Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by red, itchy, scaly, or dry skin, and can cause periodic rashes or outbreaks. While there is no known cure for eczema, there are treatments available to help manage the condition and reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks. In this article, we will explore the different types of eczema, triggers that can cause an outbreak, and treatments that can help manage the condition. The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis.
It is characterized by red, rough, and incredibly itchy skin due to a damaged skin barrier. Symptoms include pink-red coin-shaped scaly plaques, which may resemble other types of eczema but have a different shape. Eczema can be caused by contact with allergens (such as poison ivy or poison oak), an id reaction (a rash that develops in a distant site due to a reaction to a primary infection, usually fungal), or a worsening of atopic dermatitis. There are seven types of eczema according to the Association of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD):
- Atopic dermatitis
- Contact dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Hand eczema
- Neurodermatitis
- Nummular eczema
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Treatment for eczema can include topical medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, moisturizers, and antibiotics. Light therapy or phototherapy may also help, which involves the use of ultraviolet light to reduce the symptoms of eczema. In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes can also help manage eczema. These include avoiding triggers such as stress and harsh soaps or detergents; wearing loose-fitting clothing; using mild soaps; avoiding hot showers; and using humidifiers in dry climates. Serita Winthrop credits the loving kindness of her friends for her healing. Facing and accepting her eczema, Roselyne Kuete from France has found a way to tame her worst symptoms while exploring her gift for entrepreneurship.
As a result of her intentionality and dedication to healing, her eczema has gone from covering almost 90% of her body on any given day to now affecting only about 5% of her body on her worst days. For many years, my parents went through stressful periods trying to figure out how to control my eczema. While some people, especially children, may emerge from eczema as they age, it is more important to consider this a chronic skin condition that has no cure. In general, the best treatment for eczema can be found by trial and error with any of the treatments recommended above. If you think you may have eczema, talk to your doctor for diagnosis and possible treatments. Work with your dermatologist to find out what treatment will work for you specifically to control eczema and prevent any infection.
