Eczema:

What Causes Eczema ?

In normal skin, the skin acts as a barrier preventing loss of water- it also stops things that irritate the skin from penetrating it. With eczema, the skin does not perform this role as effectively. Moisture is lost, resulting in a dry, cracked, scaly appearance.

These cracks allow irritants, allergerns and bacteria to penetrate, causing a reaction.

Different people react differently - what is an irritant to one person may have no effect on another.

One of the most important measures in controlling eczema is identifying which particular irritants affect you.

Are there Different Types of Eczema ?

There are many different types of eczema which affect different parts of the body.

The most common types are:

Atopic eczema
Contact dermatitis

Atopic Eczema:

Most commonly seen in children
Occurs in individuals with a natural tendency to allergies, i.e., hay fever, asthma, etc.
It can be inherited
It mainly affects the inside of the elbows, knees and wrists.
It can be made worse with the use of soaps and perfumes.
It is very itchy.

Contact Dermatitis:

Irritation is caused by the skin contacting something it is allergic or sensitive to.
Different people can be allergic to different things.
Prevention is achieved by avoiding the irritant.
If you have difficulty finding out what causes the irritation, your doctor may advise investigations in the form of a 'patch test' at the hospital.

Here are some examples of common irritants likely to cause Eczema:

Nickel in jewellery
Sticking plaster
Soap
Perfumes
Skin creams

The itch and Eczema:

Itching is a major symptom atopic eczema.

When the sufferer scratches the infected area, a chemical is released within the skin that causes more irritation.

This makes the skin even itchier, causing further scratching and so the cycle continues.

What treatments are available ?

Emollients - these are moisturisers that replace the lost water from the skin. They should be applied regularly and liberally as advised by your doctor.

Steroid Creams - these are 'anti-inflammatory' products that your doctor may prescribe to treat any underlying inflammation and so reduce the itch-scratch cycle.

They may be used to treat an eczema 'flare-up' and should not be used as a long term therapy. Your doctor will give advice regarding the use of these creams.

What can you do to help yourself ?

Avoid triggers that you know will make your eczema worse.

Use any emollients regularly at least twice daily, even when your skin feels better.

Consult your doctor if the condition seems to be getting worse.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or substituted for professional advice. Always consult your doctor with your questions and concerns.