Do you or your child have areas of itchy, red, dry patches that get worse when you scratch? Chances are, one of you is among the millions of Americans who suffer from eczema. The word “eczema” can be used when talking about many skin conditions, including contact dermatitis and hand dermatitis. But when we use the word ” eczema,” it usually means atopic dermatitis, which is the most common form.
What exactly is eczema? It’s a very itchy red rash that often begins in early infancy, but can also affect adults. It can be lifelong, but many people outgrow it with time. Where eczema appears on your body can change as you get older. Infants usually have red, itchy cheeks, which sometimes blister and ooze. In younger children, until puberty, the itchy rash is commonly seen in the creases behind knees and elbows, but it can also develop on the wrists, ankles and neck. The rash in adults can be seen in the same areas as in children, though it can occur pretty much anywhere on your body — sometimes on your face and around your eyes. In adults, the itchy rash is associated with very dry skin. In both children and adults, a condition called lichenification, a thickening of your skin around the rash, can occur. In all ages, scratching and rubbing can lead to further irritation of the skin, and then more itchiness develops. Everyone can get into this itch-rash-itch cycle.
[See: 10 Concerns Parents Have About Their Kids’ Health.]
What causes eczema? No one knows for sure, but it appears to be related to genetics and environment. Most people with eczema have a family history of allergy, and many develop hay fever and asthma. Triggers such as foods may play a role. Some studies suggest there is a defect in the top layer of the skin that leads to an abnormal immune response and results in the condition.
While there are, unfortunately, no cures for eczema, there are treatments that can help control it. The first treatment is using moisturizer after a lukewarm bath while your skin is still wet. Moisturizers seal the water on your skin to prevent evaporation so that the water can be absorbed and make your skin softer. Examples of over-the-counter moisturizers include CeraVe, Aquaphor and Eucerin. Avoid using regular soaps, especially deodorant soaps, as they are drying. Use a mild, non-drying soap like Dove unscented, Aveeno or Basis. In general, OTC antihistamines have only a limited effect on the itching caused by eczema, though some people benefit from antihistamines like Benadryl at bedtime, probably related to the fact that it makes you drowsy and helps you sleep.
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For some people with mild cases of eczema, the use of OTC hydrocortisone creams may be enough to control the rash.
If OTC treatments aren’t effective, the next step is to see your allergist for further management tips. There is a wide variety of medications now available — from medium to high potency — that allergists can prescribe for dealing with the symptoms of eczema.
Infants with eczema should be evaluated for peanut allergy, as they’re at a high risk for its development. Guidelines from the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Disease and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommend that any child under the age of 1 with eczema be skin tested for peanut allergy. If the results are negative, allergists suggest a controlled oral challenge with peanut be done in a medical setting to verify the negative results. Board-certified allergists are skilled in the evaluation, treatment and, if needed, allergy testing for children and adults with eczema.
[See: How to Survive Ragweed Allergy Season.]
More information about eczema (atopic dermatitis) is available from the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology . Find an allergist near you with the ACAAI Allergist Locator.
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Eczema: the Itch That Rashes originally appeared on usnews.com
