What is Eczema?
If you’ve been plagued by itchy, inflamed skin, scratches appearing out of nowhere and red rashes, you may have eczema. Eczema is a common skin problem that, thankfully, isn’t contagious. Contrary to some common beliefs, eczema isn’t an infection. Instead, it is a hypersensitivity to environmental triggers, which causes itchy skin, often covered with scaly dry patches. Triggers can be anything from laundry detergent to dyes, soaps, pollen or fabrics. Although the terms eczema and atopic dermatitis are sometimes used interchangeably, atopic dermatitis (AD) is a form of chronic, severe eczema.
Over 30 percent of Americans have eczema. It starts as early as infancy and may last until adulthood; in sum, it tends to come and go as far as fluctuations. For some people, it flares up but then fades for months or years. Some of those with eczema as children will also have it as adults, but others will “grow out” of it.
Although eczema and atopic dermatitis aren’t infections, they can lead to infections because the itching is so intense that people often break the skin with their fingernails, thus leading to infections of the epidermis.
Eczema is one of three disorders called the atopic triad — the tendency for hay fever, eczema and allergic asthma — to occur together. A person with an atopy allergy usually is hypersensitive to dander, dust mites, pollen, certain foods or environmental pollutants, as well as some kinds of fabric, soaps, dyes and chemicals.
Causes of Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is thought to be caused by a genetic flaw that reduces or inhibits the body’s production of filaggrin, a protein that uses keratin to form a tough barrier-like structure in skin cells. People with atopic dermatitis may lack the correct amount or correct type of filaggrin, which can cause irritants and allergens to enter the skin much more deeply than they normally would.
Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema’s symptoms vary from person to person. It often shows up as itchy skin with no sign of rashes at first. Other common signs of eczema include:
Red, inflamed or swollen skin
Dry, easily irritated skin
Intense itching
Patches of dark skin
Leathery, scaly patches of skin (lichenified skin)
Scaly skin
Itchy red dots on the legs
Itchy forearms
Red raised bumps on the inner elbow
Red Skin Syndrome Symptoms
Often mistaken for eczema, red skin syndrome (RSS) is a reaction to steroidal treatment for eczema and other itchy skin conditions. Extended use of topical corticosteroid treatments can lead to burning, red stinging skin. The rash starts at the area where steroid creams have been used the most, but then often spreads across the body. RSS mimics eczema at first, but develops into a more serious, systemic condition.
How to Tell If Your Baby Has Eczema
Babies will get a red rash on their cheeks and scalps, while older children may have it in skinfolds in the knees and elbows. A baby with eczema may squirm vigorously when held or placed in their cribs. The rash will be present on the tops of the buttocks and will lack the puffiness associated with a diaper rash.
Locations of Eczema and Psoriasis
Eyelid dermatitis symptoms include swelling, itching, pain or burning sensation, thickened skin, red rash and irritated scaly skin. Xerotic eczema is found on the lower legs and in the armpits. Dyshidrotic eczema affects the hands and feet. It seems to be triggered by exposure to nickel in foods.
Psoriasis on the hands and feet (HFP) is inconvenient to live with, given that our hands and feet are constantly in contact with surfaces, which keeps the irritated skin raw. Products that contain coal tar, including creams and gels, can ease itching. Salicylic acid can reduce the thick, itchy scales of psoriasis as well. Combinations of these treatments often work better than one treatment alone.
Penile and scrotal eczema symptoms are the same as eczema in general. Treating penile and scrotal eczema involves identifying and eliminating irritants, like laundry detergent or fabrics that trigger the condition. Use of topical corticosteroids can bring relief from itching.
Eczema in the ear canal (aural eczematoid dermatitis) can produce symptoms such as scaly skin inside the ear canal and around the ear, redness and swelling, clear discharge from the ear and itchiness in and around the ear canal.
The Differences Between Eczema and Psoriasis
Psoriasis and eczema aren’t the same condition. In fact, children and adults can have either psoriasis or eczema, or both at the same time. The hallmark sign of psoriasis is thick patches of skin covered in whitish or silvery scales. While both conditions can produce red, cracked scaly skin, only psoriasis causes white or silver scales. The thick clumps of skin in psoriasis are called plaques.
Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder that leads to overactive production of skin cells. Psoriasis shows well-defined silvery scaly patches that are found in the “bend” areas of the body, including knees and elbows. The scalp, face and buttocks aren’t spared, either. Psoriasis causes mild to moderate itching, whereas eczema provokes intense itching that can lead a person to make deep scratches into the dermis.
Psoriasis and eczema are both skin disorders roughly characterized as inflammation of the skin, but they are not the same condition. Neither will develop into the other, although sometimes eczema and psoriasis will occur at the same time.
Both severe eczema and psoriasis can lead to infection due to scratching inflamed skin that’s prone to cracking and bleeding.
