Dry and itchy skin or eczema can be quite frustrating, especially when it keeps coming back. Managing it can be even more tiring as eczema treatment often includes a mixture of home remedies and doctor’s visits. Around 11 per cent of UAE’s adult population and 24 per cent of adolescents suffer from eczema.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a severe medical condition that presents as patches of dry, flaky skin that is inflamed and red in appearance. Eczema patches are also itchy, so much so that they can significantly reduce the quality of life. Eczema and atopic dermatitis are used synonymously to describe the condition, however, atopic dermatitis is only a type of eczema, albeit the most common one.
Eczema manifests with different severity in all patients and has different triggers such as heat, spicy food, and stress. Avoiding the triggers is highly recommended to prevent flare-ups, which are quite painful and can stop you from continuing your daily life.
Eczema treatment or management revolves around soothing dry and flaky patches whether with home remedies for eczema or prescribed medications. Medications for eczema are prescribed by a dermatologist or a skin doctor.
Causes of Eczema
Eczema affects people of all ages, with some developing eczema from childhood and others experiencing it after adolescence. There are many triggers or causes for eczema and why it develops early in some patients and later in others. However, the exact mechanism of action behind the development of eczema is not yet fully understood.
Some of the common triggers of eczema are:
- Irritants and allergens such as detergents, soaps, dust mites, and pollen.
- Extreme temperatures
- Certain foods such as dairy products and nuts
- Hormonal imbalance
Symptoms of Eczema
Symptoms of eczema differ based on the ethnicity and age of the affected individuals. Based on the type of symptoms and age of the patient, the skin doctor will recommend the best eczema treatment.
Generally, eczema is mild in all ages and presents as:
- Dry, flaky skin patch
- Red and inflamed skin
- Open or weeping sores
In children, eczema or atopic dermatitis can range from mild to severe and presents as:
- Eczema on the face: Rash on the scalp and cheeks, especially in infants
- Bubbling rash that oozes liquid
- Severe itching that can wake up the infant or child.
- Rash in the creases of the neck, arms, wrist, buttocks, and behind the knee
- Bumps and rashes
- Lighter patches of faded eczema rash
- Skin thickening, in severe cases
In people of colour, eczema doesn’t present as red inflamed skin as much as in the Caucasian population. Instead, it presents as patches of hyperpigmented or hypopigmented, darker or lighter, skin.
A diagnosis of atopic dermatitis or eczema can only be made by the skin doctor and only then, can the treatment and remedies for eczema can begin. Eczema can worsen with allergens and no topical soothing agents should be used without the recommendation of a skin doctor.
Stages of Eczema
Eczema Flare-ups and How Long do they last?
Eczema flare-ups are often because of exposure to the triggers and causes of atopic dermatitis and can present as:
- Severe itching
- Red, inflamed skin with open sores
- Dry and flaky skin in all creases of the skin
The flare-ups can be severely uncomfortable however, with proper use of remedies for eczema flares and an appointment with the skin doctor, the flare-ups can be managed easily. Most eczema and atopic dermatitis flare-ups resolve within three weeks, with some resolving within a week.
To prevent flare-ups, avoiding the known triggers of eczema is crucial. Some of the other prevention tips are:
- Avoid dry environments and use a humidifier to prevent the worsening of skin dryness
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes
- Avoid dusty areas
- Keep your skin cool
- And lastly, moisturise regularly. Especially in summer when the heat can trigger a flare-up, appropriate moisturising habits can protect the skin.
Can Eczema be Cured?
Eczema is a life-long condition that can be managed successfully with the avoidance of triggers, proper moisturising, medications, and natural remedies for eczema. However, eczema cannot be treated completely, meaning it cannot be cured. There is no cure for eczema yet but maybe, with the development and advances made in the field of medicine, a cure may be found in the future.
How to Manage Eczema?
Eczema treatment fully is not possible. However, management of eczema can be done using homemade remedies for eczema, topical agents, and medications. Types of eczema such as atopic dermatitis can be managed by avoiding the allergens and irritants that would trigger a flare-up.
Natural remedies for eczema include:
- Aloe vera gel
- Colloidal oatmeal bath
- Apple cider vinegar
- Coconut oil
Medications for eczema treatment and management are:
- Topical corticosteroid creams and gels
- Oral corticosteroids
- Oral immunosuppressants
- Injected biological medications
It is important to note that eczema treatment can only be prescribed by a skin doctor or dermatologist. Self-medication is not recommended, and even the use of home remedies should be consulted with the doctor to ensure the best results.