Why Did I Suddenly Get Eczema

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.

What Causes Eczema To Start

The first signs of eczema are itchiness, dry skin and a rash. These signs indicate that you came into contact with a trigger in your environment that caused your symptoms to start or flare up. Identifying environmental triggers and avoiding them can reduce your risk of an eczema flare-up in your future.

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.

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When To Seek Medical Advice

You should see your GP or pharmacist if you think you may have discoid eczema, as the condition can take a long time to improve without treatment and it may keep recurring.

You should also seek medical advice if you think your skin may be infected, as you may need to use antibiotic cream or, in very severe cases, take antibiotics tablets.

• oral corticosteroids for severe flare-ups
• antibiotics for infected eczema
• antihistamines for severe itching

There are many different preparations for each type of medication and it is worth taking time with your pharmacist to find the best one for you.

A range of emollient products, soap substitutes and some topical corticosteroids can be bought from pharmacies without a prescription. Some of them are cheaper to buy this way than with a prescription.

Ask your pharmacist for advice on the different products and how to use them. See your GP if your eczema does not improve after using an over-the-counter preparation.

Is There Anything Else I Can Do To Lessen The Chance Of Flare

Yes. Besides following the treatment plan that your health care provider or dermatologist gives you, you can avoid triggers or irritants that make your symptoms worse.

If your symptoms dont get better with treatment and the above suggestions, your health care provider might do allergy testing to see if something else is causing your eczema. Some people with eczema have allergies to things such as dust, pollen and pets.

Additional Resources

Additional Resources

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What Does Eczema Look Like

An eczema breakout appears differently from one person to the next, depending on the severity of your condition. Another factor that can influence the way eczema appears on your skin is your skin pigmentation and type. So, the best way to examine your skin for an eczema outbreak is to visit with a trusted, experienced dermatologist for a full skin evaluation. Your dermatologist will be able to determine whether youre suffering from eczema or a different kind of skin condition.

Eczema And Your Immune System

The relationship status between eczema and immune health is complicated at best. While eczema is not an autoimmune disease, immune system problems can trigger more flare-ups. In an autoimmune disease, the overactive or dysregulated immune system attacks specific parts of the body, such as immune cells destroying the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas in type 1 diabetes. When it comes to eczema, immune system problems dont cause the disease, but it can inflame symptoms.

To make things even more crazy, eczema can also harm your immune system. During a flare-up, the skin barrier is broken down, leaving a patient susceptible to other skin conditions and immune diseases.

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Will Your Child Have Eczema

The predisposition to eczema is an extended family situation. Even if neither parents have the condition, but a grandparent, aunt, cousin or nephew have one of the atopic conditions, there is a possibility that a child of that family will get eczema. Atopy affects one in three people. That puts a lot of people in the target area.

But what is the situation if you, as a parent, have one of the atopic diseases ? In his book, Your Child with Eczema, Dr David Atherton explains:

If one parent has or has had one of these conditions, the childs risk of developing atopic eczema will be about double that of a child whose parents have never had any of these. If both parents have or have had any atopic disease, the risk of eczema in their child is doubled again. Having a brother or sister as well as one parent with atopic disease does not appear to increase the risk any further. If parents, or brothers or sisters have a history of eczema itself, rather than just asthma or hayfever, then the risk is increased even further.

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Why do adults suddenly get eczema? While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers do know that people who develop eczema do so because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers. When an irritant or an allergen from outside or inside the body switches on the immune system, it produces inflammation.

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How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Eczema

There are steps you can take that may prevent eczema outbreaks:

• Establish a skin care routine, and follow your healthcare professionals recommendations for keeping your skin healthy.
• Wear gloves for jobs where you have to put your hands in water. Wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves to absorb sweat, and wear gloves outside, especially during the winter months.
• Use mild soap for your bath or shower, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. Apply a moisturizing cream or ointment immediately after drying your skin to help seal in the moisture. Reapply cream or ointment two to three times a day.
• Take baths or showers with tepid rather than hot.
• Drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Water helps to keep your skin moist.
• Try to avoid getting too hot and sweaty.
• Wear loose clothes made of cotton and other natural materials. Wash new clothing before wearing. Avoid wool.
• Avoid sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
• Learn to recognize stress in your life and how to manage it. Regular aerobic exercise, hobbies and stress-management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, might help.
• Limit your exposure to known irritants and allergens.
• Avoid scratching or rubbing itchy areas of skin.

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How Do I Get Rid Of Eczema Permanently Lac

Why did I suddenly get eczema? When your skin gets too dry, it can easily become brittle, scaly, rough or tight, which can lead to an eczema flare-up. Learn more about the importance of moisturizing skin to manage eczema flares. Irritants. Everyday products and even natural substances can cause your skin to burn and itch, or become dry and red.

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Types Of Eczema Commonly Found In Older Adults Plus Treatment Options

As we age, our skin undergoes several changes. The epidermis becomes thinner, the outer layer of our skin loses its ability to retain water and the skins overall barrier function decreases. All of these changes can contribute to many skin conditions, including eczema. An eczema flare up, characterized by red, itchy skin, can be hard to control and is especially exacerbated in the dry winter months. If youre one of the over 30 million Americans who suffer with eczema, youre probably ready to try any remedy that might help.

