Eczema

What is eczema?

Eczema refers to atopic dermatitis. However, eczema isn’t just one condition. It also serves as an umbrella term that includes several inflammatory skin conditions. Of the different types included under the umbrella, the most common are atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.

What symptoms does eczema cause?

Atopic and contact dermatitis cause similar symptoms, but they follow a different course:

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) seems to arise from genetic changes that affect the skin barrier. This condition usually begins in childhood, often in a baby’s first six months. It causes a dry, scaly rash that’s purple, brown, or grayish and comes and goes in response to triggers. 

The hallmark symptom of eczema is intense itching. The itch causes scratching and rubbing that damage the skin barrier and worsen the condition. Ongoing scratching leads to thick, hardened skin and also makes the rash ooze and bleed, resulting in recurrent infections.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when a substance touches your skin and causes irritation or an allergic reaction. Common causes of contact dermatitis include soaps, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, and plants like poison ivy and poison oak. Contact dermatitis causes a very itchy rash similar to atopic dermatitis, except that it’s red.

What triggers eczema flare-ups?

If you have allergies, your eczema probably flares up in response to your allergens. Common triggers include:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Certain foods (in infants)
• Soap
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Viral Illnesses
• Bacterial infections
• Heat and sweating
• Ingredients in skin care products
• Antibacterial ointments

Just having dry skin can trigger eczema.

How is eczema treated?

 Your eczema treatment plan may include:

Skin care

Eczema develops when the skin barrier breaks down. As a result, it’s essential to protect and strengthen the barrier with gentle skin care. Your regimen may include frequently applying a moisturizer, using irritant-free skin care products, and taking short showers in warm water. 

Allergy treatment

If allergies trigger your eczema flare, your provider recommends strategies to help. These may include avoiding allergens and getting immunotherapy (allergy shots, sublingual tablets, and oral immunotherapy).

Medications

Your provider may prescribe topical or oral medication to reduce inflammation and relieve the itching. People with severe eczema may qualify for biologic therapy. Biologic medications fight inflammation by calming your immune system.

If you have an itchy, uncomfortable rash, call Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan or request an appointment online today.

We offer fully customizable treatment for food allergies, including Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) and Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) exclusively or in tandem with Xolair. Dr. Mayer has been treating food allergies for over 20 years and was one of the first providers to incorporate Xolair into successful food allergy treatments. Call us to book your appointment today.