What is atopic eczema and how common is it?
Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) is a condition in which your skin becomes dry, itchy, and easily irritated. Atopic eczema usually manifests before age 5 for the first time, but it can develop at any age. Its symptoms may come and go. The condition is extremely common – it’s estimated that 17.8 million people in the United States have it. Skin affected by atopic eczema requires extra care.
What are the symptoms of atopic eczema?
Symptoms of atopic eczema include the following:
- dry, itchy skin;
- inflammation and irritation of the affected skin areas made worse by scratching;
- small, raised bumps that may ooze fluid and crust over;
- tough, thickened, scaly skin as a result of recurring rashes.
Symptoms may vary in severity. In mild cases, only a small area is affected, it’s not too itchy, and can be treated with moisturizer. Severe atopic eczema affects larger areas of skin that become extremely itchy, and moisturizer is not enough to relieve it.
The areas where rashes commonly develop depend on the age. Babies usually have rashes on their face, scalp, front section of the knees, and the back of the elbows. Children develop rashes on the neck, wrists, legs, ankles, creases of elbows or knees, and between the buttocks.
Adults tend to get rashes in the creases of the elbows or knees and on the nape of the neck.
What causes atopic eczema?
It’s unclear what exactly causes atopic eczema. The word “atopic” in the name of the condition refers to its relation to allergies. Individuals who have a personal or family history of allergies are more likely to develop atopic eczema.
There are certain factors that may trigger a flare-up or make it worse. They include:
- allergens, e.g., pollen, dander, and dust mites;
- dry and cold weather;
- harsh soaps and detergents;
- stress;
- sweating.
How is atopic eczema treated?
Your doctor may prescribe topical or oral corticosteroids, antihistamines, or other medicines to help relieve your symptoms.
- moisturize your skin regularly with creams and/or ointments;
- identify your personal triggers and try to avoid them;
- learn to resists the urge to scratch the affected area as scratching can lead to inflammation and infection;
- to prevent scratching at night, put on cotton gloves (moisturize your hands before you put them on);
- don’t shower or bathe in hot water; take lukewarm or warm showers or baths for 10 to 15 minutes;
- you may want to try adding colloidal oatmeal to your baths – it’s said to relieve the symptoms;
- if the air in your home is dry, use a humidifier;
- avoid wearing clothes made from synthetic fabrics.
