Some
Skin Facts
Your
skin, which protects your organs, muscles, and
bones and regulates your body temperature, can
run into plenty of trouble. Acne occurs when your
pores become clogged. But zits aren't the only
skin problem you may encounter. Have you ever
tried a new type of soap and developed an itchy
rash? That reaction may just be eczema in action.
What
Is Eczema?
Eczema
(pronounced: ek-zeh-ma) is a group of skin conditions
that cause skin to become red,
irritated, itchy, and sometimes develop small,
fluid-filled bumps that become moist and ooze.
There
are many forms of eczema, but atopic (pronounced:
ay-tah-pik) eczema is one of the most common and
severe. Doctors don't know exactly what causes
atopic eczema, also called atopic dermatitis (pronounced:
der-muh-tie-tis), but they think it could be a
difference in the way a person's immune system
reacts to things. Skin allergies may be involved
in some forms of eczema.
If
you have eczema, you're probably not the only
person you know who has it. Eczema isn't contagious
like a cold, but most people with eczema have
family members with the condition. Researchers
think it's inherited or passed through the genes.
In general, eczema is fairly common — approximately
1 in 10 people in the world will be affected by
it at some point in their lives.
People
with eczema also may have asthma and certain allergies,
such as hay fever. For some, food allergies (such
as allergies to cow's milk, soy, eggs, fish, or
wheat) may bring on or worsen eczema. Allergies
to animal dander, rough fabrics, and dust may
also trigger the condition in some people.
Signs
and Symptoms
It
can be difficult to avoid all the triggers, or
irritants, that may cause or worsen eczema flare-ups.
In many people, the itchy patches of eczema usually
appear where the elbow bends; on the backs of
the knees, ankles, and wrists; and on the face,
neck, and upper chest — although any part of the
body can be affected.
In
an eczema flare-up, skin may feel hot and itchy
at first. Then, if the person scratches, the skin
may become red, inflamed, or blistered. Some people
who have eczema scratch their skin so much it
becomes almost leathery in texture. Others find
that their skin becomes extremely dry and scaly.
Even though many people have eczema, the symptoms
can vary quite a bit from person to person.
What
Do Doctors Do?
If
you think you have eczema, your best bet is to
visit your doctor, who may refer you to a dermatologist
(a doctor who specializes in treating skin). Diagnosing
atopic eczema can be difficult because it may
be confused with other skin conditions. For example,
eczema can easily be confused with a skin condition
called contact dermatitis, which happens when
the skin comes in contact with an irritating substance
like the perfume in a certain detergent.
In
addition to a physical examination, a doctor will
take your medical history by asking about any
concerns and symptoms you have, your past health,
your family's health, any medications you're taking,
any allergies you may have, and other issues.
Your doctor can also help identify things in your
environment that may be contributing to your skin
irritation. For example, if you started using
a new shower gel or body lotion before the symptoms
appeared, mention this to your doctor because
a substance in the cream or lotion might be irritating
your skin.
Emotional
stress can also lead to eczema flare-ups, so your
doctor might also ask you about any stress you're
feeling at home, school, or work.
If
you're diagnosed with eczema, your doctor might:
- prescribe
medications to soothe the redness and irritation,
such as creams or ointments that contain corticosteroids,
or antihistamine pills
- recommend
other medications to take internally if the
eczema is really bad or you get it a lot
For
some people with severe eczema, ultraviolet light
therapy can help clear up the condition. Newer
medications that change the way the skin's immune
system reacts also may help.
If
eczema doesn't respond to normal treatment, your
doctor might do allergy testing to see if something
else is triggering the condition, especially if
you have asthma or seasonal allergies.
If
you're tested for food allergies, you may be given
certain foods (such as eggs, milk, soy, or nuts)
and observed to see if the food causes an eczema
flare-up. Food allergy testing also can be done
by pricking the skin with an extract of the food
substance and observing the reaction. But sometimes
allergy testing can be misleading because someone
may have an allergic reaction to a food that is
not responsible for the eczema flare-up.
If
you're tested for allergy to dyes or fragrances,
a patch of the substance will be placed against
your skin and you'll be monitored to see if skin
irritation develops.
Can
I Prevent Eczema?
Eczema
can't be cured, but you can do plenty of things
to prevent a flare-up. For facial eczema, wash
gently with a nondrying facial cleanser or soap
substitute, use a facial moisturizer that says
noncomedogenic/oil-free, and apply only hypoallergenic
makeup and sunscreens.
In
addition, these tips may help:
- Avoid
substances that stress your skin. Besides your
known triggers, some things you may want to
avoid include household cleaners, drying soaps,
detergents, and scented lotions.
- Try
to avoid hot water. Too much exposure to hot
water or overuse of soaps or cleansers
can dry out your skin, so take short warm —
not hot — showers and baths and wear gloves
if your hands will be in water for long periods
of time. Be sure to gently and thoroughly pat
your skin dry, as rubbing with a coarse towel
will irritate the eczema. Also, it isn't the
water that causes your skin to react; it's the
water evaporating that's not captured in the
skin.
- Say
yes to cotton. Clothes made of scratchy fabric
like wool can irritate your skin. Cotton clothes
are a better bet.
- Moisturize!
A fragrance-free moisturizer such as petroleum
jelly will prevent your skin from becoming irritated
and cracked.
- Don't
scratch that itch. Even though it's difficult
to resist, scratching your itch can worsen eczema
and make it more difficult for the skin to heal
because you can break the skin and bacteria
can get in, causing an infection.
- Keep
your cool. Sudden changes in temperature, sweating,
and becoming overheated may cause your eczema
to kick in.
- Take
your meds. Follow your doctor's or dermatologist's
directions and take your medication as directed.
- Unwind.
Stress can aggravate eczema, so try to relax.
Dealing
With Eczema
There's
good news if you have eczema — it usually clears
up before the age of 25. Until then, you
can learn to tune in to what triggers eczema and
manage the condition. For example, if you have
eczema and can't wear certain types of makeup,
find brands that are free of fragrances and dyes.
Your dermatologist may be able to recommend some
brands that are less likely to irritate your skin.
Your
self-esteem doesn't have to suffer just because
you have eczema, and neither does your social
life! Getting involved in your school and extracurricular
activities can be a great way to get your mind
off the itch. If certain activities aggravate
your eczema, such as playing soccer in the grass,
suggest activities to your friends that won't
harm your skin.
Even
if sweat tends to aggravate your skin, it's still
a good idea to exercise. Exercise is a great way
to blow off stress — just try walking, bike riding,
or another sport that keeps your skin cool and
dry while you work out.
|
|
