Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterised by dry, itchy patches on different parts of the body.
It flares up when an individual comes in contact with an allergen or irritant. It is not contagious and does not have a cure.
TREATMENT
What causes Eczema?
Several factors contribute to the development of eczema, such as:
People with a family history of dry skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis are more likely to develop this condition. A family history of hay fever, asthma, or allergies also increases the likelihood of developing eczema.
In individuals with eczema, their immune system reacts aggressively to even minor irritants. The body’s normal defence response and an inflammatory attack cause a flare-up.
Exposure to pollutants and allergens can agitate the skin, causing a flare-up. These include smoke, dust, pollen, skincare products, chemicals and even food items. High heat and humidity also intensify symptoms like itching.
Emotional and mental well-being affects skin health. High-stress situations can trigger an eczema flare-up and associated symptoms.
TREATMENT
What are the common symptoms of Eczema?
A few common symptoms of eczema include:
- Skin dryness
- Itching of the dry skin
- Skin rashes (urticaria)
- Raises bumps on the skin
- Thickened patches of skin
- Crustiness or flakiness of skin
- In some cases, swelling
TREATMENT
Diagnosing Eczema
During a consultation appointment, a healthcare professional diagnoses eczema through a thorough physical evaluation of the skin.
Eczema can be diagnosed in children and adults. Since symptoms of eczema can mimic other allergies, your doctor may perform allergy testing, which include:
- Blood test to assess rashes that may be unrelated to dermatitis
- A skin biopsy to different between different types of dermatitis
When should you seek medical care for your eczema?
Should you seek medical care for your condition? Yes! At Hortman Clinics, we treat a wide range of skin conditions, including eczema.
You must consult a dermatologist if you are experiencing one or more symptoms.
There are several types of eczema, and determining the symptoms of one from the other can help treat them and manage symptoms better.
DOCTOR
Consult our doctor
If you suspect you have eczema or are troubled by its many nagging symptoms, consult our dermatologist today! At Hortman Clinics, our experienced dermatologists provide complete and comprehensive consultations, followed by effective treatment, to ensure your eczema is treated from the root and you don’t have to see any more flare-ups!
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
If you have eczema, you may have atopic dermatitis. However, these conditions are not life-threatening, and many children with them outgrow them as they grow older. However, adults with eczema need the expertise of a dermatologist to manage their condition effectively.
While eczema can be effectively managed and flare-ups prevented, the condition cannot be cured. Children with eczema often outgrow the condition, but adults may need life-long management to prevent symptoms from recurring.
Eczema is not a contagious disease. It does not spread from one person to another or from one part of the body to another. Certain areas of the body that are prone to sweating develop eczematous patches.
If your eczema flares up, the symptoms and effects may last one to three weeks. The skin often takes longer to heal and return to normal.
Eczema flare-ups occur in hot and humid weather.
The triggers of eczema vary from person to person. However, common irritants include soaps, shampoos, makeup and hair care products, detergents, environmental allergens like pollen, hot and humid weather, dampness, dust mites, pollen, animal droppings, and moulds.
If you are prone to eczema flare-ups, avoiding common and known trigger factors is the most important thing to do. Once the symptoms subside, eczema ‘vanishes’ and enters a remission phase. Consult our dermatologists to learn more about effective management of eczema and preventing flare-ups.
We are here for you. Always.
Everything we do is tailored to your needs, this is why we take our time to take care of you and answer all your questions.