Eczema (atopic dermatitis) causes, symptoms and treatment

Eczema has many causes and triggers. Learn more about the underlying causes and how to identify your specific triggers in order to learn how to avoid them, or, if they’re unavoidable, how to be prepared.

What causes eczema?

We don’t know what exactly causes eczema (often known as its most common form, atopic dermatitis). The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) describes atopic dermatitis as a complex skin disease caused by an interaction between a person’s environment and their genes. People with eczema tend to have an overactive immune system that responds to topical irritants or allergens by producing inflammation.

There are many risk factors for eczema, including stress, a family history of this condition or allergens. Having extremely dry skin, coming in contact with allergic substances in shampoo or cleansers, having certain food allergies, hay fever (also called rhinitis), living in cold mountainous areas or places that are cold and damp for at least part of the year  or living in places that are swampy and hot: all of these environmental risk factors can contribute to the severity, intensity and frequency of an eczema flare up if you are genetically predisposed to this skin disease.

It is also important to recognize that eczema symptoms can be mistaken for a different skin condition called psoriasis. Read here to better understand the differences between eczema and psoriasis. For more information about the seven different types of eczema including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis, read our overview here.

Is eczema contagious?

One of the most common misconceptions about eczema is that it’s contagious. Many people see the oozing or very dry skin and assume it’s something you can “catch”. But eczema doesn’t work like the common cold or the flu — it’s not viral or contagious. Instead, it’s caused by a combination of genetics and environmental triggers.

Eczema and your genes

Research shows that some people with eczema have a mutation of the gene responsible for creating filaggrin. Filaggrin is a protein that helps our bodies maintain a healthy protective barrier on the outermost layer of our skin. Without enough filaggrin to build and maintain a strong skin barrier, moisture can escape and then allow bacteria, viruses and allergens to enter the body; this exposed or “leaky” skin barrier can then lead to extremely itchy skin, dry scaly patches of skin, blisters, skin infections, red spots or bumps and other symptoms.

The most common type of eczema, atopic dermatitis, is often caused by a patient’s genetics. It isn’t contagious, but you might have to thank your parents if you have it since it runs in the family. You’re more likely to develop atopic eczema if a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, has it too.

Eczema and your surroundings

Specific materials and products in your surroundings can trigger eczema. Usually, these triggers cause contact dermatitis. This form of eczema is especially common for those who work in professions with many triggers, such as hairstylists, mechanics and custodians. Whether you work in these professions or not, your surroundings may be causing your eczema to flare-up after touching specific dyes, cleaning products and other chemicals.

Your environment can also trigger eczema flare-ups, especially if you live somewhere known for environmental extremes. Folks who live in extremely cold and damp places or hot and swampy places may be at a higher risk of eczema. This can also be true for certain seasons. If summers where you live are particularly hot and sweaty, you may experience more eczema flare-ups in summer than in fall, winter or spring.

Eczema and allergies

While eczema and allergies are two different conditions, they are often related. That’s because certain contact allergens can cause allergic contact dermatitis, a delayed and itchy reaction after the skin is exposed to an allergen. Often this form manifests as a rash and it can take one to two days after exposure for symptoms to form, making it tricky to discover what the allergen is. Allergy tests can help discover the cause.

Contact allergens aren’t the only connecting force between these two conditions. Having certain food allergies and hay fever (also called rhinitis) can also cause eczema to form. When either of these are present, eczema can manifest in a variety of ways, such as itchy skin, extreme dryness, scaly skin, hives or red, irritated skin.

Eczema and your immune system

The relationship status between eczema and immune health is complicated at best. While eczema is not an autoimmune disease, immune system problems can trigger more flare-ups. In an autoimmune disease, the overactive or dysregulated immune system attacks specific parts of the body, such as immune cells destroying the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas in type 1 diabetes. When it comes to eczema, immune system problems don’t cause the disease, but it can inflame symptoms.

To make things even more crazy, eczema can also harm your immune system. During a flare-up, the skin barrier is broken down, leaving a patient susceptible to other skin conditions and immune diseases.

Eczema and Covid-19

Regardless of vaccine status, Covid-19 (or the Coronavirus) is a potential trigger for eczema. The cause of this is still unknown and research is underway on the relationship between Covid-19 and this skin condition. Some early theories suggest the stress of recovering from the virus or the body’s heightened immune system response to the virus may trigger eczema in those who are genetically prone to the disease. 

If you do have eczema and are wondering if you’re at a higher risk for Covid-19, the answer is most likely no. Again, the research is still in its early stages, but so far, the available scholarship suggests that eczema does not increase your risk of getting Covid-19.

