Symptoms of eczema include dry skin, swelling, redness, scaling, blisters, crusty sores, and persistent itching. A typical skin condition, eczema affects various parts of the body, such as the face, neck, upper chest, hands, knees, and ankles.
Eczema is an allergic inflammation of the skin. It is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly lesions and itching. It is more common in infants and children. Asthma,hay fever People with allergic diseases such as eczema are more likely to develop eczema.
Dust, mites, pollen, chemicals in make-up materials and detergents, food additives, air pollution, climate changes, chlorinated water, soaps, animal hair, exposure to various chemical substances (machine oil, boron oil, etc.) in the workplace and stress increase the severity of eczema.
It usually starts in childhood. Fungal inflammation,scabiesSince it can be confused with skin cancers, it should be evaluated by a doctor.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a chronic skin disorder. It can occur in all age groups but is more common in infants than adults. Since it is a chronic disease, it cannot be completely cured, but it can be controlled. Further progression of the disease can be prevented.
Eczema symptoms
What are the types of eczema?
Atopic dermatitis
The most common form of eczema atopic dermatitis It usually starts at a young age. It is milder and passes in adulthood.
Atopic means condition that affects the immune system. Dermatitis means inflammation. Atopic dermatitis occurs when the skin's natural barrier to irritants and allergens weakens. Therefore, the skin's natural supporting the moisture barrierk is important. Atopic dermatological symptoms include;
Skin dryness
Itching, especially at night
Red to brownish spots, mostly on the hands, feet, ankles, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside of the elbows and knees, and face and scalp in infants
Atopic dermatitis often begins before the age of 5 and continues into adulthood. In some people it flares up periodically. Atopic dermatitis can remain in remission for several years.
Contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash that occurs as a result of direct contact with a skin irritant.
Another type is allergic contact dermatitis. After repeated contact with the substance, the body's immune recognition system becomes active and an allergy to that substance occurs.
dyshidrotic eczema
Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of eczema in which clear fluid-filled blisters develop on the soles of the feet, the sides of the fingers or toes, and the palms.
Blisters normally last about two to four weeks. It is caused by allergies or stress. The blisters are extremely itchy. The skin becomes flaky and cracked due to these blisters.
hand eczema
May occur as a result of contact with rubber chemicals. Other irritants and external influences can also cause this condition. In hand eczema, the hands become red, itchy and dry. Cracks or bubbles may form.
neurodermatitis
It is a skin condition that starts with itching of any part of the skin. Similar to atopic dermatitis. Thick, scaly patches form on the skin. The more you scratch, the more itchy feeling comes. Itching of the skin causes it to appear thick, leathery.
Neurodermatitis often starts in people with other types of eczema and psoriasis. Stress this triggers the situation.
In neurodermatitis, thick, scaly sores form on the arms, legs, back of the neck, scalp, soles of the feet, back of the hands, or genital area. These sores are very itchy, especially while sleeping.
stasis dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis is a skin inflammation that develops in people with poor blood circulation. It is common in the lower legs. When blood builds up in the lower leg veins, the pressure on the veins increases. The legs swell and varicose veins form.
Nummular eczema
This is a type of eczema that causes coin-shaped patches to form on the skin. Nummular eczema looks very different from other types of eczema. Excessive itching. It is triggered by a response to an injury, such as a burn, cut, scrape, or insect bite. Dry skin can also cause it.
What causes eczema?
Various factors cause eczema, such as:
Immune system : In the case of eczema, the immune system overreacts to minor irritants or allergens in the environment. As a result, triggers activate the body's natural defense system. The immune system's defenses produce inflammation. The inflammation causes eczema symptoms on the skin.
Genes : If there is a family history of eczema, the risk of developing this condition is higher. Also, those with a history of asthma, hay fever, or allergies are at higher risk. Common allergies include pollen, pet dander, or foods that trigger an allergic response.
