Is your child having trouble with eczema? Let's talk about it!

You probably have various skin problems sometimes, right? Sometimes it itches, becomes red, peels, etc. Eczema is a troublesome skin condition. Many people don't know much about it, so it can be scary. So today, let's talk about eczema in a simple way that you can understand.

What exactly is eczema?

Simply put, eczema is a condition in which our skin becomes red, dry, flaky, and sometimes itchy, resembling eczema. There are several types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type. In fact, many people think of the same thing when they say "eczema" and "atopic dermatitis." It is not a contagious disease, so there is nothing to worry about.

How do you recognize the symptoms of eczema?

A person with eczema may experience symptoms such as:

• The main thing is that the skin dries out and itches a lot . This itching can sometimes be unbearable.
• The skin becomes red and flaky . Sometimes it appears as small blisters filled with water, which become wet and then form a crust. Think of it like a small wound that dries out and a crust forms on top.
• These symptoms can vary from person to person . Some people only have a few, while others can have very severe symptoms.
• This condition can occur anywhere on the body. However, especially in teenagers, these itchy spots are most commonly seen in the creases of the elbows, behind the knees, inside the wrists, ankles, as well as on the face, neck, and upper chest.
• These symptoms do not always last . They may subside for a while and then come back again. This increase in the disease is called a "flare-up." It means that the disease suddenly gets worse.

Some people with eczema scratch their skin excessively, causing the skin to become rough, black, and thickened like a leathery patch. Doctors call this "lichenification."

Why does eczema develop? What is the cause?

In fact, doctors still can't say for sure what exactly causes eczema. But they think it may be caused by a change in the way a person's immune system , the system that fights disease in our bodies, reacts to certain things. Think of it like our body's defense system, which overreacts to even harmless things. Some types of eczema can also be linked to skin allergies .

Who is more likely to develop eczema?

Eczema is actually a very common condition . You might be surprised, but many people with eczema have a family member who has the condition. Experts believe that it can be passed down from parents to children through genes, just like some family traits.

People with eczema can sometimes also have other allergic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever . All three of these conditions, eczema, asthma, and hay fever, are called "atopic" conditions . They develop in people who are hypersensitive to allergens in the environment. This means that for some people, food allergies can trigger or worsen them. For others, they are triggered by things like animal dander, dust, and pollen .

The most important thing is that eczema is not contagious, so don't be afraid to be around someone who has eczema.

How do you know for sure if you have eczema? (Diagnosis)

There is no specific test to diagnose eczema. A doctor will look at the eczema-like patches on your skin and ask you about your symptoms, your medical history, and your family's health. If you or someone in your family has any of the "atopic" conditions mentioned above (such as eczema, asthma, hay fever), that will be an important clue to the doctor.

The doctor will first check to make sure that the inflammation and redness on your skin are not caused by another skin condition. Sometimes, the doctor may refer you to a dermatologist or an allergist .

What are the treatments for eczema?

If a doctor confirms that you have eczema, they may do things like:

• Topical medications may be prescribed. These reduce redness, inflammation, and itching of the skin. These are usually creams or ointments that contain corticosteroids . But these are not the same as the steroids that some athletes use, are they? So don't be afraid.
• If your eczema is very severe, or if you have it frequently, you may be prescribed oral medications.

For some people, when eczema is very severe, ultraviolet light therapy (UVL therapy) can help treat the condition. There are also new medications that change the way the skin's immune system works.

How do I deal with this eczema? How do I control it?

There is no cure for eczema. However, you can help prevent flare-ups. Here are some things you can do:

1. Moisturize!

This is the most important thing . Using a good, scent-free moisturizer can help prevent your skin from drying out, cracking, and becoming itchy . Apply moisturizer every day, two or three times a day if possible . The best time is after a shower and while your skin is still damp, patting it gently with a towel. Ointments and creams like petroleum jelly work best for this because they are more oily. Lotions are more watery, so they won't help as much.

2. Stay away from things that irritate the skin.

If you know what triggers your skin doesn't like, you should avoid them. Also, minimize your use of household cleaners, soaps, detergents, and perfumes that can dry out your skin. If you have eczema on your face, use a gentle facial cleanser or soap substitute that won't dry out your skin. Also, when choosing moisturizers, makeup, and sunscreens, look for ones that are labeled "non-comedogenic/oil-free."

3. Use lukewarm water

Bathing in very hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and dry it out even more. So , keep your bath time short and lukewarm . Wear gloves if you're doing anything that involves your hands in water for a long time. After bathing, pat your skin dry with a soft towel (don't rub).

4. Cotton clothes are the best!

Wearing clothes made from itchy fabrics like wool can irritate the skin and worsen eczema. Therefore , it is best to wear clothes made from soft cotton fabrics .

5. Don't shout!

I know this is the hardest thing to do. But scratching only makes eczema worse , and it takes longer for the skin to heal. If you scratch and break the skin, bacteria can enter and cause infections.

6. Keep your body cool.

Things like sudden changes in temperature, sweating, and increased body heat can worsen your eczema.

7. Use medication correctly

Use all medications your doctor has prescribed exactly as he or she tells you.

8. Unwind

Don't be surprised, stress can also make eczema worse . So try to keep your mind relaxed. Do something that brings you joy, like meditating, listening to your favorite song, or reading a book.

What else should I know about eczema?

If you live with eczema, be aware of your triggers and how to manage them. For example, if you find that certain types of makeup irritate your skin, ask a dermatologist about which types of makeup are safe for you.

Don't let having eczema lower your self-esteem or affect your social life!

Getting involved in schoolwork and extracurricular activities can help take your mind off this itch for a while.

Don't forget to exercise. It's a great way to reduce stress. Choose walking, cycling, swimming, or any other sport that keeps your skin cool and dry while you exercise.

Remember as a summary (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so I hope you have a good idea about eczema from what we've talked about. Remember:

• Eczema is a common skin condition that is not contagious .
• The main symptoms are dryness, itching, redness, and peeling of the skin .
• Although the exact cause is unknown, changes in the immune system and allergies may be involved.
• Keeping the skin moisturized, avoiding allergens, and following medical advice are the most important things.
• Don't scream! That will make the situation worse.
• Reduce stress, stay relaxed.
• If you have these symptoms, don't be afraid to see a doctor and get advice . They will help you right away.

You are not alone, there are many people who suffer from this condition. So if you stay strong and manage it properly, you too can live a normal life.

Eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, itchy skin, dry skin, dermatology, allergies