What Causes Eczema, and How is it Treated?

If you or someone close to you suffers from eczema, you know how frustrating it can be. The painful and irritating flare-ups often feel like they have no end. 

Fortunately, experts have found numerous treatments to help manage this condition. Before diving into the various treatments available, you must know exactly why eczema occurs in the first place.

Understanding what causes eczema and its various treatments will help you choose the right strategy to alleviate your symptoms. Eczema is highly uncomfortable, so it’s vital that you make an informed decision about symptom management.

Understanding What Eczema is All About

Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects children and adults. It belongs to a group called dermatitis, which is composed of diseases causing skin inflammation. Eczema causes itchy skin with dry, scaly patches that often become sore and inflamed. It can appear anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the face, neck, hands, and feet.

There are seven kinds of eczema with different triggers. These are nummular eczema, atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Understanding your symptoms will help you determine how to treat eczema properly.

General symptoms to watch out for:

• Rashes
• Blisters
• Skin infections
• Dry skin
• Scaly skin
• Bumps on the skin
• Leathery patches
• Swelling and redness

What Causes Eczema?

Because there are so many types of eczema, it’s impossible to pinpoint a single cause. Contact with an allergen or irritant can cause flare-ups, as can personal factors like stress. Still, in other cases the trigger is far less obvious. 

Studies have also shown that eczema is hereditary, so genetics is a likely cause in a high percentage of cases. How many, though, is not clear.

The several causes of eczema include:

• Genes: As aforementioned, you’re far more likely to show symptoms of this skin condition if your family has a history of eczema. You’re also more susceptible if you have genetic conditions like asthma. In some cases, it may be due to a mutation of the genes that causes your skin barrier’s function to fail.
• Environmental triggers: Eczema may develop because of exposure to smoke, skin care products, air pollutants, certain fabrics, or low humidity. Allergens such as pet pollen, dust, or spores may also serve as triggers.
• Immune system: Eczema can develop because your immune system overreacts to minor irritants and allergens, mistaking them for invasive bacteria or viruses. After making contact with these triggers, your immune system will activate your body’s natural defense system, which will create inflammation, sometimes in the form of eczema.
• Emotional triggers: Apart from the environment, one’s mental health may also affect the skin. It typically shows after experiencing stress or anxiety. It can also show if you have depression. These will trigger your eczema symptoms to show frequently.

What is the Best Treatment for Eczema?

Everyone reacts to eczema differently. Consequently, there are many schools of thought on how to get rid of eczema. 

While there are many eczema treatments available, it’s best to consult your doctor to determine your best options. Through consultation, you’ll discover what unique combination of techniques works best for you. It will depend on your personal preferences, the severity of your condition, and your age, among other factors.

Some of the most common eczema treatments include:

• Protect and strengthen your skin: If you have flare-ups, it’s best to use gentle skin protectants throughout the day. These are barriers that will protect, moisturize and strengthen your skin during flare-ups. Apply them at least twice daily for best results, and make sure your skin is damp. Omeza Skin Protectant Gel is one of the best products to protect fragile skin while reducing inflammation.
• Apply moisturizing creams and topical ointments: Ointments and/or creams may be prescribed to you by your doctor, especially if they contain antibiotics or steroids. However, over-the-counter products – such as Atrac-Tain Cream, AMERIGEL Lotion, or  Calmoseptine Ointment – can also be very effective at fighting dryness associated with eczema.
• Control itching: Uncontrollable itching is one of the worst symptoms of eczema. Control it by taking antihistamines or applying a cold compress on the affected area. You may also use steroid creams, or OTC treatments like Reliefacyn Hydrogel.
• Treat an infection: Infections may occur due to broken or damaged skin. Make sure to treat it immediately, as it can cause further irritation. There are many wound care products available for this purpose, from first aid to advanced dressings. 

Preventing Eczema Flare-Ups

If you experience this irritating skin condition, you’d probably love to know how to cure eczema permanently. Unfortunately, a full cure for eczema does not exist. You can only treat and manage it. The best way to avoid flare-ups is by identifying your triggers. Once you understand your body more and determine your triggers, your doctor will create an eczema action plan.

An action plan is a personal guide that will serve as a checklist to help you efficiently manage your condition. Your doctor may recommend the following:

• Moisturizing daily
• Avoiding contact triggers (such as certain soaps or detergents)
• Not wearing fabrics that irritate your skin

Effectively Manage Your Eczema for Healthier Skin

Understanding is crucial for you to find the best eczema treatment. Because everyone has unique symptoms, everyone’s method of symptom management is different. You’ll find the best products at Medical Monks to help your skin condition. From skin protectants to moisturizers, these will help alleviate your symptoms for better and healthier skin.