Eczema symptoms can be difficult to treat. An eczema flare up can cause swelling, redness and itchy skin.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It usually starts in childhood, and often gets milder or goes away by adulthood. Atopic dermatitis is part of what doctors call the atopic triad. “Triad” means three. The other two diseases in the triad are asthma and hay fever. Many people with atopic dermatitis have all three conditions.
Symptoms
In atopic dermatitis:
- the rash often forms in the creases of your elbows or knees
- skin in areas where the rash appears may turn thicker or darker
- small bumps may appear and leak fluid if you scratch them
- babies often get the rash on their scalp and cheeks
- your skin can get infected if you scratch it
Causes
Atopic dermatitis happens when your skin’s natural barrier against the elements is weakened. This means your skin is less able to protect you against irritants and allergens. Atopic dermatitis is likely caused by a combination of factors such as:
- genes
- dry skin
- an immune system problem
- triggers in the environment
If you have red, irritated skin that’s caused by a reaction to substances you touch, you may have contact dermatitis. It comes in two types: Allergic contact dermatitis is an immune system reaction to an irritant like latex or metal.Irritant contact dermatitis starts when a chemical or other substance irritates your skin.
Symptoms
In contact dermatitis:
-your skin itches, turns red, burns, and stings
-itchy bumps called hives may pop up on your skin
-fluid-filled blisters can form that may ooze and crust over
-over time, the skin may thicken and feel scaly or leathery
Causes
Contact dermatitis happens when you touch a substance that irritates your skin or causes an allergic reaction. The most common causes are:
-detergents
-bleach
-jewelry
-latex
-nickel
-paint
-poison ivy and other poisonous plants
-skin care products, including makeup
-soaps and perfumes
-solvents
-tobacco smoke
Dyshidrotic eczema causes small blisters to form on your hands and feet. It’s more common in women than men.
Symptoms
In dyshidrotic eczema:
-fluid-filled blisters form on your fingers, toes, palms, and soles of your feet
-these blisters may itch or hurt
-the skin can scale, crack, and flake
Causes
Dyshidrotic eczema can be caused by:
-allergies
-damp hands and feet
-exposure to substances such as nickel, cobalt, or chromium salt
-stress
Eczema that only affects your hands is called hand eczema. You may get this type if you work in a job like hairdressing or cleaning, where you regularly use chemicals that irritate the skin.
Symptoms
In hand eczema:
-your hands get red, itchy, and dry
-they may form cracks or blisters
Causes
Hand eczema is triggered by exposure to chemicals. People who work in jobs that expose them to irritants are more likely to get this form, such as:
-cleaning
-hairdressing
-healthcare
-laundry or dry cleaning
Neurodermatitis is similar to atopic dermatitis. It causes thick, scaly patches to pop up on your skin.
Symptoms
In neurodermatitis:
-thick, scaly patches form on your arms, legs, back of your neck, scalp, bottoms of your feet, backs of your hands, or genitals
-these patches can be very itchy, especially when you’re relaxed or asleep
-if you scratch the patches, they can bleed and get infected
Causes
Neurodermatitis usually starts in people who have other types of eczema or psoriasis. Doctors don’t know exactly what causes it, although stress can be a trigger.
This type of eczema causes round, coin-shaped spots to form on your skin. The word “nummular” means coin in Latin. Nummular eczema looks very different from other types of eczema, and it can itch a lot.
Symptoms
In nummular eczema:
-round, coin-shaped spots form on your skin
-the spots may itch or become scaly
Causes
Nummular eczemacan be triggered by a reaction to an insect bite, or by an allergic reaction to metals or chemicals. Dry skin can also cause it. You’re more likely to get this form if you have another type of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis.
Stasis dermatitis happens when fluid leaks out of weakened veins into your skin. This fluid causes swelling, redness, itching, and pain.
Symptoms
In stasis dermatitis:
-the lower part of your legs may swell up, especially during the day when you’ve been walking
-your legs may ache or feel heavy
-you’ll likely also have varicose veins, which are thick, ropey damaged veins in your legs
-the skin over those varicose veins will be dry and itchy
-you may develop open sores on your lower legs and on the tops of your feet
Causes
Stasis dermatitis happens in people who have blood flow problems in their lower legs. If the valves that normally push blood up through your legs toward your heart malfunction, blood can pool in your legs. Your legs can swell up and varicose veins can form.
