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.
Last medically reviewed : May 31, 2024
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.
A few common symptoms of eczema include:
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:
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.
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!
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.
Explore real before-and-after results from patients treated at Hortman Clinics. Results vary between patients and may depend on factors including anatomy, skin type, age, medical history, treatment parameters, and individual response. All published patient images are used with appropriate patient consent.
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