Environment : There are many things in the environment that can irritate the skin. For example; exposure to smoke, air pollutants, harsh soaps, fabrics such as wool, and some skin care products. Air can cause dryness and itching of the skin. Heat and high humidity make itching worse by sweating.
emotional triggers : Mental health affects the health of the skin, which triggers eczema symptoms. High levels of stress, anxiety, or depression have more frequent flare-ups of eczema symptoms.
The most typical of eczema symptoms is uncontrollable itching and burning sensation. The itching makes the scaly rash on the skin worse.
redness
Redness on the skin occurs as a result of itching and chemical reaction. A rough appearance occurs on the skin.
scar formation
Wounds occur as a result of irritation of the skin due to itching. Wounds form crusts over time.
discoloration
Eczema disrupts the production of melanin and other pigment-producing substances. It causes skin discoloration.
Swelling
Swelling develops along with discoloration as a result of itching of the wounds.
Skin dryness
Due to eczema, the skin becomes dry day by day. The skin is damaged over time and begins to tear.
Inflammation
Among the symptoms of eczema, inflammation is the most common. It occurs in all people with this disease.
dark spots
Due to eczema, dark spots begin to form on the skin.
Eczema symptoms can appear anywhere on the skin. The most common places you will notice symptoms are:
Or
Neck
Elbows
ankles
Knees
Foot
face, especially cheeks
In and around the ears
Lips
Eczema symptoms in babies and children
When babies or children develop eczema, they have redness and dryness on the backs of their arms and legs, chest, stomach or abdomen, as well as on their cheeks, head or chin.
As in adults, red patches of skin develop on dry areas of the skin in children and infants. If the disease persists into adulthood, it affects the palms, hands, elbows, feet, or knees.
Eczema develops more in babies during the first six months of life. But once the immune system learns to adapt and overcome skin inflammation, it usually goes away on its own.
In about 50 percent to 70 percent of all young children or teens with eczema, symptoms either greatly decrease or disappear completely before the age of 15.
What Triggers Eczema?
There are some factors that trigger eczema. We can list them as follows;
shampoos
Some shampoos contain harmful chemicals and damage the skin. A chemical-free shampoo should be used.
Bubble
Overexposure to soap bubbles can trigger eczema. May cause skin inflammation or swelling.
Dishwashing liquid
Dish detergent can cause irritation. Therefore, it triggers the formation of eczema. Good quality dishwashing detergents should be preferred.
Unhealthy environment
Living in an unhealthy environment triggers eczema. Your environment must be hygienic.
pre-existing skin infection
Another skin infection raises the possibility of eczema.
Allergies
All kinds of allergies in the body accelerate the spread of the eczema virus.
Function of the immune system
Sometimes the immune system may not work properly. The risk of eczema is higher if a person has a poor immune system that is not working as it should.
Fire
In fact, high fever also triggers eczema.
eczema diagnosis
If you suspect eczema, you should see a dermatologist. The dermatologist diagnoses eczema after a physical examination by looking closely at the skin.
Eczema symptoms are very similar to some skin conditions. The dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis by performing some tests to rule out other conditions. Tests that can be done to diagnose eczema include:
allergy test
Blood tests to check for causes of the rash unrelated to dermatitis.
skin biopsy
Eczema treatment
Eczema is a chronic and inflammatory skin condition that has no cure. The only thing you can do is to manage the symptoms of the disease by taking the measures listed below.
Eczema treatment is personalized. Treatment may include:
Using delicate moisturizing creams to hydrate dry skin. It would be a better step to apply moisturizer while your skin is damp after a bath or shower.
Apply topical medications, such as topical steroids, to your skin as directed by the doctor.
Oral medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, or corticosteroids can be used to reduce itching and swelling.
Drugs that suppress the immune system help regulate how the immune system works.
Light therapy (phototherapy) to improve the appearance of the skin and remove blemishes
Avoiding triggers that cause symptoms to flare.
How is childhood eczema treated?
If your child has eczema, watch out for:
Take a short, warm bath instead of a long, hot bath, which can dry out the child's skin.
Apply moisturizer to areas with eczema several times a day. Regular moisturizing is extremely beneficial for babies with eczema.