Eczema and mental health

Similar to immune system dysfunction, mental health conditions don’t cause eczema, but they can make them worse. Stress in particular can cause eczema triggers. The reason stress may cause eczema flare-ups is because when your body encounters a stressful situation, there’s usually a physical reaction. Usually, this physical reaction includes inflammation in the body, one the known causes of eczema.

Other mental health conditions can also increase inflammation and may cause eczema, such as depression or PTSD. However, there are fewer studies on the relationship between these conditions and eczema than on the connection between eczema and stress.

Eczema triggers

Regardless of the cause, you will probably experience eczema triggers. Healthcare providers, including dermatologists, and people with eczema will refer to something that causes or aggravates their eczema as a “trigger.” When trying to identify potential triggers, keep in mind that an eczema flare up can appear some time after exposure to a topical irritant or allergen. This lag time can make some triggers challenging to detect.

Common triggers include:

• Dry skin: when your skin gets too dry, it can easily become brittle, scaly, rough or tight, which can lead to an eczema flare up. Learn more about the importance of moisturizing skin with eczema-friendly ointments and creams to manage severe eczema flare ups.
• Irritants: everyday household products and even natural substances can cause your skin to burn and itch, or become dry and red. These potential allergens can include products that you use on your body or in your home, including: hand and dish soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, bubble bath and body wash, perfume or other items with added fragrances, or surface cleansers and disinfectants. Even some natural liquids, like the juice from fresh fruit, vegetables or meats, can irritate your skin when you touch them. Read how one mom helped her son’s eczema by changing her laundry routine.
• Stress: emotional stress can be an eczema trigger, but it’s not exactly known why. Some people’s eczema symptoms get worse when they’re feeling “stressed.” Others may become stressed, just knowing they have eczema, and this can make their itchy skin flare up. Learn more about how stress and eczema are related.

Healthcare providers, including dermatologists, and people with eczema will refer to something that causes or aggravates their eczema as a “trigger. ” When trying to identify potential triggers, keep in mind that an eczema flare up can appear some time after exposure to a topical irritant or allergen. This lag time can make some triggers challenging to detect.

Eczema in young children and babies

Eczema can affect anyone at any age, but it is often quite common in young children. When young children have eczema, family history is almost always the cause. Even if eczema doesn’t run in the family, genetics could still be at play; children who have family members with hay fever, other allergies or asthma are at risk too.

Baby eczema, on the other hand, is often caused when a baby’s sensitive skin comes into contact with an environmental irritant. These irritants can include:

• certain cleansers, soaps and shampoos
• dry air or colder environments
• certain ointments and baby lotions
• home products with irritating fragrances
• food allergies

To learn more about what products can be used on sensitive baby skin or for children with eczema, check out these products that have the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.

Eczema affects everyone differently

Eczema affects everyone differently. One person’s triggers may not be the same as another’s. You might experience eczema symptoms at certain times of the year or on different parts of your body.

Symptoms of eczema are as varied as the potential environmental factors that can lead to irritation: everyone is affected by this skin disease differently. Regardless of vaccine status, Covid-19 (or the Coronavirus) is also a potential trigger for eczema, possibly due to the stress of recovering from the virus, or the body’s heightened immune system response to the virus.

Understanding eczema triggers

When identifying potential triggers, keep in mind that an eczema flare can appear some time after exposure. This lag time can make some triggers challenging to detect. Eczema affects everyone differently, so one person’s triggers may not be the same as another’s.

Here are some everyday things that can trigger an eczema flare or make it worse:

• Metals, including: chromium cobalt, chloride, copper, gold, nickel; eczema in response to a topical allergen is called “contact dermatitis. ” Read how one NEA Ambassador found her eczema trigger and eliminated all nickel from her environment.
• Environmental allergens, such as: cigarette smoke, cockroaches, dust mites, pet dander, pollen, insect bites, bee stings; allergic reactions to these triggers come in many forms.
• Climate factors, including: the change in season, extreme heat, extreme cold, dry weather or humid weather. Altitude can also trigger an eczema flare up. Other factors can include prolonged exposure to hot water, chlorine, salt water, skin yeast and overgrown Staph bacteria.
• The many list of chemicals that can trigger an eczema flare include: amidoamine, bacitracin, benzalkonium chloride, benzophenones, black rubber, cinnamates, cocamidopropyl betaine, colophony (tree resin), diazolidinyl urea, dibenzoylmethanes, hydantoin, epoxy resin, formaldehyde, fragrance glyceryl, thioglycolate, imidazolidinyl, urea, lanolin, methyl methacrylate, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, methyldibromo glutaronitrile, myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru), neomycin sulfate, octocrylene, paraben, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), paraphenylenediamine potassium dichromate, propylene glycol quaternium 15, salicylates, tixocortol pivalate, tosylamide and formaldehyde resin.
• Materials can trigger eczema outbreaks, including non-organic materials such as polyester and latex. Organic materials that are rough in texture, such as wool, can irritate the affected areas of the skin as well.

