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Home Skin & Face Skin Texture & Tone Eczema

Condition: Eczema

Eczema symptoms
& causes

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Medically reviewed by Dr Aamer Khan

24th January 2025

The condition

Skin Sensitivity Simplified

Atopic dermatitis

What is eczema?

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis is a condition that causes skin to become red, dry and itchy. It often presents as patches of dry, flaky skin that may occasionally crack or get irritated. Eczema can occur in anyone, but it occurs more in children.

This is when the skin’s natural barrier is weaker than usual, rendering it extra sensitive to irritants, like soaps, fragrances, or the weather. Eczema triggered by allergens, stress, or specific fabrics makes it worse. It is also common in people whose families have a history of allergies, asthma or hay fever.

What are the types of eczema?

There are a variety of types of eczema, and they each have different symptoms and reasons. Here are the main types:

Atopic dermatitis: The most common type of inflammatory skin condition is atopic eczema, which is typically associated with allergies, asthma or hay fever. It causes dry, itchy patches, typically on the elbows, knees or neck.
Allergic contact dermatitis: Caused by irritants such as chemicals or allergens including metals. It can cause redness, itching and sometimes a burning sensation.
Dyshidrotic eczema: Small, itchy blisters, usually on the hands or feet, often induced by stress or moisture.
Nummular eczema: Looks like round, red, itchy spots, usually caused by very dry skin or slight injuries.
Seborrheic dermatitis: Occurs in oily regions such as the scalp or face, causing flaking patches of itchy skin.
Stasis dermatitis: Happens in the lower legs due to the absence of good circulation, leading to swelling and irritation.

Symptoms
When to See a Doctor
Causes
Risk Factors
Complications
Prevention

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Condition: Eczema

Contents

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The symptoms

Eczema symptoms are most commonly as:

Itchy rash
Red and swollen skin
Dry and cracked skin
Scaly skin
Thick or rough skin
Skin colour changes

When to see a doctor?

Avoid Complications

Does it develop into other skin diseases?

If your eczema is getting worse or doesn’t improve with treatment, call your doctor right away for a prescription medication if you develop redness, warmth, pus, blisters or fever.

These might be symptoms of an infection or that it is time for an alternative treatment switch. Seeking early assistance may help you avoid other complications and manage your moderate to severe eczema better.

Advised treatments

Facials

Face Treatment

The causes

What are the causes of developing atopic dermatitis?

Immune system: Your overactive immune system might become sensitive to irritants or allergens making it produce inflamed skin, and eventually an eczema flare-up on your skin.
Genetics: You may develop with eczema if you have a family history of eczema or allergies. Genetics can also play a role by giving you a weak skin barrier.
Environment: Smoke, strong soaps, some fabrics, dry air, and heat can irritate your skin and cause eczema.
Emotional Stress: Burnout, anxiety, or depression can cause eczema, leading to more extreme symptoms.

The risk factors

Factors that put you at increased risk for eczema.

Irritants: Harsh soaps, or detergents may be a factor for your eczema.
Allergens: For some people, eczema can be triggered by things such as pollen, pet hair, dust mites, and mould.
Dry skin: Cold weather or low humidity can also dry out your skin and cause irritation.
Stress: Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by emotional stress.
Heat and sweating: External heat and sweating can bother your skin and make your eczema worse.
Certain fabrics: Sometimes rough fabrics make the skin itches and uneasy, such as rough wool, or synthetic clothes.
Infections: Eczema may also be brought on by viral or bacterial skin infections.
Food allergies: For some people with atopic dermatitis, eczema can be triggered by foods such as dairy, eggs, or nuts.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or around menstruation, can also trigger flare-ups.

The complications

Beyond The Itch

Can it cause serious skin conditions?

Skin infections
Wounds from scratching allow germs to enter and cause infections.
Thickened skin
Persistent scratching can lead to thickened, rough and itchier skin.
Trouble sleeping
The very itchy sensations, especially during night time might keep sleeping patterns hard.

Allergies and asthma
Eczema is associated with a higher risk of allergies, asthma, and hay fever.
Stress and low confidence
The visible symptoms of atopic dermatitis cause stress or feeling ashamed.
Skin color changes
Once a flare-up has resolved, skin can be left with darker skin tone or lighter.

The prevention

Soothe, Protect, Prevent

What are the benefits of moisturizing skin with eczema?

Moisturising protects your skin. It relieve itching and dryness which can trigger a flare. A mild, scent-free cream or ointment applied directly after bathing acts as a moisture seal for your skin.

Frequency of skin moisturizing.

Use it at least twice daily or whenever your skin feels tight or dry. Focus on dry areas like hands, elbows and knees. Keep your skin moist with regular moisturising because healthy skin is less prone to eczema.

Avoid And Protect

What are common eczema triggers?

Eczema is often triggered by irritants such as harsh soaps and strong perfumes, as well as allergens such as dust and pet dander, or even certain fabrics. This helps keep your skin in a calm state and minimise any flare-ups.

Preventing flare-ups.

Wear cotton and use unstimulating gentle products that are fragrance-free. Well keep the house clean, so that there is not much dust and allergens, plus, in the winter avoid extreme weather because it makes your skin dry and irritated.

Relax, Heal, Prevent

What role does stress play in eczema?

Eczema is linked to stress, creating flare-ups and developing eczema itchier. Ways to prevent skin problems caused by stress are relaxation methods such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation help control excessive stress and maintain its level within acceptable limits, and thus help in improving the condition of the skin.

Simple ways to manage daily stress.

Give yourself breaks to chill, relax, and do whatever you like to do. Little changes, even a quick walk or listening to music, reduce stress, as well as eczema.

Weather-Proof Protection

Why do you need to shield your skin?

Chilly weather, dry air, and too much sun all are tough on skin and can also exacerbate eczema. Wearing protection forms a barrier to avoid dryness and irritation of the skin.

How can you protect your skin from damage?

In the cold weather, wear a pair of gloves and scarf and use a wide spectrum sunscreen when out in the sun.

Nourish & Soothe

Can your diet affect eczema?

This can help reduce symptoms related to eczema rash and hence be credited as healthy eating for eczema also. Skin-benefiting fruits, vegetables and fish that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants are anti-inflammatory

Foods best for eczema.

Make sure you have salmon, leafy greens, and berries in your diet. Eating these types of foods will fortify your skin and soothe inflammation to keep flare-ups at bay