Understanding Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Learn more about eczema symptoms, preventing eczema flare-ups and proper, consistent skin care for the management of eczema.

How Common Is Eczema?

Slightly more than 7% of adults and 11% of children have eczema, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

What Causes Eczema?

Most forms of eczema have an allergy link. “People with eczema tend to also have asthma as well as seasonal allergies,” says Daniel P. Hekman, MD, a physician with Franciscan Physician Network Franklin Township Family Medicine in Indianapolis.

Essentially, for patients with eczema, exposure to allergens produces an inflammatory response in the skin, which causes it to lose hydration and become dry and itchy.

Eczema also has a genetic link, in that parents with the condition can often pass it on to their children.

What Are Eczema Symptoms?

• Dry, itchy skin
• Red, scaly patches on the skin
• Patches of red, dark brown, purple or gray skin
• Small, raised bumps that may leak fluid when scratched
• Cracking or bleeding skin in severe cases

Eczema symptoms may vary in severity and can be influenced by factors such as stress, temperature, and exposure to irritants.

What Types Of Eczema Are There?

There are several kinds of ezema.

Atopic dermatitis

The most common type of eczema is known medically as atopic dermatitis.

“Atopic dermatitis presents with dry, itchy, red skin usually in elbow creases, behind the knees, on hands and feet, and sometimes on creases of the neck or torso. The condition can even lead to crusty skin plaques that can become infected,” explains Dr. Hekman.

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with atopic dermatitis often have a family history of the condition, and it is more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma and hay fever. The most effective treatment for atopic dermatitis is to keep the skin moisturized and to avoid irritants and allergens that can trigger flare-ups. 

Other types of ezcema

Beyond atomic dermatitis, other types of eczema include:

• Dyshidrotic eczema, which produces small, itchy blisters on hands and feet
• Nummular dermatitis, that appears as round patches anywhere on the body
• Asteatotic dermatitis, that affects the aging population with thinning skin from chronic UV exposure over time
• Contact dermatitis, caused by contact with an irritating substance, such as detergents or soaps.

What Triggers Eczema Flare-ups?

Flare-ups can arise from not properly drying wet hands or an allergic reaction, such as to latex or jewelry metals. People who had eczema (atopic dermatitis) as a child have a higher risk of developing hand eczema. Chemicals like solvents, detergent and cement can increase risk.

According to the National Eczema Foundation, common triggers of eczema flare-ups can include:

• Being exposed to dry air, extreme heat or cold
• Some types of soap, shampoos that cause dander, bubble bath products, body wash, and facial cleansers
• Some types of laundry detergents and fabric softeners with chemical additives
• Surface cleaners and disinfectants
• Juice from fruit, vegetables and meats
• Candle fragrances
• Nickel and other metals in jewelry or utensils
• Formaldehyde
• Isothiazolinone, an antibacterial found in personal care products like baby wipes
• Dust mites and living in dirty spaces

Prevent flare-ups by using a gentle hand or hypoallergenic cleanser, not washing too frequently and making sure to rinse off any excess cleanser. Rinse well between the fingers where cleanser can accumulate.

How Can I Reduce Eczema Flare-Ups?

If you’re living with eczema, you may have tried medications to reduce flare-ups. Work with your provider to find a treatment that works best for you. In the meantime, there are a few options you can try to prevent red, irritated, itchy skin. Here are 5 ways to reduce eczema flare-ups:

1. Avoid irritants

Many patients with eczema find that avoiding lotions, soaps, and detergents with dyes and fragrances can help reduce the frequency and severity of their symptom flare-ups.

2. Avoid airborne chemicals

If strong fragrances are a trigger for your eczema, you may also want to avoid using scented candles, perfumes, and air fresheners in your home.

3. Watch what foods you eat

If specific foods are a trigger – such as nuts, dairy, or seafood – you’ll want to limit these ingredients in your diet as much as possible. Consider being tested for common food allergies by your physician.

4. Reduce exposure to extreme temperatures

Bundle up if you’re going out in the cold to avoid exposing your skin to extreme temperature changes, which can trigger an eczema outbreak for some patients.

5. Protect your skin

Apply moisturizer twice daily, especially after bathing. Avoid wearing overly tight clothing that can cause skin friction or clothes that are rough or too warm. And, if you plan to be in the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen to help reduce the risk of sun irritation.

Are There Eczema Treatments?

Eczema treatment focuses on reducing the itching and irritation of skin. Patients should try not to scratch eczema breakouts since doing so can lead to infection. Because of this, reducing the itchiness of the skin blemishes is a priority in treating eczema.

Prevention is key. Doctors first start by suggesting several fragrance-free moisturizers to prevent the formation of itchy, dry skin. Ointments are the most protective, followed by creams and then lotions. These could include:

• Vaseline ointment
• Aquaphor ointment
• CeraVe products

If moisturizer alone does not prevent the condition, patients can try using a 1% hydrocortisone cream to help relieve the itching and irritation that develops. If a stronger topical steroid is needed to address the condition, talk to your physician about a prescription for eczema treatment.

Additionally, your doctor may discuss the benefits of taking a daily allergy relief medication – such as Zyrtec, Claritin, or Xyzal. These can help treat skin irritation related to seasonal pollens or other allergen exposure.

In some instances, your doctor may also recommend seeing an allergist to help identify potential food or environmental triggers that could cause eczema.

When To Seek Help For Eczema Symptoms

Talk with your doctor if your eczema symptoms worsen or the itchiness and discomfort begin to disrupt your daily routine or mental well-being. For moderate to severe eczema, your doctor may prescribe oral medicine or a shot. With medical care, eczema can be easily managed.

Talk to your doctor if you’re tired of dealing with dry, itchy skin. It could be eczema. Your physician can help you identify potential eczema triggers and make a plan to get your eczema flare-ups under control.