Eczema often appears in the flexural areas behind the knees or elbows, where skin creases lead to rubbing and irritation or increased quantities of sweat that dries out the skin. It’s especially important to keep these materials and chemicals away from the flexural areas to avoid flare ups.

Preventing eczema triggers

Even if you haven’t identified your specific triggers, there are a couple actions you can take to prevent eczema flare ups. These actions can include:

• Developing a comprehensive skin care routine
• Adopting an eczema diet which includes anti-inflammatory foods
• Explore the mind-body connection and ways to decrease stress
• Considering wet wrap therapy or phototherapy with ultraviolet lights
• Consulting with a dermatologist for a customized prevention plan

If you’re looking for more ways to prevent triggers, check out these 20 eczema lifestyle hacks.

Eczema treatment

Certain treatment options are more effective for the eczema community than others. While routinely prescribed by healthcare providers, topical steroids, including topical corticosteroids and steroid lotions, can trigger complications and side effects for people with atopic dermatitis or sensitive skin. The National Eczema Association has created a more comprehensive guide of treatments, which you can read here.

Other options can include home remedies, such as light therapy, or over the counter medications, such as an antihistamine. These work too–though to varying degrees depending on the individual case and the type of treatment–and often don’t have the same side effects as steroids.

Next steps

It can often be helpful to visit a dermatologist or other healthcare provider to determine the cause of your eczema. More importantly, this healthcare professional should help you determine the type of eczema you have, the right treatment plan and ways you can prevent eczema from interfering with your daily life.

No matter the cause, there’s no known cure to eczema. Because of this, your actions should focus on treating the symptoms and avoiding triggers. Treatment options are often a mixture of home remedies and over-the-counter or prescription medications. If you’re interested in learning more about available treatment options, check out the NEA guide to eczema treatment. 

Preventing eczema is nuanced, but it often boils down to living a healthy lifestyle. Reducing your stress, exercising consistently, eating an eczema-friendly diet and getting eight hours of sleep can ensure your body is prepared to fight eczema flare-ups before they even begin. To build an eczema-proof lifestyle, consider trying this eczema care routine that’s as easy as 1-2-3.

7 Types of eczema: Symptoms, causes & treatment

Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy, inflamed and red in lighter skin tones or brown, purple, gray or ashen in darker skin tones. Eczema is very common. In fact, more than 31 million Americans have some form of this skin condition.

Eczema is not contagious. You can’t “catch it” from someone else. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers do know that people who develop eczema do so because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers.

When an irritant or an allergen from outside or inside the body “switches on” the immune system, it produces inflammation. It is this inflammation that causes the symptoms common to most types of eczema. While it can sometimes be confused for other common conditions, such as hay fever, psoriasis, allergic reactions and poison ivy. It can affect anywhere on the body from the head to lower legs, hands and feet.

These common symptoms can range from itchy skin, crusting, inflamed skin and dry skin. More severe symptoms can include blisters, oozing clear fluid from flare-ups and scaly patches. Because eczema breaks down the skin barrier, folks with this condition have an increased risk for skin infections on patches of skin affected by eczema and other skin diseases.

Some eczema symptoms, such as skin dryness, can be managed with a proper skin care routine, emollients and reducing exposure to food allergies which trigger eczema flares. Buying high quality moisturizers, lotions, creams, shampoos and soaps are important for those affected by eczema too. It’s also important to be careful when purchasing fragrances, dyes, detergents, perfumes and ointments as some can cause flare-ups.

More severe symptoms might require antihistamines, other over-the-counter medications, corticosteroids and topical steroids. Before starting any treatment plans, it’s best to discuss your options with your healthcare professional.

There are seven different types of eczema:

• Atopic dermatitis: a common form of eczema which causes inflammation, dryness and itchy skin. While typical in small children, it can occur at any age.
• Contact dermatitis: also called allergic contact dermatitis, this form of eczema is brought on by environmental triggers.
• Neurodermatitis: also called discoid eczema, this form affects small patches of skin. It makes them itchy and scaly.
• Dyshidrotic eczema: this type of eczema dries out the skin and can cause a burning sensation, rashes and blisters.
• Nummular eczema: also called nummular dermatitis, this form creates small, rounded lesions all over the body, but especially on arms and legs.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: an inflammatory form of eczema which affects your scalp.
• Stasis dermatitis: a skin discoloration on the legs which looks similar to varicose veins.

