EXAMINING ECZEMA
Janine Mendes-Franco
Eczema—a common skin condition which covers everything from irritated, itchy skin, to specific variations of inflamed skin—is anything but simple. The good news is, it’s not contagious. While the precise cause of eczema remains a mystery, it’s triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors—and while there is no cure, there are a range of very effective treatments that make it possible to live comfortably with the condition.
Eczema can occur in both childhood and adulthood. We’ll break down the different types, so that you know what to look out for and how we can help treat them.
Atoptic dermatitis
The most common form, we’ve seen this type of eczema in everyone from newborns to the elderly. Some cases of childhood eczema may go away, but there’s no guarantee, so we always recommend proper management.
It usually develops in early childhood and is the cause of dry skin and intermittent, itchy rashes
A combination of suitable skin care products and routines, minimising environmental triggers and medication, helps control outbreaks
Proper hygiene goes a long way; short but regular showers help soothe itchiness and get rid of bacteria, and sealing in moisture in that “golden minute” after you step out of the shower is also useful—we’ve got excellent product options that are gentle on your skin
Contact dermatitis
As the name implies, this form of eczema is prompted by contact with anything that causes your skin to have an allergic reaction—cosmetics, jewellery, or even plants.
Your skin will generally react by breaking out in an itchy rash
We aim to identify the source of the allergic reaction so the sooner you come in to see us, the better (that way, it’s easier for us to narrow down the trigger so you know what to avoid in the future), then treat the inflammation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing more cases of contact dermatitis due to frequent hand-washing and the effect of harsh sanitisers on the skin; using a good hand moisturiser can help
Dyshidrotic eczema
This variation causes small, extremely itchy blisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Such outbreaks are commonly set off by what we call the 4Ss: stress, soaps, shampoos, and sweat
It’s a stubborn condition that can be difficult to treat, so we do everything we can to stop it from worsening
Using cool compresses, steroid creams and other anti-inflammatory medication, as well as moisturisers that assist the skin’s barrier repair, are often helpful
Hand eczema
People who work a lot with their hands, like chefs, hairdressers, medical personnel, plumbers and technicians, tend to be more susceptible to the condition, as they are exposed to an array of external factors that could cause their skin to react.
Your skin, which typically looks dry, rough and scaly, may crack and become crusty and painful, sometimes to the point of bleeding
Discolouration is not uncommon, and blisters may also develop, causing itching and burning
It’s best to see us early, so that we can identify the cause of the outbreak and treat it accordingly
Neurodermatitis
This typically starts with an itchy area of skin which, when you scratch it, makes the condition worse.
Though often stress-related, the itching can be most intense when you are relaxing
Some patients tell us the itching has woken them up from sleep
Treatment, usually with a combination of steroid creams, moisturisers and cool compresses, is necessary if you don’t want to be caught in an endless cycle of itching and scratching, which intensify the condition
Nummular eczema
Raised itchy spots spread to form larger areas, especially in dry skin, or as a result of mishaps like insect bites or cuts.
The spots are generally round or oval, so it’s important to come in for an assessment, since its appearance can be mistaken for other ailments
Interfering with the patches can make them raw and infected
Keeping skin cool and well hydrated relieves symptoms, though you must be consistent with your regime
Stasis dermatitis
This form of eczema happens—usually in the feet and legs—due to poor circulation. Swelling and irritation, especially if you have varicose veins, are telltale signs.
Regular exercise can help fend off this condition, so keep moving and maintain a healthy weight
Stasis dermatitis is not to be trifled with; left untreated, it can be debilitatingly painful, and in some cases, change the shape of your legs and feet
It’s critical for us to understand your medical history when working out a treatment plan—this may include compression therapy, though in severe cases, surgery may be necessary
Your best chances at staying on top of any form of eczema is early diagnosis and treatment, before it starts to affect your everyday routine. If you have concerns, simply schedule a consultation with us.