What Is Eczema?

Your skin health is as important as your physical health. When your skin is healthy and bright, you get a feeling of overall well-being. To remain healthy, your skin needs ample attention and care. If you do not take its appropriate care, eventually you end up having dry and flaky skin.

In winter, it becomes even more important to take care of your skin because the humidity is low in the environment, and the air is dry, which leaves your skin dry. Therefore, you must maintain a routine of moisturizing your skin daily, especially in winter. If you have any skin condition, you must consult a healthcare provider soon. To get an expert opinion, you can visit a dermatologist in johar town lahore.

Here in this article, we will talk about eczema.

Eczema is a condition when dry and itchy patches form on the skin. This condition depletes the skin’s protective barrier function. The immense dryness can lead to cracks on your skin and damage it, leaving it susceptible to infections. Various microbes can enter your body through those cuts. Therefore you should not take it lightly.

What Are The Types Of Eczema?

Eczema has several types that can affect your skin’s barrier function. The types of eczema are:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Neurodermatitis
• Nummular eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis

What Are The Causes of Eczema?

Several factors can cause eczema, some of which include :

• Immune System

Your immune system may respond to small irritants or allergens commonly found in your environment. The immune system considers them foreign invaders that may harm your body and cause inflammation in response to such triggers. Inflammation causes symptoms of eczema on your skin.

• Genetic Causes

A positive family history of eczema is a risk factor for eczema. You may also be susceptible to it if you are allergic to pollen, pet hair, or foods that trigger an allergic reaction.

You may also have a genetic mutation that causes your skin’s barrier function to not work.

• Environmental Causes

Many environmental factors can irritate your skin, for example, smoke, air pollutants, harsh soaps, fabrics such as wool, and skin care products. Heat and increased humidity can make your itchiness even worse.

• Emotional Triggers

Mental health may also flare up the eczema symptoms. Stress, anxiety, or depression can worsen the eczema symptoms.

What Are The Symptoms Of Eczema?

Symptoms of eczema vary widely and can range from mild to severe. They might not be the same in two people. Sometimes it is mild, but in some cases, it becomes severe- when left untreated.

The common signs and symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry and itchy skin
• Skin rash
• Bumps on your skin
• Thick, leathery patches of skin
• Flaky, scaly, or crusty skin
• Swelling
• Blisters

How Is Eczema Diagnosed?

Eczema can be diagnosed after a physical exam, where the physician may look closely at your skin.

Eczema may also be confused with many other skin conditions. Therefore specific tests need to be performed to diagnose eczema-like

• A patch test (involves applying small amounts of different substances to the skin and looking for any signs of reaction)
• Blood tests to look for causes of the rash that might be unrelated to dermatitis.
• A skin biopsy distinguishes one type of dermatitis from another.

What Is The Treatment For Eczema?

Treatment for eczema includes:

• Using gentle or sensitive skin moisturizers
• Apply topical medications to your skin
• Take oral medicines like anti-inflammatory medicines, antihistamines, or corticosteroids to reduce itchiness and swelling
• Immunosuppressant drugs to help regulate your immune system functions
• Light therapy improves the appearance of your skin and removes blemishes.
• Avoid triggers that cause symptoms of eczema to flare up.

What Are The Prevention Tips For Eczema?

Preventing eczema is not hard. But you have to take care of yourself and give the skin your precious time. There are certain steps you can take that may help you prevent eczema flare-ups and outbreaks.

• Moisturize your skin regularly or when your skin becomes dry.
• Take baths or showers with warm water.
• Stay hydrated and consume at least eight glasses of water each day.
• Wear loose clothes, preferably ones made of cotton and other natural materials.
• Always wash new clothes before you wear them. Avoid wool or synthetic fibers.
• Manage your stress and emotional triggers.
• Use a humidifier in case dry air makes your skin dry.
• Avoid irritants and allergens.

The Bottom Line

Eczema can affect your self-esteem. However, along with that, it can put you at risk of catching infections because your skin is broken and torn. Through it, microbes can enter. Therefore you must take extra care of your skin if you are prone to eczema. Moreover, never use harsh soaps on an eczematous lesion, and do not forget to moisturize your skin.

If you have eczema, you must visit the healthcare provider soon. To get an expert opinion, you can consult a dermatologist in wapda town lahore.