The Many Faces of Eczema

Eczema—inflamed skin that itches—looks, feels and affects people in different ways. At its most severe eczema can feel like hundreds of poking needles or an unbearable urge that makes people itch until they bleed. Or, it can cause mild itching from a new soap product or dry weather. Knowing what triggers your eczema is the first step in controlling it.

Eczema is the common skin condition affecting an estimated 30 million Americans. It’s common at every age, including young babies who can experience it on their face, chest and back. It’s an itchy, red rash that can be anywhere on the body, but many people have it in places that bend—elbows, knees, neck, wrists and ankles. The rash can even look different on different people.

“The most common symptom is itching. A rash typically occurs when a person scratches at their itching skin. It’s sometimes referred to as ‘the itch that rashes,’” said a physician assistant (PA) with TMH Medical Clinic.

This phenomenon is also described as the “itchscratch cycle.” Dry, sensitive skin starts to itch, you scratch it, and it becomes damaged and red, causing more itch, more scratching, and the cycle is set in motion.

Triggers can come from anywhere in our environment and make symptoms worse. What irritates one person may not irritate another.

The National Eczema Association (NES) lists a variety of triggers including soaps, detergents, shampoos, dishwashing liquids, disinfectants, chlorine, contact with juices from meats, fruits and vegetables, and allergens including dust mites, pet dander, pollens, molds and foods such as dairy, eggs, nuts, soy and wheat. Even perspiration from exercise can cause eczema!

One mom on the NES website describes how changing her laundry routine helped her son’s eczema improve. She opted for a natural laundry detergent for sensitive skin and dryer balls instead of dryer sheets—and switched his clothing to cotton, bamboo and silk. She washes her son’s bedding frequently as water at any temperature kills dust mites.

For hand eczema, wearing hypoallergenic gloves while cleaning is a good idea. A strong, non-irritating moisturizer seems to be key for many as hydrated skin is less likely to flair.

Some people have found relief by getting thoroughly tested for food allergies and sensitivities, finding relief in giving up dairy products, gluten and other food triggers. Others have found it helpful to give up their pets, manage their stress and receive light therapy at a dermatologist’s office. Temporary relief can be found in over-the-counter medicines and prescription steroids to manage flair-ups.

“Daily antihistamines can help minimize the itchy sensation and in mild cases, over-the-counter cortisone creams can decrease the inflammation and itching in the skin,” the PA said. “But severe, ongoing cases frequently require stronger topical steroid creams and in some instances oral steroids.”

There’s no one-fits-all solution to eczema. It takes trying different solutions to figure out what works for you. Get support from others with eczema, and read all you can on how to manage the condition.