Eczema: Causes & Treatment Options for Relief

Eczema is a common condition in the United States, with around 31.6 million people — roughly 10% of the population — having some form of the condition. It can make your skin dry, itchy and bumpy, causing discomfort that affects your daily life and well-being. Fortunately, there are ways you can treat eczema and prevent flare-ups in the future.

By following a skincare routine and visiting a dermatologist, like the skin care specialists at Berman Skin Institute, you can mitigate symptoms and find relief.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that affects skin texture and appearance and can lead to dryness, itchiness and rashes. The condition is common, often starting in childhood, and while there’s no cure, symptoms can be managed. Many symptoms can flare up and last from hours to weeks, depending on the type and severity of the flare.

There are many types of eczema:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Neurodermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Nummular eczema

It’s possible to have more than one type of eczema at once. Symptoms can appear anywhere on your body, but the most common places are the face, hands, neck, elbows, knees, ankles and feet.

What Causes Eczema Flare-Ups in Adults?

Many factors can lead to eczema in adults and kids, such as:

• Your immune system: Eczema can be caused by your immune system overreacting to irritants or allergens in your environment. When you’re around a trigger, your immune system responds to allergens like foreign invaders harming your body. This activates your body’s natural defense system, which causes inflammation and leads to eczema symptoms.
• Your genes: You are more likely to have eczema if your family has a history of the condition or dermatitis. Asthma and allergies within a family can also be a risk factor, such as being allergic to pollen or pet hair.
• Your environment: Many things in our environment can irritate the skin. For instance, like other areas of the body, eczema on the face can be caused by smoke and pollutants or soaps. Low humidity and dry air can also cause your skin to become dry and itchy, leading to an eczema flare-up, as can certain detergents or fabrics.
• Emotional triggers: Mental health has a big impact on our skin. If you’re facing a lot of stress, anxiety or depression, you might have more frequent flare-ups. This is because too much production of cortisol, the stress hormone, can suppress the immune system — an issue many people with eczema are prone to.

Diagnosing Eczema

Your provider will look for signs like dry skin and discoloration to diagnose eczema. If your symptoms look similar to other skin conditions, they may offer tests to rule out these other conditions and determine the root of your symptoms. Tests can include:

• A patch test to find allergies in your environment.
• A skin biopsy to examine a small skin sample under a microscope.
• A blood or swab test to check for infections.

Treatment Options for Eczema

You may need to try a combination of approaches, from at-home moisturizers to topical or oral medications to treat your eczema. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose your condition and its severity. They can create a treatment plan to improve your symptoms and relieve them.

Skin Moisturizers

Consistent and liberal moisturizer use is essential in managing eczema. Dry skin can worsen symptoms, so keeping your skin hydrated can provide relief. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer that is specially made for sensitive skin. Apply it at least twice daily, especially after a shower when your skill is still damp to lock in moisture.

Topical Medications

Talk to your provider about any topical medications you can use to treat your eczema. You can apply these directly to the affected area. A topical corticosteroid, for instance, can reduce inflammation and itching. You should only use topical medications as directed by your provider since overuse can cause side effects. Other topical medications, like calcineurin inhibitors, might be prescribed for long-term management or sensitive areas.

Oral Medications

A dermatologist might prescribe an oral medication to control inflammation and itching in more significant cases. For instance, antihistamines can help alleviate itching, especially at night, while oral corticosteroids may give you short-term relief from uncomfortable flare-ups. These are usually not made for long-term management since they can have side effects.

Some anti-inflammatory medications might also reduce overall inflammation in your body, potentially improving symptoms.

Light Therapy

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, can address large areas of skin affected by eczema without the side effects of medication. It can improve the appearance of skin and may reduce blemishes. During light therapy sessions, a machine emits rays of light to the area of the body that needs to be treated. It usually only takes a few minutes, and you can receive the treatment several times a week to get the best results.

Advancements in Eczema Treatment

Some advancements are being made in eczema treatment, including the Excimer Laser. This revolutionary treatment uses a focused beam of UVB light delivered through a fiber optic device to treat skin patches and minimize exposure to healthy skin. The treatment is fast, effective and painless. It is usually used for mild to moderate psoriasis, which has similar symptoms to eczema.

Additionally, current research explores the potential for topical probiotics to restore balance to the skin microbiome, a common issue for people with eczema. One trial found that an over-the-counter probiotic containing Roseomonas mucosa could restore skin lipids, showing promise in treating eczema.

Managing Eczema Flare-Ups

While there are many treatments you can use to find relief, it’s also important to have a healthy skin routine to prevent flare-ups. Tips include:

• Follow a skincare routine: Regularly clean your skin with gentle cleansers to wash away irritants and prevent infection. Consistently moisturizing can keep your skin hydrated and the barrier intact and working. You’ll want to discuss your routine with a dermatologist to ensure it meets your needs and skin type.
• Identify and avoid triggers: Eczema flare-ups are often caused by environmental and lifestyle factors. So, for example, if you find that air pollution is worsening your symptoms, avoid being outside for too long when the air quality index (AQI) is high. Or if you’ve recently tried a new soap or detergent and symptoms flared up, remove the irritant from your routine and try something gentler.
• Manage stress: Stress is a well-known trigger for eczema. Try stress management techniques like yoga, mindfulness or regular exercise to minimize the risk.

You’ll want to determine your skin type, condition and triggers to properly manage your eczema. A dermatologist can help find the cause of your symptoms and create a plan to prevent eczema from impacting your daily life and well-being.

Find Eczema Relief at Berman Skin Institute

Eczema can be a bothersome condition, but with the right treatments and a healthy skincare routine, you can find relief and prevent flare-ups. It’s best to turn to professionals for a diagnosis and effective treatment. At Berman Skin Institute, we provide personalized care and a vast range of treatment options to help you manage your eczema. These can include medications, light therapy or Excimer Laser treatments.

From dry and itchy skin to significant symptoms, we’re here to help. We can help manage your symptoms and create a treatment plan for you. To get started, schedule a consultation with our providers today!