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Tips For Healthy Eating

• As we get older, we often have smaller appetites, so tend to eat less. Its important to maintain a balanced diet, which will help to support tissue healing, particularly when the skin is broken.
• Fats, protein and zinc found in dairy foods all help healing. Vitamin C in fruit and vegetables helps combat infection.
• Its important to drink plenty of fluids, as dehydration can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients essential for healing.
• A balanced intake of vitamins will help to boost the immune system.

To obtain the information on this page in a PDF format, please download our Eczema in later life factsheet, below.

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Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your childâs illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Avoid Confusing Eczema With Other Diseases

Eczema is recognizable primarily by its itchy red patches. This sign is the easiest one to identify. But be careful other diseases have identical or very similar symptoms!

Below are the diseases most commonly mistaken for eczema: Some are contagious, unlike eczema. So, by identifying them properly, you are helping to stop the spread.

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Are You Able To Abruptly Get Eczema

Eczema can enhance after childhood, however it could actually recur at any stage of life in a while. Eczema also can abruptly seem for the primary time later in life, for causes which might be troublesome to find out. The pores and skin turns into drier as we age, which might result in roughness, flaking and itching.

Skin: Condition: Infomation Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors

Calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream, may be used when AE is not responding to topical steroids, or in skin sites which are more susceptible to the side effects of steroids, such as the face, eyelids and armpits and groin. The most common side effect is stinging on application but this normally disappears after a few applications. They are associated with an increased risk of skin infections and should not be applied to infected skin.

A maintenance regimen using intermittent calcineurin inhibitors is useful in patients who have frequent flare-ups of AE.

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How Do I Manage My Eczema Symptoms

Treating and managing eczema can be difficult if the cause is something you cant control, like genetics. Fortunately, you may have some influence over your environment and stress levels. Do your best to figure out what triggers or worsens your eczema, and then avoid it. The goal is to reduce itching and discomfort and prevent infection and additional flare-ups.

Are There Complications From Eczema

Complications are possible with eczema and could include:

• Weeping eczema: Weeping eczema causes fluid-filled blisters to form on your skin.
• Infected eczema: Infected eczema occurs when bacteria, fungus or a virus breaks through your skin to cause an infection.

Symptoms that are a sign of complications include:

• Fever and chills.
• A clear to yellow fluid leaking out of blisters on your skin.
• Pain and swelling.

• Learn about the best diet, home remedies, topical creams and more.

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Is It Eczema Or Psoriasis

Ever wonder about the differences between eczema and psoriasis? Or have you tried to explain the two conditions to someone and found yourself getting confused? Youre not alone. Even the most skin-savvy of us can sometimes get these common disorders mixed up. So, with Psoriasis Awareness Month here in the month of September, weve outlined some key details to clarify things and hopefully help more people get the accurate diagnosis and treatment they need.

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Keeping Eczema At Bay

There are a number of ways in which you can cut down the possibility of triggering or aggravating the eczema. Here is a quick checklist:

• Wear cotton next to your skin. Synthetic or woollen clothes and bedding can cause over-heating. Some people can get away with putting woollens over cotton clothes.
• Use soap-substitutes and mild shampoos.
• People with atopic eczema may be allergic to dust, dust mites, grass seeds, pollens, feathers, animal fur and dander.
• Use non-biological soap powders and detergents.
• Use cotton mitts at night to stop you scratching and take antihistamines to curtail the itchiness and to help you sleep.
• Dietary factors are not commonly associated with adult atopic eczema so do not embark on a diet without consultation with your doctor or dietitian. Food additives are the most likely to cause problems, particularly artificial colourings and preservatives .
• Over-heating, frosty weather, low humidity, dry air, central heating, air conditioning and car heaters can all aggravate a dry skin and eczema.
• Get to know your own triggers. What sparks off one persons eczema doesnt necessarily trigger anothers.

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What Is The Main Cause Of Eczema

The main cause for eczema in adults and children remains unknown to this day. Unfortunately, that means that there is no way to completely get rid of the condition. Instead, doctors focus on resolving the symptoms of eczema and providing preventative options for people who deal with this skin condition. Some of the irritants and environmental causes for an eczema breakout could include:

• Certain fungi and viruses
• Low humidity in the air
• Allergens, like dust mites and mold
• Certain chemicals, sometimes found in soaps, detergents, or perfumes

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.

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Living With Eczema And Next Steps

As you might imagine, this is only the type of the eczema iceberg! If you or a loved one experiences eczema, theres still a lot to learn, from researching your specific type to deciding which treatment option is best for you. Many in the eczema community often feel overwhelmed trying to figure out the cause of their case and the best way to manage symptoms.

While its normal to feel overwhelmed, its also important to know youre not alone. The National Eczema Association and the wider eczema community can be a place to find support, solidarity and resources which might help with the physical or mental health impacts of this condition.

• National Eczema Association | 505 San Marin Drive, #B300 | Novato, CA 94945
• 415-499-3474 or 800-818-7546