Keep the room temperature as constant as possible. Changes in room temperature and humidity can dry out a child's skin.
Dress your child in cotton clothes. Synthetic fabrics such as wool, silk and polyester can irritate your skin.
Eczema is often triggered by allergies. Mostly too food allergy associated with. The most common causes of food allergies are cow's milk, eggs, cereals. Identify what you are allergic to and avoid these foods. In this way, eczema attacks are reduced.
Food additives such as histamine salicylate, benzoate, and aromatic components in vegetables, fruits and spices can be triggers. If the person with eczema consumes heavy coffee, eczema complaints may decrease when he stops it.
Foods such as coffee, tea, chocolate, steak, lemon, eggs, alcohol, wheat, peanuts, tomatoes should be cut in eczema attacks.
Foods containing preservatives, additives, pesticides, food colorants and processed foods should be avoided as they can trigger eczema.
Foods such as garlic, onions, beans, oats, bananas, and artichokes that support intestinal flora should be consumed.
Oily fish (such as salmon, sardines, herring, anchovies and tuna) should be consumed alternately in the amount of a palmful 3 days a week. Thus, the healing of the inflammatory process in the skin is accelerated.
During attacks, one glass of pear or orange juice should be consumed per day.
Germ oil and avocado are essential for the skinVitamin E is rich in Germ oil can be consumed orally 1-2 teaspoons, or it can be applied to the skin 3 times a day.
Unprocessed olive oil and sesame oil should be preferred for salads.
Donkey or goat milk is a good alternative to cow's milk, it is less allergenic.
Zinc and protein, which are necessary for the repair of the skin, are abundant in seafood.
Eczema Natural Treatment
We mentioned that there is no cure for eczema. But we also said that it is manageable. So if it is kept under control, attacks can decrease. There are home treatment options for this.
Dead sea salt bath
Dead sea water is known for its healing power. Researchers have found that bathing in dead sea salt improves skin barrier function, reduces inflammation and relieves redness.
Since eczema attacks can worsen in high and low temperatures, the bath water should be warm enough to prevent chills. Do not dry your skin. Dry gently with a soft towel.
Cold compress
In people with eczema, applying cold compresses reduces itching.
However, if the condition has developed into leaking blisters, cold compresses increase the risk of infection and should not be used.
Licorice Extract
Used topically, licorice extract shows promise for reducing itching in eczema studies.
For best results, add a few drops to coconut oil.
Probiotics
Research shows that probiotics can help prevent eczema in infants and reduce the severity of attacks.
Even during pregnancy and breastfeedingprobiotics Mothers who take it can prevent the development of eczema in their children.
A high-quality probiotic supplement containing 24-100 billion organisms per day can be used during an attack and to prevent future attacks.
Lavender oil
In addition to intense itching, eczema often causes anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Lavender oilis an eczema treatment that has been proven to help reduce these symptoms. It helps treat dry skin.
Add 10 drops of lavender oil to a tablespoon of coconut or almond oil and gently rub into eczema-affected skin.
Vitamin E
Taking 400 IU of vitamin E daily can reduce inflammation and speed healing.
Additionally, topical application of vitamin E helps relieve itching and prevent scarring.
Witch hazel
If fluid begins to leak from the blisters during an attack,witch hazel Applying it helps promote healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
During an attack, dab witch hazel with a cotton swab directly on the rash. Use alcohol-free witch hazel to avoid further dryness.
Pansy
It is used in the treatment of eczema and acne.
Above-ground parts of pansies (5 grams) are infused in 1 glass of boiling water for 5-10 minutes, filtered.
It is applied externally as a compress. Internally, 2-3 teacups are consumed during the day.
horsetail
1 teaspoons of dried horsetail leaves are placed in 5 liter of water, infused for 10 minutes and filtered; It is applied to the eczema parts by making compresses externally.
St. John's Wort oil
100 grams of St. John's Wort flowers are kept in 250 grams of olive oil in a transparent glass bottle for 15 days in the sun.
