What is Eczema And How Eczema Is Caused?
Eczema that is also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that can cause a lot of discomfort if not managed properly. In this guide will walk you through what eczema is all about and how it can be dealt with.
What Is Eczema?
Basically, eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and even infected skin. Though it’s more common in children, it can also affect adults. Eczema patients often experience rash due to scratching the extremely dry skin.Â
What Triggers Dermatitis:
Eczema, is a skin disorder that results from an interaction of immune system, environmental, and hereditary variables. Fundamentally, eczema results from a breakdown in the skin’s barrier function, leaving the skin more vulnerable to irritation and inflammation.
Who Is More Prone To Eczema?
One major factor contributing to the development of eczema is genetic predisposition. The likelihood of developing eczema, asthma, or allergies is higher in people with a family history of these conditions.Â
Mutations in certain genes, such as those that impact the synthesis of proteins like filaggrin, have been linked to a greater risk of eczema. The integrity and moisture balance of the skin depend on filaggrin, and absence of it might result in a damaged skin barrier.
In the US, 31.6 million people suffer from eczema of some kind.
Other Factors That Involved In Eczema:
- Both the start and worsening of eczema are influenced by environmental factors. In those who are vulnerable, exposure to irritants such as harsh detergents, soaps, and chemicals can cause skin irritation and inflammation. By creating an excessive reaction to environmental factors, the immune system plays a critical role in eczema. When harmless things trigger an overreaction by an overactive immune system, it causes inflammation and irritation in people with eczema. The eczema cycle of inflammation and irritation is sustained by this hypersensitive reaction, which also weakens the skin’s protective layer.
- The severity of eczema is also influenced by lifestyle variables like stress, food and hygiene habits. Stressful situations can exacerbate eczema symptoms by triggering immune system responses and worsening inflammation.
- These are not the only triggers but the poor or improper skincare habits, such as taking long and frequent baths or using harsh chemical skincare products also disrupt the skin barrier and exacerbate the eczema.
Eczema is a complex illness that affects a person’s lifestyle due to the weakened immune system, environmental triggers, and family history. To handle this skin condition and therapy of eczema efficiently it is important to understand these fundamental reasons that make it effective for targeted treatments that aim to reduce the intensity of the symptoms and improve the general well-being. Â
When Eczema Flares Up – Triggers:
Various factors can trigger eczema flare-ups, including:
- One of the factors that can trigger atopic dermatitis is environmental factors such as harsh soaps, detergents, and extreme temperatures.
- Allergens like pollen, pet dander, and certain foods can also trigger or even worsen the eczema condition.
- Eczema can also be triggered by stress and emotional factors.
- Changes in temperature, humidity levels, and allergens in the environment can provoke eczema flare-ups.
- Dietary factors, including food allergies and sensitivities, may also contribute to eczema development or flare-ups in some individuals.
Eczema Treatments:
Eczema is not completely curable however you can manage it effectively:
- Try to keep the skin well hydrated and moisturize to maintain or restore the skin barrier.
- Individuals with eczema must avoid triggers whenever possible.
- Use topical corticosteroids or other medications (don’t take any medication until it is prescribed by your doctor) to reduce inflammation and itching during flare-ups.
- Practicing good skincare habits, such as taking short, lukewarm showers and using gentle skincare products.
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Conclusion:
Eczema is a complex skin condition characterized by inflammation, itching, and skin barrier dysfunction. To manage the skin condition efficiently and effectively it is important to understand how eczema works and what are the triggers aim to improve the quality of life to the effected individual.
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Fatima Ashfa.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2721001/
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538209/
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/eczema-latest-research
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filaggrin
