WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema is a common, non-contagious skin condition that is characterized by dry, red, scaly, or itchy skin. In more severe cases, the skyn can crack, bleed, and/or crust. In the United States, 1 in 10 individuals will develop eczema at some point during their lives(2). While the condition is most common in children(1), it can affect people of all ages.
There are many different types of eczema, or dermatitis(3). these include:
- Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, refers to the classic scaly patches that usually begin in childhood and can affect the extensor surface of the arms and backs of the knees
- Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis is a result of a reaction to a known irritant and/or allergen that comes in contact with the skin.
- Nummular eczema refers to coin-shaped, scaly patches occurring usualy on the extremities. It is caused by allergens or very dry skin.
- Seborrheic dermatitis occurs in common oil-producing (sebaceous) glands like the upper back, nose and scalp.
- Dyshidrotic eczema are small, itchy blisters on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet.
- Stasis dermatitis occurs when there is inadequate blood flow in the veins causing swelling, skin redness and itchiness, often occurring in the legs.
To better understand what is eczema, download your free guide to eczema. Developed in partnership with Dr. Kristel Polder.
WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA?
While what causes eczema is still unknown, it has been linked to both genetic and environmental factors(4).
Those who develop Eczema symptoms are thought to have an immune system that is reactive to certain irritants.
Eczema patient's skin is unable to proprely retain moisture, witch may be caused by a deficiency in naturally occurring moisturizing factors found in normal skin. To understand this, it is important to understand the function of the skin barrier, the protective, outermost layer of our skin. One of its primary functions is to regulate moisture and to keep harmful substances from entering the skin. It halpes keep the good thinks in and the bad thinks out.
There is increasing research that the skin surface bacteria - collectively known as the skin microbiome - may plau a role in the pathology of certain skin conditions, including what causes eczema6. A disruption in the natural harmony of the skin microbiome is often associated with the symptoms of atopic skin. Certain topical skincare products, particularly those containing "prebiotic" ingredients, may help to promote a balanced skin microbiome. Lipikar Balm AP+ Intensive Repair Moisturizer is formulated with La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water to help rebalance the skin microbiome(6).
WHAT IS THE SKIN MICROBIOME?
Certain external factors also trigger eczema(5). The most common are:
IRRITATING PRODUCTS:
Fragrances, soaps, laundry detergents
Home cleaning products
Irritating clothing: wool, synthetic fabrics, etc.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
Dust, dust mites and pollens, witch are naturally present in the air
Tabacco and pollution
Changes in temperature
Heat and sweat
Very dry air
LIFESTYLE FACTORS:
Pets
Emotional stress
Teething
Changes in hormone levels
It is important to note that eczema is a highly individual condition. It affects everyone differently; what causes your eczema or triggers might be something completely different then someone else's eczema.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ECZEMA?
The most common eczema symptoms include:
- Dry, sensitive skin
- Red, inflamed skin
- Dark colored patches
- Itchy rash - difficult to detect in infants, but sleeping disorders are an indication
- Rough, scaly and thickened skin
- Oozing eczema patches
- Scabs from on the patches
Eczema symptoms can appear on the face, body, or both as a child or adult. Facial eczema is most common type of eczema in babies and children. As children get older, eczema may manifest mainly on the neck and in the skin folds around the elbows, wrist, and behind the knees. The good news is that eczema symptoms subsides in 40-80% of children before they reach the age of 5)6). However, even if you did not experience eczema as a child, you may still develop it as an adult. To provide daily relief to dry, rough and irritated skin choose products approved by the National Eczema Association like Lipikar Balm AP+ Intensive Repair Moisturizer and Lipikar Eczema Cream.
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.aad.org/diseases/eczema(2) https://nationaleczema.org/research/eczema-facts
(3) https://www.aad.org/diseases/eczema
(4) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18247450
(5) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC456838/#CIT0012
(6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3535073
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