Dermatitis (better known as eczema) is a skin condition consisting of itchy, dry, red, and flaky skin. Around 31 million Americans are affected, 10-20% of which are infants– although nearly half outgrow it. While eczema can occur at any age, it is most commonly seen in young children and will last until adulthood. Those with allergies, asthma, hay fever, or family history are at higher risk of developing it. Symptoms include bumps, thick leathery patches, flaky, scaly or crusty skin, or swelling.The hands, neck, elbows, ankles, knees, feet, face (especially cheek), in and around ears, and lips are places where symptoms are most typical.
The Science Behind it
The science behind eczema is quite interesting. While there were no direct explanations, certain genetic factors have come to light. “Filaggrin” is a protein that helps maintain moisture in the skin. When one has a deficiency in this, eczema-like symptoms like dry and flaky skin occur.
Another potential explanation is Staphylococcus aureus bacteria levels. Individuals with eczema have higher S. aureus levels compared to healthy ones. This can lead to higher chances of “flare-ups” from environmental factors like temperature and humidity. As unfortunate as it is, a weakened skin barrier promotes growth of this bacteria, which can make it difficult for individuals suffering from this condition to maintain their skin health.
Types of eczema
Atopic Dermatitis
Most common: effects more than 9.6 million children and 16.5 adults in the United States
Main symptom is itching
Can appear anywhere
Oozing and rashes appear
Damages skin barrier and injures immune health
Contact Dermatitis
Comes from contact with various substances
Reaction from environmental triggers
Dyshidrotic Eczema
Small blisters on hands, feet, and edges of fingers and toes
Sometimes known as “hand eczema” and “foot eczema”
Cause is unknown
Effects more men than women
Neurodermatitis
Effects 12% of the population
Intense itching
Most common in feet, ankles, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck and scalp
Skin lines, scales, and discoloration form
Nummular Eczema (sometimes called discoid eczema)
Scattered circular patches
Usually ooze or become dry and sensitive
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Usually around scalp
Constant itch, rash, and other symptoms
Shampoos are good treatments
Stasis Dermatitis
Also called gravitational dermatitis, venous eczema, and venous stasis dermatitis
Occurs with poor leg circulation
On leg
Itchy skin, discolored skin (redness in lighter skin tones, brown, purple, gray, or ashen in darker)
Causes
It is clear that eczema occurs from a damaged skin barrier, but what other factors are included? The causes vary from environmental, genetic, emotional, and immunity triggers. Cold and dry weather, dampness, house dust mites, pet fur, pollen, mold and humidity are examples of environmental triggers. If there is a previous family history of eczema, hay fever, asthma, or allergies, one is at a higher risk– along with the presence of abnormal levels of filaggrin and S. aureus. Aside from exterior factors, emotional discrepancies can also play a part. Triggers like stress, anxiety, and depression can worsen and inflame this condition.
Solutions
As unfortunate as it is, eczema is a condition with no cure. However, there are ways to maintain skin health in order to soothe and reduce these “flare-ups”. One simple option is to locate your triggers and avoid them as best you can. Some common triggers may include stress, wool clothing, weather (hot or cold), (certain) skincare items, and soaps and laundry detergents that contain fragrance.
But simply avoiding triggers may not be effective, in which case there are medical treatments available that can be prescribed to you. Topicals such as ointments and creams are most common, but in certain cases there are oral treatments (pills), and light therapy. Different treatment options may work for some, and it is important to figure out which is best for you. Visiting a professional or a licensed dermatologist for a consultation and prescribed treatment would be a great first step.
References
1. Eczema: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema#:~:text=Eczema%20is%20a%20condition%20that
2. National Eczema Association. Eczema symptoms & causes. National Eczema Association. Published 2017. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/
3. Ludmann P. Eczema types: Atopic dermatitis diagnosis and treatment. www.aad.org. Published January 31, 2023. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/atopic-dermatitis/treatment
4. Eoin. Eczema: The science behind the itch. The Secret Life Of Skin. Published October 15, 2021. Accessed August 24, 2023. https://thesecretlifeofskin.com/2021/10/15/eczema-behind-the-itch/
Author: Selena Chan
