Eczema Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Risk Factors | Diseases List A-Z

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a term related to swelling disorders of the skin. This disorder is also called dermatitis.

When it occurs, allergic reactions on the skin can be marked by the appearance of redness, rashes, and itching. This condition can cause discomfort and interfere with appearance.

Eczema is not a contagious disease and so far the cause is unknown. It is most likely caused by genetic and environmental factors.

A person who has a fever and asthma usually also has this disease. This disease called dermatitis can also be a long-lasting disease.

Eczema Symptoms

Everyone can experience eczema without exception, from adults to children. Symptoms can appear since someone is over two years old. Eczema can disappear with age, but it can also be a lifelong disease.

Well, the most common eczema symptoms that can arise when this disorder occurs are:

• Skin that becomes dry and scaly.
• Reddish skin.
• It feels itchy.
• Open or crusty sores.

Symptoms of eczema in babies

When this skin disorder occurs in babies under two years of age, some of the symptoms that arise include:

• A rash appears on the scalp and cheeks.
• A rash that blisters before oozing fluid.
• A rash that causes itching so that sleep is disturbed.

Eczema symptoms for older children

The symptoms that arise when this problem occurs in children aged two years and above can be different from babies. Here are some of the symptoms:

• The rash appears on the creases of the elbows or knees.
• The rash appears on the neck, wrists, ankles, and buttocks.
• The occurrence of thickening of the skin which eventually develops into permanent itching.

Children who experience this problem before the age of five are likely to no longer show symptoms when they enter adolescence.

Eczema symptoms in adults

When this problem occurs in adults, here are some of the symptoms that arise:

• Rash with more severe scales.
• The rash appears on the elbows or knees.
• The rash can cover most of the body.
• Very dry skin in the affected area.
• A rash that itches permanently.
• Having a skin infection.

The appearance of the skin affected by this disorder depends on how often it is scratched and the infection that occurs on the skin. Scratching and rubbing more often can cause irritation, and inflammation, and make the itching worse.

Therefore, if you experience eczema symptoms, consult a doctor to get the right treatment.

Causes of Eczema

Eczema can be caused by external factors (exogenous), such as chemicals, and microorganisms (bacteria, fungi). In addition, this problem can also be caused by internal influences (endogenous), such as atopic eczema. Some others are not yet known for sure, especially those related to endogenous.

Eczema Risk Factors

It is believed that the disorder develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In addition, children are more susceptible to the problem than older people.

Children whose parents both have this condition are at higher risk of experiencing the same thing.

Some environmental factors that can increase the risk of eczema are:

• Irritants. Anything that can cause irritation, including soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, etc.
• Allergens. Dust mites, pets, pollen, and anything else that can cause eczema, also called allergic eczema.
• Microbes. Eczema can also be caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, and certain fungi.
• Hot and cold temperatures. Very hot and very cold weather, high and low humidity, and sweating from exercise can also cause eczema.
• Food. Dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products, and wheat can cause this skin condition in some people.
• Stress. This is not a direct cause of eczema, but it can worsen symptoms.
• Hormone. Women may experience an increase in eczema symptoms when their hormone levels change, such as during pregnancy and at certain points in the menstrual cycle.

Eczema Diagnosis

Eczema can be diagnosed by performing a skin exam and medical history. Doctors can also perform a patch test . This test is done to see if there is a potential allergy.

In addition, doctors can also perform examinations to detect conditions that can trigger this skin disorder.

Eczema Treatment

It is believed that there is no cure for eczema. Treatment for this condition aims to heal the affected skin and prevent symptoms.

Treatment that can be done based on various factors. Well, here are some ways of treatment that can be done:

1. Home remedies

There are several home treatments that can be done to treat eczema, namely:

• Take a shower with warm water.
• Apply moisturizer after showering.
• Use moisturizer every day.
• Using cotton and soft fabrics.
• Avoid rough, itchy clothing materials and tight clothing.
• Using a humidifier in dry or cold weather.
• Avoid triggers for eczema.

2. Medical treatment

Apart from home remedies, there are also several medical treatments that can be done, such as:

• Use of antihistamines. This method can relieve allergy-induced eczema. However, it should be noted that this drug can cause drowsiness if taken orally. Doctors often recommend using the drug topically.
• Topical corticosteroids. These medications can be used to suppress inflammation caused by eczema. However, medications such as steroids should only be used in areas that are inflamed and not in other areas, especially wounds and the face.
• Use of skin moisturizer. Choose a moisturizer that really suits your skin condition. Try to apply it more often to avoid more widespread skin problems.

If you suffer from eczema and are looking for a moisturizing product, CeraVe could be the right choice. This moisturizing product is famous for its MVE technology.

Well, the Multivesicular Emulsion Technology in CeraVe products can hydrate your skin all day long.

Another advantage of CeraVe products is that they contain ceramides that are very similar to the natural ceramides in the skin.

There are three ceramides contained in CeraVe products , namely ceramide 1, 3, and 6-II.

These three types of ceramides can maintain moisture while strengthening your skin’s skin barrier.

Here are recommendations for CeraVe products that you can choose to treat your eczema skin:

1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream works to hydrate the skin, soothe the skin, nourish the skin and strengthen the skin barrier . These benefits of course come from the ceramide content and MVE technology from CeraVe.

Although thick in texture, this product is easily absorbed, non-comedogenic and has no added fragrance. So, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is definitely safe for all skin types, from normal to dry skin.

You also don’t need to worry,  CeraVe Moisturizing Cream can be used for babies aged 2 months.

Based on clinical trials on subjects with mild eczema symptoms, most of them experienced a reduction in symptoms after using this cream.

2. CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion

If you’re looking for an oil-free moisturizer, CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion is the answer.

Because it is oil-free, this moisturizer is easily absorbed into the skin and definitely does not feel sticky.

Another advantage of this product is of course the ceramides content which maintains skin moisture throughout the day while strengthening the skin barrier.

Just like other CeraVe products, this lotion is also non-fragrance and non-comedogenic so it is safe for all skin types.

Eczema Prevention

Prevention of eczema is generally done by doing proper skin care. Make sure to avoid skin that is too dry or too wet. Keep your skin moist and avoid excessive sweating.

Also, make sure to avoid contact with various triggers of this disorder. Some ways to prevent it are:

• Avoid using materials that cause itching, such as wool.
• Don’t use soap and detergent with harsh ingredients.
• Be sure to use a humidifier in the bedroom.
• Reduce thoughts that cause stress.
• It is best to avoid consuming foods that trigger allergies and irritation.
• Prevent extreme changes in skin temperature and humidity.
• Avoid bathing using water that is too hot.
• Do not overheat or overcool the skin.
• Use protection when in contact with detergents or other chemicals.

For babies, make sure to give exclusive breastfeeding for the first three months or even up to a year. Babies should also be protected from various allergens that can cause eczema, such as animal hair, mites, and fungi.