Eczema and Food Sensitivity
Eczema can be provoked by certain foods. Food sensitivity varies widely from person to person. Reactions are usually delayed by six to 24 hours. Some foods to avoid when you have eczema include:
Eggs
Dairy
Citrus fruits
Wheat
Gluten
Soy
Tomatoes
Cloves, cinnamon and other spices
Some people with eczema may be able to eat some of the above, but others may be unable to eat any of them without suffering a flareup.
What causes eczema around the eyes? Usually exposure to an irritant. Irritants include makeup, eye drops, contact lens solution, false eyelashes, airborne allergies and chlorine in swimming pools.
Treatment and Management of Eczema
Eczema cannot be cured, but it can be treated. The first step in treating it is reducing its incidence. Identify any foods in your diet that are associated with outbreaks or worsening of the condition. Also try to identify anything like laundry detergents or laundry additives that may cause a negative reaction. After removing or reducing everything in your environment that’s aggravating eczema, you must control the itching.
Control the Itch
Choose barrier creams instead of lotions. Barrier creams are thick and often say “skin healing” on the label. These creams can be expensive and petroleum jelly can work just as well. The goal of heavy barrier creams or petroleum jelly is two-fold; the cream retains moisture while preventing the irritant that’s causing the itch from reaching your tender skin.
Bathing
Keeping dry, irritated skin moist and refreshed gives you immediate relief. Avoid hot showers; instead have a bath or shower in lukewarm to warm water. You can add vinegar, salt, colloidal oatmeal or baking soda to your bath water. Use non-soap cleansers only.
Moisturizing
Dry skin causes eczema flares. Choose a moisturizing hand cream that’s specifically advertised for treating this condition. Lotions and creams that are made specifically for this condition tend to have no harsh ingredients and no powerful fragrances. Fragrance and lots of additives can make irritated skin even worse.
Prescription Topical Applications
Keeping eczema under control means coordinating with a dermatologist who can keep you supplied with prescription topical treatments, like topical calcineurin inhibitors and PDE4 inhibitors. These prescription medications reduce rashes, dryness, redness and itching.
Over-the-Counter Topical Creams and Ointments
Hydrocortisone-containing products can work well, but less is more. Don’t overuse over-the-counter topical steroids. Overuse can lead to RSS.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy uses special light machines to expose your skin to narrowband UVB. These light therapies reduce itchiness and redness while boosting vitamin D production.
What Natural Oils are Good for Eczema?
Is coconut oil good for eczema? Coconut oil soothes and calms eczema’s itchy, cracked skin. Coconut oil has lots of lauric acid, a fatty acid that’s good for skin. However, some people are allergic to coconut oil, so care should be taken if eczema gets worse after applying coconut oil to irritated skin. Coconut oil’s skin allergy symptoms include:
Vomiting
Anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency involving wheezing and trouble breathing
Essential Oils for Eczema
Tea tree oil can be a useful treatment for eczema. Oil from the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been shown to prevent bacteria and fungi from invading cracked, broken skin. Tea tree oil also soothes irritated skin and reduces itching. Other useful home remedies include lavender and peppermint essential oils.
Phototherapy for Eczema
Eczema and other skin conditions respond well to treatment with light therapy, also called phototherapy. Phototherapy involves exposing affected skin to a special kind of ultraviolet light.
Phototherapy helps to:
Calm itching skin
Decrease inflammation
Support and foster bacteria-fighting systems in the skin
About 70 percent of people with eczema get better with phototherapy. Exposure to sunlight may also help to heal eczema.
Supplements for Eczema
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera extract powder is a common treatment for various skin conditions. As a dietary supplement, take 1,000 mg (rounded 1/2 tsp) once daily with 8 oz of water or beverage of choice, or as directed by a physician. Use topically as desired.
Vitamin C
Beta Glucan
Beta glucan is a water-soluble fiber that’s taken internally or applied topically for eczema and many other conditions. It’s known to help quiet an over-responsive immune system by reducing the effects of cortisol. Take 250 mg once daily with a meal, or as directed by your physician.
Biotin
Biotin is also known as vitamin B7 and is essential for healthy hair, nails and skin. It is one of the most important supplements for skin and often used to help treat eczema and psoriasis. Take 100 mg (rounded 1/64 tsp) daily, or as directed by a physician.
Copper Gluconate
Copper gluconate is often used in cosmetics as an anti-aging agent. It stimulates the production of new skin cells, as well as collagen fibers, which expedite the healing of superficial tissue damage caused by scratching. Please note that copper gluconate is potentially toxic in even small quantities, so extreme care must be taken to prevent an overdose. No more than 4 milligrams should be taken in a day. Always allow a physician to guide your use of copper gluconate.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains the powerful anti-inflammatory curcumin, which reduces inflammation in skin tissues and joints. Take 1,000 mg (just under 1/2 tsp) daily, or as directed by a physician.
The Bottom Line
Eczema is a painful, chronic skin condition that’s incurable but highly treatable. Many home remedies for eczema are inexpensive and readily available. Dietary supplements can boost the skin’s natural ability to heal and regenerate.
