Eczema

Read on to discover

Understanding Eczema: Causes, Types, and Management

What Is Eczema?

What Causes Eczema?

What Causes Atopic Eczema?

What Causes Contact Dermatitis?

How do you prevent and manage eczema?

 How does Sudocrem^® Antiseptic Healing Cream treat eczema?

What Is Eczema?

Eczema covers a series of inflammatory skin disorders which cause itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches and in some cases blisters and skin infections.

There are several types of eczema, each of which has distinct triggers and characteristics:

• Atopic Dermatitis: The most common form of eczema, often running in families and frequently associated with asthma and hay fever. It typically appears in the creases of body joints, such as elbows and knees, and can affect other areas.
• Contact Dermatitis: This type results from exposure to an allergen or irritant and affects approximately 9% of the UK population³. The skin becomes inflamed where contact has occurred.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema: Characterized by small, intensely itchy water blisters on the hands and feet, particularly on the sides of fingers and soles.
• Discoid Eczema: More commonly found in adults, this type features distinctive round or oval lesions that can be extremely itchy, especially at night.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: This condition causes a red, flaky, itchy rash primarily affecting the scalp, face, and chest. It appears in both infants (where it’s known as cradle cap) and adults.
• Varicose Eczema: Commonly occurs in individuals with varicose veins, typically on the legs. The skin becomes itchy, swollen, and irritated, often turning flaky, scaly, or crusty.

Alongside the painful physical symptoms, many children and adults experience related sleeplessness, anxiety, depression and other mental health problems as a result.

What Causes Atopic Eczema?

Atopic eczema often runs in families and usually starts in childhood, although it can appear at any age. It usually gets better as children get older, but can become a chronic (long-term) condition, reoccurring into adulthood.

It causes dry, reddened or darkened skin that may be very itchy, scaly or cracked. Eczema can appear red on white skin or a darker brown, purple or grey on brown and black skin.

You may feel a constant urge to scratch, which can aggravate the condition and split the skin, which may lead to infection, causing weeping eczema with yellow crusts.

Some of the most common causes of atopic eczema include:

• Overactive immune system: An irritant or allergen from outside the body, can switch on our immune system (our bodies natural defence mechanism) causing inflammation of the skin, which can lead to eczema.
• Genetics: Eczema can run in families thanks to a genetic component. Our bodies naturally produce a protein called filaggrin which helps to moisturise and hydrate skin. Some of us have a filaggrin deficiency, which can lead to drier skin, making us more susceptible to developing eczema.
• Environment: Contact with environmental irritants, such as soaps, detergents and other household irritants or allergens can lead to an eczema flare up

How do you prevent and manage eczema?

There is no cure for eczema and with so much information available on how to treat eczema, it can often be overwhelming and confusing, not knowing which way to turn or which treatment will work best for you.

Treatments range from over-the-counter creams to prescription medicines, as well as alternative therapies including cryotherapy, meditation and acupuncture.

While eczema can be extremely uncomfortable and frustrating, there are steps you can take to manage eczema flare-ups including:

• Avoid exposure to triggers: Knowing your triggers will help minimise the risk if flare-ups occurring
• Implement a daily bathing and moisturising routine: Keeping skin clean and hydrated will help maintain its barrier function and overall health
• Topical Treatments: Sudocrem^® Antiseptic Healing Cream is licensed to treat eczema, reducing inflammation.
• Avoid scratching: Resist the urge to scratch no matter how hard it might be. Constant scratching can irritate the skin further increasing the risk of infection

Remember to always consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist for personalised recommendations – as no two people have the same experience of eczema.