Everything You Need to Know About Eczema: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Eczema is a group of persistent skin conditions characterized by inflammation, changes in skin tone, itching, swelling, and peeling. There are various types of eczema, including nummular eczema (also known as nummular dermatitis), dyshidrotic eczema, seborrheic eczema, and others. Only a medical professional can accurately distinguish between these variations.

Eczema outbreaks can manifest on any part of the body, the face, or the scalp. It’s possible for multiple types of eczema to co-occur on the body.

• Eczema on the body typically localizes on the torso, such as the chest, abdomen, or back.
• Eczema on the hands and legs often affects the flexed areas of the extremities, such as the fingers, soles of the feet, and palms of the hands, especially in cases of dyshidrotic eczema.
• Eczema on the face and scalp is commonly associated with seborrheic or atopic dermatitis. Facial outbreaks may appear independently or coincide with skin issues on other parts of the body.

Is eczema contagious?

Eczema is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted from one person to another; it is a non-infectious condition and cannot be contracted through casual contact.

What does eczema look like?

Nummular eczema outbreaks are typically round and can resemble the shape of a coin. Dyshidrotic eczema outbreaks are usually characterized by small, itchy blisters on the fingers and palms.

What Dermatologists Typically Mean by Eczema

In the field of dermatology, the terms dermatitis and eczema are often used interchangeably. The International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision groups them together in one section. The choice of terminology depends on the specific type of skin condition. For instance, seborrheic dermatitis is commonly referred to as dermatitis, while dyshidrotic eczema is usually called eczema.

Terminology preferences can also vary by region and the specific dermatological school of thought. In American and English dermatology, “dermatitis” is the more commonly used term, whereas in Europe, “eczema” is the preferred concept.

It’s important to note that the concept of “eczema” differs from that of “dermatitis.” Eczema implies specific skin changes that are only visible under a microscope, such as tiny blisters. In Latin, dermatitis simply means skin inflammation.

Causes of eczema

The exact causes of eczema remain unknown. It is believed that most forms of the condition result from a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, stress, and exposure to skin irritants. Eczema is often a chronic condition, with symptoms that may come and go.

Preventing Eczema

The triggers for eczema can vary from person to person. Common culprits for flare-ups include dry skin, exposure to detergents, household chemicals, cosmetics, contact with metals, certain fabrics, and wool. It’s essential to identify your individual triggers and take steps to avoid them.

Diagnosing Eczema

When diagnosing eczema, doctors rely on the clinical presentation of skin changes and the patient’s medical history. Specific tests and analyses are typically not necessary for the diagnosis.

In rare, atypical cases, a doctor may recommend a skin biopsy with histological examination, where a small sample of affected skin is studied under a microscope. This step is not always required, but it can be helpful when there is suspicion of other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or malignant skin diseases, as these conditions can be visually similar to eczema.”

Managing Eczema

Treating eczema typically involves a combination of daily skincare adjustments and the prescription of topical anti-inflammatory medications, often in the form of corticosteroid creams. The choice of these drugs depends on factors like the location of skin irritation and the extent of inflammation. In rarer cases, systemic medications may be recommended. These can include either anti-inflammatory corticosteroids or antihistamines to alleviate allergic symptoms.

Crucially, when dealing with eczema, it’s essential to identify and eliminate individual triggers, the factors that provoke flare-ups. These triggers may encompass various elements, such as cosmetics, cleaning products, frequent exposure to water, metals, dyes, extended use of rubber or latex gloves, stress, past infections, clothing choices, smoking, alcohol consumption, assorted food allergens, and respiratory irritants. It’s largely the patient’s responsibility to pinpoint and remove these triggers.

In severe instances where eczema proves resistant to conventional treatments, a doctor might recommend phototherapy for the skin. This involves exposing affected areas to artificial light sources. Two primary methods are commonly used:

1. Narrowband UVB therapy: This method exposes the skin to specific UVB wavelengths.
2. Photochemotherapy (PUVA): Here, the patient takes or applies a substance that increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation, followed by exposure to UV light on affected areas. Other physical therapies and similar treatments have no established scientific basis.

Treatment may not always yield the desired results for various reasons. These can include improper skincare, failure to adhere to the doctor’s recommendations, the use of insufficiently potent medications or inadequately long treatment courses, as well as complications such as secondary skin infections. There are also cases where triggers continue to impact the body during treatment. For example, someone with contact dermatitis who continues to wear metal jewelry.

It’s worth noting that sometimes both the doctor and the patient follow the correct procedures, yet the eczema persists. This can be attributed to the inherent nature of the condition in a particular individual.”

Eczema and Its Psychological Impact

When dealing with eczema, seeking support from a psychologist or psychotherapist can be beneficial. Stress is recognized as one of the triggers for this condition, and the outbreaks themselves, particularly when severe, can create a feedback loop of stress. As anxiety levels rise, quality of life often diminishes, and it’s not uncommon for depressive feelings to surface.

Important Points to Remember About Eczema

It’s crucial to understand that eczema is not contagious, even though its skin manifestations might appear concerning to others. It’s a non-infectious condition.

To effectively treat eczema, it’s essential to identify the specific triggers that exacerbate the condition. If these provoking factors persist during treatment, it can hinder progress. Sometimes, treatment may prove ineffective due to the severe nature of the condition, despite both the doctor and the patient following the appropriate procedures.

Selecting the right treatment for eczema is a task best left to a medical professional. The choice of treatment depends on the type of eczema, the severity and acuteness of the condition, and the location of the affected areas. It’s not advisable to attempt to differentiate between various types of dermatitis and self-prescribe a course of medications.