Eczema – not just for babies

Eczema – not just for babies

Eczema, also known as dermatitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the skin. A chronic condition causing a red rash, eczema is best known for its unbearable itch.

Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema and typically affects babies and young children. This has lead to the general belief that eczema is a childhood condition that does not affect adults.

A belief that is simply not true

Although many children grow out of their eczema some carry it through into their teen years and even into their adult life. Some adults who have never experienced eczema as a child may develop it later in life.

Eczema developing in adulthood is less likely to be atopic eczema and more likely to be another form of eczema. The more common forms of adult eczema include dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, and contact dermatitis.

Dyshidrotic eczema is also known as vesicular eczema and typically affects the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It appears as small fluid filled vesicles accompanied by a rash and severe itching.

Nummular eczema presents as wide spread disc shaped lesions on the arms and legs, hence its other name discoid eczema. The lesions heal from the inside out leaving a red ring shape that is very similar in appearance to the fungal infection ringworm.

Contact dermatitis is very common in adults and most commonly affects the hands. It occurs when the skin comes in contact with something it is sensitive to. A red rash and intense itching and pain will result. The affected skin becomes broken and use of the hands is reduced.

Xerosis and Priritis – main symptoms of eczema

Whilst the location and appearance of the rash may vary in these conditions other symptoms remain constant. All forms of eczema feature xerosis (dry skin) and severe pruritis (itching).

Eczema is exacerbated by trigger factors

Trigger factors exacerbating adult eczema are the same as for eczema in young children – food, climate changes, dust mite, solvents, chemicals and stress.

Most young children do not suffer from emotional stresses whilst many adult lives seem to be full of different stresses. Any stress on the body, whether physical (injury or illness) or emotional (anxiety or mental illness) may trigger an eczema flare up.

Treatment is the same for adults and children

As for child eczema the treatment of adult eczema involves treating the dry skin, controlling the itch and minimizing inflammation.

Adult skin is naturally dryer than a child’s skin so special attention is required to remoisturize. Regular use of emollients is essential. The most effective time to moisturize the skin is immediately after bathing or any prolonged exposure to water.

Preventing the skin from overheating and using specially formulated eczema creams will help to relieve the itch and reduce the inflammation. Most eczema creams can be bought from the drug store and do not require a prescription.

Natural creams the current trend

In the past the treatment of choice for eczema has been corticosteroid creams. However there is a current trend towards natural products to control the symptoms of eczema. The main attraction of the natural products is they tend to have fewer side effects than the corticosteroids.

Most natural creams are very effective but just how suitable for each individual cannot be determined without being trialled. Eczema is a very individual condition and the effectiveness of each cream will vary from person to person.

Regardless of what treatment you choose it is important to treat eczema when it first appears in an attempt to prevent a severe flare up. Taking care of the skin on a day to day basis is also important. Avoid anything that will irritate the skin like soaps, harsh cleaners, coarse fabrics and excessive exposure to water.

Just like eczema in a child, adult eczema is uncomfortable and irritating but with good skin care and the right treatments it can be controlled and a normal life can be achieved.