It is possible to have more than one type of eczema on your body at the same time. The most common form of eczema is atopic eczema. Other common types of eczema include irritant contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis.

Each form of eczema has its own set of triggers and treatment requirements, which is why it’s so important to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in treating eczema. Dermatologists can help identify which type or types of eczema you may have and how to treat and prevent flare-ups. Typically, a dermatologist will do a patch test to discover whether it’s eczema or something else and then create a customized treatment plan. A dermatologist can also identify the cause of your eczema, whether it’s due to family history, environmental factors, or a mix of both.

Eczema: causes, types and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Eczema is an inflammatory disease of the upper layer of the skin. The main symptoms are rashes in combination with itching. The disease is not transmitted by contact, although it is very common. Allocate acute, subacute and chronic form. Each of them proceeds according to the type of weeping eczema, and only the chronic course – in the form of dry. Often the disease is complicated by the addition of a purulent infection.

Causes of disease

The development of eczema is provoked by various factors that act on the body in a complex way. The main causes of the disease are:

• disturbances in the functioning of the immune system;

• hypovitaminosis;

• deficiency of trace elements and unsaturated fatty acids;

• hereditary predisposition to allergies;

• diseases of the digestive tract;

• hormonal disorders;

• chronic diseases debilitating immunity: tonsillitis, multiple caries, sinusitis, etc.

• depression, stress, nervous exhaustion;

• Allergy to synthetics, chemicals, drugs, plant pollen, building material, dust;

• hypersensitivity to food containing dyes, preservatives, food and aromatic additives;

• helminthic infestations;

• non-healing wounds;

• diathesis, atopic or exudative dermatitis in children.

Symptoms of eczema

There are 4 stages in the development of eczema. First, there is redness of the skin and itching. In the second stage of the disease, rashes and vesicles with liquid appear, and in the third stage, bursting blisters turn into serous wells that secrete fluid. At the last, fourth, stage, the affected areas are covered with a dry crust of a gray-yellow color. At the same time, new foci may appear, gradually capturing more and more skin areas.

True, or idiopathic, eczema

The disease manifests itself in the form of reddening of the skin, swelling and itching. Then a rash appears, and the combed areas of the skin are covered with bubbles with liquid. They burst, the affected areas become weeping. Over time, dry crusts form, and the disease becomes chronic. The keratinized layer of the skin cracks and itches, causing insomnia. The skin may peel off and become covered with dark spots. Most often, the first signs appear in the upper body: on the head, arms and torso.

Mycotic and seborrheic eczema

Mycotic seborrhea is caused by an allergy to fungal infections such as thrush or ringworm. The course of the disease is like that of true eczema. The only difference is that the foci of inflammation have clear boundaries. Seborrheic eczema occurs on areas of the skin rich in sebaceous glands: on the scalp, cheeks, nasolabial folds, ears, chest area, between the shoulder blades. Signs – greasy, flaky spots of a yellowish-brown hue with a small rash.

Microbial eczema

The disease is provoked by various infections, most often by staphylococci and streptococci. Therefore, microbial eczema occurs at the site of skin damage: wounds, fistulas, trophic ulcers, etc. The disease manifests itself against the background of a decrease in immunity. Its course is exacerbated by the rapid multiplication of microbes. Weeping gray crusts thicken, pus may appear. The infection spreads to healthy skin. The course of the disease is accompanied by severe itching.

Dysgotic eczema

Lesions are concentrated in areas of skin thickening – on the palms and soles of the feet. Therefore, the symptoms are mild. Bursting vesicles quickly transform into layered purulent crusts. If untreated, the rash spreads to the back of the hands, feet, and other parts of the legs. There are trophic changes in the nails. The transition of dysgotic eczema to true is possible.

Sycosiform eczema

A distinctive feature of the disease is a rash riddled with hairs. It occurs against the background of inflammation of the hair follicles. Sycosiform eczema mainly affects the area of ​​the mustache, chin, pubis, armpits, but can spread beyond them. There is severe itching. A new weeping eruption and flaky crusts continually appear.

Infantile eczema

Lesions first appear on the face and scalp. If left untreated, they spread to the lower parts of the body. The symptoms are the same as with true eczema. Causes – unformed immunity, hereditary predisposition, artificial feeding, violation of hygiene rules, hypersensitivity to various products. In addition, the disease can develop if the child is often sick with tonsillitis, SARS or otitis media.

