Is It Time To Face Your Eczema?
Eczema Explained
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is the most common chronic inflammatory skin condition. It can cause itchiness, dry and scaly skin, discoloration, and rashes.
What is eczema (atopic dermatitis)?
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is the most common chronic inflammatory skin condition. It can cause itchiness, dry and scaly skin, discoloration, and rashes. The dry skin that comes with eczema often itches––and scratching it can cause a rash that itches even more, leading to more scratching. This “itch/scratch cycle” can cause skin to crack and bleed, which can lead to infections.
What is the eczema symptom that bothers you the most?
ItchItch is the most common symptom of eczema.
Have you spoken to your doctor about your eczema symptoms? Receive resources to advance the conversation at your next visit, plus interesting eczema facts, and more.
Dry skinEczema results from an overactive immune system that can cause the skin barrier to become dry and itchy. Eczema is not contagious. Instead, it may be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental triggers.
Have you spoken to your doctor about your eczema symptoms? Receive resources to advance the conversation at your next visit, plus interesting eczema facts, and more.
Scratch marks/bleedingThe dry skin that comes with eczema often itches — and scratching it can cause a rash that itches even more, leading to more scratching. This "itch/scratch cycle" can cause skin to crack and bleed.
Have you spoken to your doctor about your eczema symptoms? Receive resources to advance the conversation at your next visit, plus interesting eczema facts, and more.
OtherThank you for your response.
Have you spoken to your doctor about your eczema symptoms? Receive resources to advance the conversation at your next visit, plus interesting eczema facts, and more.
How eczema develops
While the exact cause of eczema is still unknown, here are some key factors that may contribute to its development:
Eczema may run in the family. For example, if your parents have eczema, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
As you may already know, pollution, allergens, fragrances, and certain chemicals can all worsen symptoms.
Hot weather and sweat on your skin can also worsen eczema symptoms.Eczema can be unpredictable
Eczema inflammation may cause symptoms to pop up anywhere on the body, and it may be hard not to think about the next flare.
Eczema isn't the same for everyone
Eczema can affect people of all skin tones. However, if you have darker skin, it may be harder for your healthcare provider to recognize your symptoms because people with darker skin tones may see gray, purple, or darker brown patches on their skin, while people with lighter skin tones may have red patches. Eczema patches in people with darker skin tends to appear thicker and/or bumpier than in those with lighter skin.
A long-term condition needs more than short-term relief
Eczema is a long-term condition, but topical treatments like creams and ointments may only offer short-term relief.
For some people, keeping up with eczema treatments can be difficult. The cycle of short-term symptom relief from topical treatments may provide less relief over time, requiring you to apply more often.
Always anticipating your next flare?
It may now be time to face your eczema
Do you have a hard time sharing your eczema experience with your doctor? Answer a few questions about your eczema and receive helpful resources to advance the conversation at your next doctor's visit, along with interesting eczema facts, and more.