To steer clear of those that can make eczema itchy and to keep your skin happy:
-Wear cotton-lined gloves when cleaning.
-Don't use air fresheners, perfume, or scented candles.
-Stay away from smoke. If you light up, now is a great time to kick the habit.
Keep it lukewarm or cool, so your skin stays calmer after hand washing and showers. When you’re done, gently pat your skin -- don't rub -- until it’s just damp. Then, slather on thick lotion right away to lock in moisture.
Check the ingredients label of your lotion. If you’re allergic to wool, lanolin will irritate your skin. No wool allergy? Lanolin helps.
You can be out in the sun, but your skin may not like getting hot and sweaty. If so, stay cool and seek out shade. Always wear sunscreen. Sunburns inflame your skin and can lead to an eczema flare.
If you’re sensitive to sunscreens, block out burning rays with mineral versions, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Sunscreens made for the face may also give you gentle protection.
Loose, breathable cotton clothes may be your best bet. Wool and mohair can be prickly. Synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and rayon can make you sweaty.
Wash clothes before you wear them to help get rid of dye or chemicals used to keep them wrinkle-free at the store. Do you dry-clean? Take the plastic bags off and air them out for 24 hours if the chemicals bother you.
When you wash your body or your clothes, think gentle. Choose laundry detergent made for babies or sensitive skin, like fragrance-free types. Use only the amount suggested. If needed, rinse them twice. Skip fabric softeners and scented dryer sheets.
For showers, pick a non-soap cleanser that is mild and fragrance-free. Shampoos are also available in clear, pH neutral, fragrance-free versions.
Flaring? Try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or biofeedback. Anxiety and stress can make skin conditions like eczema worse. How?
When you’re tense, your body’s stress hormones cause inflammation that irritates your skin. Even physical stress, like when you're fighting a cold, can take a toll. So take good care of yourself and make it a habit to get enough sleep.
If you’re allergic to pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and mold, try to avoid them. At home, dust and vacuum regularly, and wash bedding weekly in hot water. If possible, get rid of heavy drapes and carpeting.
If certain chores irritate your skin, ask for help or hire some. If you still have allergy woes, talk to your doctor about other ways to get relief.
Some studies show that these might make eczema worse -- especially for babies and children. Peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, fish, and eggs are the most common culprits.
Because kids need a well-rounded diet, don't stop giving them foods you think might cause eczema flares. Talk to a pediatrician or dermatologist first. They can do tests for problem foods.
Does your skin get worse in the winter? The heater in your home keeps you warm, but it can suck the moisture out of the air. You’ll want to moisturize your skin regularly. If you live in a dry place, consider using a humidifier.
If you do, clean it as directed, at least once a week. Mold can thrive in humidifiers and make eczema worse for some people.
Working out is great for you and can ease stress. But sweat from exercise can aggravate the skin. Don’t quit! To keep cool, take breaks during workouts, don’t over-dress, and sip water when you get hot.
Try exercising indoors or during cooler parts of the day. Remember to gently dab off sweat. Swimming can also help keep you cool, but be sure to shower and moisturize afterward since chlorine may be irritating.
To prevent patches of eczema on your baby’s cheeks, chin, neck, and around their mouth, smooth on a thick layer of moisturizing ointment before they eat or sleep.
Are you itching worse than normal? Do you have more red patches? See your dermatologist. If you have a bacterial or yeast infection on your skin -- like staph or candida -- it can make your eczema flare.
A doctor can prescribe antibiotics to help with bacterial infections and antifungal medicines to help yeast infections. That will tame the flare, so you feel better.
Most eczema comes and goes over time. Atopic dermatitis is usually worst in childhood and improves with age. Other forms of eczema may stay with you throughout your life, although you can take measures to reduce your symptoms.
You should also avoid any known triggers.
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Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
1 Pet 3:3-4
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