Eczema is a common rash that may begin in infancy, early childhood, or it may first appear when you are an adult. This rash is described as looking and feeling like dry patches of irritated, itchy, dry skin. Eczema looks different depending on the patient’s age when it first develops as well as the type of eczema. In America alone, there are 31 million people who have eczema. This is a common rash that has a huge impact on the quality of life of those who have it and loved one’s whose family members or children are afflicted.
Did you know there are several types of Eczema? Each type of eczema is unique in location and cause.
The different types of eczema include:
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Contact Dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic Eczema
- Hand Eczema
- Neurodermatitis
- Nummular Eczema
- Stasis Dermatitis
What causes Eczema?
This is a tough question and is not as easy to answer as it may seem. Because eczema encompasses a group of rashes, each one of the different types above have their own cause or in some cases multiple causes. There are a few things that we know can be associated across all the different types. These include: an overactive immune system, genetics, environment, and stress. These all play a significant role in the development of all types of eczema.
What does Eczema look like?
This can differ depending on the type of eczema you have and the location on your body. Dry, flaking, irritated, itchy skin is a common complaint of those with eczema. Some experience small deep painful and very itchy blisters on the palms of their hands and feet. Some patients have scaling and flaking patches in the scalp that result in dandruff. Eczema also varies in severity. For some this can be intermittent and not particularly bothersome. For others, eczema is very severe and can result in secondary bacterial infections due to broken open skin. Patients with severe eczema often also have skin remodeling which causes thickening of skin. We call this lichenification. All of these symptoms can lead to discomfort, lack of sleep, difficulty at home, school or work, and social stigma.
Can Eczema be cured?
There are many safe and effective treatments for eczema and your dermatology provider is specially trained to identify your type of eczema and discuss treatment options with you. Eczema can be improved and managed with topical medications, injections, oral medication, or light therapy, however there is no cure. This is a chronic condition that will wax and wane in severity. It is not possible to treat eczema and ensure it will never recur. We call the presence of rash a “flare”. These flares may last a few days, weeks, or months. The severity of your eczema and length of your flare will help guide your dermatology provider to recommend treatments.
What is the goal of Eczema treatments?
Here at Central Minnesota Dermatology, we understand the impact that this rash can have on your everyday life. As with all the dermatologic conditions we treat, we want you looking and feeling your best without replacing your rash with a lengthy, expensive treatment plan. Our goal is to help you manage your eczema effectively, get back your confidence and allow you to focus on the things you find most important in your life.
Check out our previous blog “We LOVE Skin” to see the ways you can improve your skin health.
If you think you personally, a family member or a friend is struggling with eczema we are waiting to meet you and get you back to feeling and looking your best!
For more information visit:
American Academy of Dermatology Eczema Resource Center: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema
National Eczema Association Website: https://nationaleczema.org/