Less common types of skin inflammation

It is not uncommon for eczema to develop in breastfeeding women and in food, chemical, or pharmaceutical workers. In the second case, it is called professional. Rashes and itching occur on exposed parts of the body that come into contact with the allergen. Eczema of the nipples in women is characterized by foci of a crimson hue in the form of crusts and scales. They get wet and crack. The reason is violations of the rules of feeding the child and complications of scabies.

Examination at Formula Health Clinic

Diagnosis of eczema is based on examination of the patient by a dermatologist. It is important to exclude scabies and trichophytosis. If necessary, the patient will be consulted by a nutritionist, immunologist and allergist. The doctor prescribes a comprehensive examination:

Treatment

It is possible to avoid eczema in a child if you follow the rules of hygiene, wash things only with baby powder, and follow a healthy diet. Adults are advised to give up bad habits, avoid stress, do not wear tight clothes or shoes. The room should be cleaned only with rubber gloves. Patients of the “Formula Health Clinic” are prescribed treatment based on laboratory tests. Its goal is to eliminate the cause of the disease and stop the symptoms.

Therapeutic treatments for eczema:

1. General treatment. Eliminate all negative factors affecting the patient’s skin. Prescribe a diet that strengthens the immune system. The diet should include foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Exclude conservation, salty, fatty, fried and spicy foods. In severe cases, a 10% solution of calcium chloride or sodium thiosulfate is administered intravenously daily. To relieve itching, prescribe antihistamines. As an antioxidant, 5% ascorbic acid is used. It is administered intramuscularly. In the later stages, Retinol is prescribed, which accelerates skin renewal.

2. Topical treatment. The affected areas of the skin are cleaned daily with neutral soap, dried with sterile wipes and treated with 70% alcohol. Antimicrobial astringent solutions are used as lotions at stages 1 and 2 of the disease. To relieve severe itching, the rash is treated with Novocaine. Impose bandages with hormonal ointments. To accelerate wound healing, hormonal ointments are used.

Seek medical attention at the first sign of eczema. Do not self-medicate. Otherwise, various complications are possible: stretch marks, thinning of the skin, the addition of a secondary infection, worsening of the general condition and sleep disturbance. If the disease is not treated at all, the foci of inflammation will increase. Contact a dermatologist at the Formula Health clinic to undergo a comprehensive diagnosis and get rid of eczema forever.

Eczema and other immunologically mediated dermatoses: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment of eczema and other immunologically mediated dermatoses

The concept of “ dermatosis ” includes a huge group of skin diseases. They have different causes and symptoms. More than 2000 dermatoses are known. These diseases can equally occur in both adults and children (regardless of gender). The most common are eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis. Other immunologically mediated dermatoses include: allergic urticaria, strophulus (or pruritus), Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Lyell’s syndrome – the most severe forms of allergic dermatoses.

Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is an inflammatory chronic skin disease of allergic origin with frequent exacerbations, which is accompanied by redness and rashes in the form of vesicles with itching and burning.

There are three forms of eczema:

• Acute (weeping eczema) – up to 3 months
• Subacute – 3 to 6 months
• Chronic (dry eczema) – more than 6 months

Classification of eczema:

• True (idiopathic)
• Seborrheic
• Microbial eczema, which also includes:
  • varicose,
  • eczema of the nipples and areolas in women,
  • paratraumatic,
  • mycotic,
  • nummular (plaque),
  • eczema of the external auditory canal,
  • eczema folds
• Professional
• Children’s
• Dyshidrotic

Symptoms of disease

The causes of eczema are varied. This includes genetic predisposition, weakened immunity, a tendency to allergic reactions, exposure to harmful substances (professional factors), stress, household chemicals, diseases of the digestive system, endocrine diseases, abrasions, wounds and a number of other factors.

Typical symptoms of atopic dermatitis:

• Redness and dryness of the skin, which may crack and burst
• Severe itching and burning
• Possible increase in temperature during an exacerbation

Eczema can spread throughout the body or be patchy.

How dangerous it is

In children (especially at an early age), in the absence of timely and correctly prescribed treatment of eczema, in some cases, other diseases can join the disease, resulting in a fatal outcome! In adults, if untreated, the disease can go into a chronic stage, which is almost impossible to cure.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics includes:

• Medical examination
• Blood tests
• Allergy testing
• Immunological examination

Specialists dealing with the problem.

• Allergist
• Dermatologist
• Immunologist

You can make an appointment with specialists and undergo a complete examination in Moscow at the NCC Clinic No.