What You Need to Know About Eczema

Eczema is incredibly common, but this medical condition is still widely misunderstood. Some people may even be experiencing symptoms like red, itchy skin, without realizing they have the disease — or knowing that it can be treated. But with October designated as Eczema Awareness Month, it’s a good time to take a closer look at this condition and learn about what eczema sufferers can do to get relief.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a medical condition that causes your skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed. Symptoms can be different from person to person, but common symptoms include itchy skin; dry skin that can become cracked and scaly; red or brown patches on the skin; and raised bumps, which may leak fluid or become crusty. People with eczema often can’t help scratching or rubbing their itchy skin, which in turn can cause their skin to become even more raw and swollen. Because it’s a chronic condition, people with eczema live with it long-term, with symptoms flaring up from time to time.

Eczema is very common. More than 31 million people in the U.S. have eczema — around one in 10 Americans — and it affects people of all ethnicities and skin colors. It’s often thought of as a childhood disease, and it’s most common in young children, but it can also affect adults. In fact, around a quarter of adults with eczema first experienced symptoms in adulthood. While some people may grow out of eczema, others do not. For some, eczema is a lifelong struggle.

Fighting the Stigma:

In addition to uncomfortable physical symptoms, many people with eczema also deal with shame and stigma. Other people may not want to touch or be near them for fear of “catching” the disease, and they may feel embarrassed about their frequent itching, or the way their skin looks. Some people with eczema may try to cover up or hide problem areas with layers of clothing.

Scientists still haven’t figured out exactly what causes eczema or why some people get it and others don’t, but one thing is clear: it’s not contagious. And while there’s no cure for eczema, there are steps people can take to reduce outbreaks and minimize symptoms.

What You Can Do:

If you have eczema, you don’t have to suffer. There are several things you can do to prevent flare-ups and keep uncomfortable symptoms to a minimum. First, try to identify the things that seem to trigger your symptoms, and avoid them. Certain foods, soaps, detergents, pollen, dust, and even sweat can cause a flare-up, and many eczema sufferers say their symptoms get worse with stress. Triggers can be different for everyone, so keep a journal to help you pinpoint the biggest culprits.

Take a look at your bathing and self-care routines. Dry skin often contributes to problems, so limit your baths or showers to 10 minutes, and try to bathe in water that’s warm, not hot. Use a gentle soap or body wash that won’t strip natural oils and dry out your skin, and moisturize your skin with lotion at least twice a day. When you get out of the bath, gently pat yourself dry with a soft towel to avoid irritating the skin.

Options for Severe Eczema:

For people with moderate to severe eczema symptoms, a bleach bath may provide some relief. Adding bleach to your bath water can help reduce bacteria and inflammation, and prevent irritated skin from becoming infected, but it’s important to use the right amount to avoid drying out your skin and making problems worse. Use a half-cup of bleach for a full tub of water and never apply bleach directly to your skin.

While many people can reduce their symptoms by self-treating eczema at home, sometimes you may need a doctor’s help to see real improvement. If your itchiness is interfering with your sleep or activities most days of the week, if your eczema seems to be spreading or getting worse, or if the time between flare-ups is getting shorter, make an appointment with your dermatologist. In addition to over-the-counter treatments, your doctor can prescribe topical or oral medication to help address the problem.

Using RxSaver is an easy way to find possible coupons on eczema medications like Imuran, Cellcept, and triamcinolone diacetate lotion.

Eczema can significantly affect someone’s quality of life, both physically and emotionally, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With treatment and self-care, you can get relief for eczema symptoms and reduce flare-ups. And by learning more and sharing information about this condition, you can help reduce the stigma for people living with eczema.