At the end of the waiting period, the oil in the bottle turns red and is filtered. It is stored in a dark glass bottle.
Wounds, burns and boils are dressed with prepared oil.
Warning: Do not go out into the sun after the application, it may cause sensitivity to light and white spots on the skin.
Olive oil
Olive oilIt contains plenty of certain compounds, also known as oleocanthal and squalene, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds have the ability to keep the skin healthy and fresh.
To use olive oil in the treatment of eczema, the best way is to apply the oil during and after the bath.
Add some olive oil to a warm bath water and mix well.
Then soak in this water for about 10 to 15 minutes.
You should do this water bath regularly.
You can also add 2 tablespoons of epsom salt and 1 teaspoon of sea salt to the bath.
Aloe vera, mixed with olive oil for the treatment of eczema. This combination has properties that have many effects. Aloe vera and olive oil have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the itching and burning sensation.
To obtain aloe gel, break a fresh aloe vera leaf.
Then mix a few drops of olive oil and a tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
Using the aloe leaf, apply this method to your skin at least 2 times a day.
Eczema and Psoriasis
Psoriasis and eczema symptoms are similar. both psoriasis It also causes skin irritation with symptoms such as eczema, itching and redness. Eczema is more common in infants and children, while psoriasis is most common between the ages of 15-35.
Both conditions are triggered by low immune function or stress. Eczema is mostly caused by irritation and allergies. Although the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is caused by genetics, infections, emotional stress, skin sensitivity due to wounds, and sometimes the effects of medication.
Compared to psoriasis, eczema causes more intense itching. Bleeding due to excessive itching is common in both conditions. In psoriasis, burning occurs with itching. In addition to burning, psoriasis causes raised, silvery, and scaly patches on the skin due to inflammation.
In both cases, symptoms manifest in different ways. Eczema is most common on the hands, face, or parts of the body that are bent, such as elbows and knees. Psoriasis often appears in skin folds or places such as the face and scalp, palms and feet, and sometimes on the chest, lower back, and nail beds.
What are the complications of eczema?
Some conditions can occur as a result of eczema:
wet eczema : Wet eczema, which occurs as a complication of eczema, causes fluid-filled blisters to form on the skin.
Infected eczema : Infected eczema is caused by bacteria, fungus, or a virus that travels through the skin and causes an infection.
Symptoms of complications include:
fever and chills
A clear to yellow liquid that oozes from blisters on the skin.
Pain and swelling.
How to prevent eczema?
To prevent eczema attacks, pay attention to the following points:
Moisturize your skin regularly or when your skin is dry.
Lock in moisture by immediately applying moisturizer to your skin after a bath or shower.
Take a bath with lukewarm water, not hot.
Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Water helps keep the skin moist.
Wear loose-fitting clothing made from cotton and other natural materials. Wash new clothes before wearing them. Avoid wool or synthetic fibers.
Take control of stress and emotional triggers.
Avoid irritants and allergens.
Is eczema an autoimmune disease?
Although eczema can cause the immune system to overreact, it is not classified as an autoimmune condition. Research is ongoing to learn more about how eczema interacts with the immune system.
Is eczema contagious?
No. Eczema is not contagious. It is not transmitted through person-to-person contact.
To summarize;
There are types of eczema such as contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, hand eczema, neurodermatitis, numular eczema, stasis dermatitis, atopic dermatitis.
Eczema can be seen in any part of the body. But in children it typically develops first on the cheeks, chin, and scalp. In adolescents and adults, eczema sores appear on flexed areas such as elbows, knees, ankles, wrists, and neck.
To understand what triggers the disease, it is necessary to carefully identify the triggers. Common triggers and allergens such as eggs, soy, gluten, dairy products, shellfish, fried foods, sugar, peanuts, trans fats, food preservatives and artificial sweeteners should be avoided to prevent disease flare-ups.
It is important to treat these disorders, as anxiety, depression and stress will exacerbate the symptoms of eczema. Moisturize the affected areas at least twice a day to soothe dry skin, relieve itching, and promote healing.
