good nights sleep even when your eczema is flaring.
Old Age Onset Of Food Allergy
Allergen Bureau, Wednesday, 03 March 2010 12:35
Most studies that report an increasing incidence of food allergies focus mainly on children and young adults. Researchers at the Medical University of Vienna in Austria have looked at food allergies in the elderly and suggest prevalence may be underestimated in this age-group.Immunosenescence, or dramatic age-related changes to the immune system, may contribute to the development of allergies in geriatric patients, as may deficiencies in micronutrients such as zinc, iron and vitamin D. The researchers also suggest the impact of atrophic gastritis or anti-ulcer medication on the digestive ability of the stomach as a further risk factor for developing food allergies later in life. They say in these settings, undigested proteins may persist and become allergenic.Reference: Diesner et al. Gerontology. 2010 Jan 29
We can see that its rare, but its happening more and more. Adult onset allergies are on the rise, just as allergies in kids and young children. Anyone who has tried to get a referral to an allergy clinic will also know that the health service is already struggling, its probably not going to be able to accommodate a load of allergic pensioners on top of all the kids and adults who are joining this allergic march.
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
You May Like: Best Otc Ointment For Eczema