What is eczema?
Eczema is a harmless inflammation of the skin that can affect both children and adults. Common symptoms are that the skin becomes dry, red and itchy. On dark skin, the redness is not as visible. Eczema can also cause the skin to peel or flake.
Different types of eczema
Eczema comes in many varieties and can be due to different causes. Some of the most common types are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and dandruff.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is common in children, but adults can also be affected. The first symptoms are that the skin becomes dry, red and develops a scaly rash that itches a lot.
In young children, eczema often starts on the cheeks and then spreads to the rest of the body. Atopic eczema is also called flexure eczema because children usually get the rash in the creases of the arms, knees, wrists and ankles. In adults, the eczema settles instead on the face and chest.
Contact eczema
Contact dermatitis is divided into allergic and non-allergic. Common is that eczema occurs where the skin comes into contact with something you cannot tolerate. Common symptoms are that the skin itches, becomes red and blisters.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Can occur if the skin comes into contact with a substance you are allergic to. Many times the eczema is on the hands, face or armpits.
Allergenic substances can be, for example, nickel, chrome, rubber or latex. Even rosin found in plasters can be irritating to the skin.
Non-allergic contact dermatitis
Often occurs on the hands and is therefore usually called hand eczema. This type of eczema can be caused by detergents, solvents, or frequent hand washing.
Contact eczema
can also occur on other parts of the body. If the irritant comes through the air, the eczema can appear on the eyelid or other areas of the face.
Seborrheic eczema (Seborrheic eczema)
Seborrheic eczema, or seborrheic eczema, is the most common type of eczema.
The first symptoms are that the skin becomes red and scaly. Unlike contact eczema and atopic dermatitis, dandruff does not usually itch.
Sebaceous eczema occurs where there are many sebaceous glands, such as on the face, scalp, groin, behind the ears or on the chest. Sometimes eczema is mistaken for psoriasis.
Adults and teenagers are mainly affected. Young children can get scabies, which is another type of seborrheic eczema.
Other types of eczema
Coin shaped eczema
Also called nummular eczema and usually occurs in people over 50 years of age. The eczema is round in shape and usually settles on the arms or legs.
Lower leg eczema
Most often occurs in older people near varicose veins or leg ulcers.
Sun eczema
Sun eczema appears as welts, red dots or blisters on the skin. Often the rash itches and the skin becomes red-flame. Eczema can occur when the skin has been exposed to strong sun. The problem usually goes away on its own.
What causes eczema?
Eczema can be caused by many different things such as allergies or that the skin has become irritated. Heredity also plays a role. The risk of being affected is greater if a close relative has eczema.
Factors that can affect eczema are
- allergies
- irritating substances
- genes
- yeast on the skin
- impaired immune system
- stress and poor sleep.
- Atopic dermatitis
- The risk of developing atopic dermatitis is influenced by both heredity and environment. Those who suffer from eczema have dry skin with a lack of barrier function. There may also be a connection to asthma or hay fever.
Seborrheic eczema (seborrheic eczema)
A cause of dandruff is believed to be the yeast Malassezia (Pityrosporum ovale), which is found naturally on the skin. Eczema occurs if there is a lot of fungus or if you are sensitive to it. Fatigue and stress can also be a contributing factor to eczema flare-ups.
Scabies (seborrheic eczema)
Young children's skin contains less fat and does not have a fully developed protection. Scientists believe this is the reason why babies get scabies. It can also be caused by a yeast that is normally found on the skin. Scabies is not contagious and often heals by itself before the child is two years old.
When do you get eczema?
At some point in their lives, most people suffer from eczema. It is especially common in children, but teenagers and adults can also get it.
Children
Atopic dermatitis, or fold eczema, is common during the toddler years. Often the eczema appears before the age of 2 and then disappears with time.
Teenagers
The most common eczemas among teenagers and young adults are atopic dermatitis, dandruff and contact allergy.
Adults
Contact eczema and dandruff are the most common types in adults. Milk eczema affects up to 5 percent of the population and is slightly more common in men. Most often, the problem with dandruff returns for a few years and then subsides.
How is eczema treated?
What can I do myself?
Use skin cream
Try to get into a routine of oiling the skin often and using plenty of cream, even if it takes time. This relieves itching and strengthens the skin's natural protection. Use products that are adapted for eczema.
Avoid dehydration
Water and ordinary soap dry out the skin. Wash hands and body when necessary, but not more often. Use mild products without perfume.
Do not itch
The itching can cause inflammation in the skin and make the eczema worse. Wear cool clothes to reduce itching.
Avoid irritants
Substances that can irritate the skin are washing-up liquid, soap, perfumed detergents, fabric softeners, chlorine and chemicals. New clothes should be washed before use to remove chemicals.
Sun and high humidity
Eczema often worsens in winter when the air is cold and dry. Sun in the right amount and a higher humidity can relieve the eczema. If your indoor air is dry, you can try lowering the temperature. If you have dry skin, you can prevent eczema by regularly lubricating your body. A hydrated and flexible skin reduces the risk of the eczema coming back.
Drug
Eczema can be treated in many different ways, depending on the type you have and where the problem is.
Contact eczema and atopic dermatitis
Eczema is usually treated with emollient creams and cortisone to reduce the inflammation and itching. Cortisone ointment can be bought without a prescription at a pharmacy and used for up to a week. Cortisone used in high concentration or over a long period causes the skin to become thinner. Therefore, other medicines are usually recommended if the eczema is in areas where the skin is more sensitive, for example on the face or neck.
Milk eczema
Milk eczema is often treated with antifungal agents. These are available, among other things, as shampoos and creams. Usually, cortisone is also used to reduce possible itching and inflammation in the skin. Sometimes no treatment is needed at all and the eczema goes away on its own. If the eczema oozes, gets yellow blisters or gets worse despite treatment, it may be due to an infection. Then antibiotic treatment may be necessary. Contact healthcare for help with an assessment and treatment.