Eczema 101: Common Triggers, Skin Care Tips & When to See a Dermatologist

Eczema is a common skin problem which makes the skin dry, itchy, inflamed and uncomfortable.

Sometimes flare-ups of eczema could be brought on by weather changes, sweating, harsh soaps, stress or specific products.

In this blog, we shall learn about common eczema triggers, skin care tips and know when to see a dermatologist for eczema treatment in Ajmer.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that makes the skin dry, itchy, inflamed and uncomfortable. The symptoms of eczema could vary from person to person as some people might have only dry skin whereas others might have severe flare-ups that disrupt their daily activities.

Though eczema is commonly known as dry skin, it is important to understand that dry skin problems aren't the only issues that eczema stands for. Diagnosis is important since a number of skin conditions may share similar symptoms.

Common Symptoms Of Eczema

Common symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry, rough skin
• Itchiness
• Red, inflamed and irritated skin
• Peeling or scaling skin
• Skin cracks and sensitiveness
• Thickened skin due to chronic scratching

Chronic itchiness and irritation shouldn't be ignored; it is better to get your skin examined by a professional rather than continuously trying over-the-counter creams and lotions.

What Can Trigger An Eczema Flare-Up?

Eczema triggers could be different for everybody, though the common triggers for eczema flare-ups include:

1. Dry Weather

Dry weather could make your skin dry and itchy.

2. Sweat

Sweating and heat could irritate sensitive skin.

3. Harsh Soaps

Harsh soaps and topical products could irritate sensitive skin.

4. Stress

Even though stress doesn't bring on eczema flare-ups directly, still for some people, stress is a major trigger factor.

5. Scratching

Though scratching provides momentary relief, excessive scratching could irritate the skin further.

6. Itchy Fabrics

Scratchy or rough fabrics could irritate the skin. Wearing comfortable cotton clothes is recommended for patients with eczema.

Everyday Skin Care Tips For People With Eczema

Caring for the skin on a daily basis is extremely important for eczema patients in order to avoid flare-ups. Here are some basic skin care tips that could help you keep your eczema at bay:

1. Moisturize The Skin

It is essential to moisturize the skin regularly and religiously.

2. Take Short Showers

Hot showers or prolonged showers could lead to severe dryness of the skin.

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Using products that contain irritants or scents should be avoided.

4. Avoid Scratching The Skin

Since scratching breaks the skin and causes a flare-up, it is better to avoid it at all costs.

5. Identify Personal Triggers

It is important to keep a tab on personal eczema triggers; for instance, if eczema flare-ups are seasonal, then it is important to keep the skin protected from the harsh elements of nature.

When Should I Get My Skin Checked For Eczema?

It is always advisable to get your skin checked by a professional in the following scenarios:

• When the itching becomes unbearable
• When flare-ups of eczema recur frequently
• When the skin becomes sore or inflamed
• When cracks, pimples, infections or fluid oozing are observed
• When flare-ups start affecting the quality of life
• When regular home remedies don't provide any relief

A dermatologist could examine the skin and determine whether it's eczema or something else. Once the problem is diagnosed, he/she could recommend a treatment plan, depending on the severity of the problem.

Eczema Treatment In Ajmer

If repeated itchiness, dryness, redness, skin irritation and discomfort is affecting your life, don't hesitate seeking professional help to understand what exactly is happening with your skin.

Dr Ankit Mehra, MD (Skin & VD), Ajmer has expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin problems. His skin clinic in Ajmer offers complete dermatology treatment for all kinds of skin disorders. Instead of experimenting on your own with skin care products, it is advisable to get a dermatological opinion from a skin specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is eczema completely curable?
With proper skin care and treatment, eczema could be brought under control.

2. Can eczema be contagious?
No, eczema isn't contagious and it cannot be spread from one person to another.

3. Can hot weather aggravate eczema?
Yes, hot weather could have an adverse effect on eczema.

4. Are there any specific moisturizers for eczema?
Moisturizers differ based on skin type and for sensitive skin, fragrance free moisturizers are recommended. However, it is best to consult your dermatologist for suitable topical products.

5. Should I scratch eczema?
Avoid scratching eczema as much as possible since it could cause damage to the skin.

6. When should I consult a dermatologist for eczema?
If your eczema is affecting your quality of life, you should definitely get it checked by a skin specialist.

Final Thoughts

Eczema can be quite frustrating, especially when redness, itchiness and discomfort start showing up again and again. With proper care and treatment, it is possible to manage eczema effectively.

Basic skin care tips such as regular moisturizing, protecting the skin from the sun, avoiding harsh soaps and other irritants, and being extra careful about personal eczema triggers could help you manage eczema flare-ups.