Eczema is an umbrella term for a group of skin conditions that result in dry, itchy, flaky, and red rashes. Some of the most common variants of eczema include atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and dyshidrotic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It typically begins in childhood, but it can also present later in life. Most young children will outgrow atopic dermatitis by school age; however, some will deal with this condition throughout their life. It is often associated with allergies and asthma, and it can range from mild to severe.
Allergic contact dermatitis is eczema triggered by an allergen. In the U.S., common contact allergens include nickel, cobalt, fragrances, parabens, formaldehyde, neomycin, bacitracin, and methylisothiazolinone. However, this is a limited list, and there are hundreds of possible culprits. A dermatologist or an allergist can perform specialized testing to help find the trigger in many cases.
Dyshidrotic dermatitis occurs on the hands as small, itchy blisters and papules. The sides of the fingers and palms are the most common locations, but feet may be involved as well. This condition tends to flare with the changing of seasons, excessive sweating, and irritants.
While treatment does differ based on the root cause and the subtype of eczema, common principles focus on moisturization and restoring the skin barrier. A thick, bland emollient, such as vaseline, is the best moisturizer for dry skin. If the greasy feel is bothersome, the next best moisturizer is a thick cream product without added fragrance, such as CeraVe Cream. Short, daily baths and showers, no longer than 10 minutes, in luke-warm water help prevent excessive loss of oils and lipids from the skin surface. A sensitive skin bar soap is preferred over a body wash.
For moderate to severe eczema, a consultation with a dermatologist is recommended. Eczema can be debilitating and reduce a patient’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are now many great options to treat eczema. By practicing gentle skin care and discussing a tailored plan with a dermatologist, clear skin and an improved quality of life are attainable.
Meet the Author
Ali Lemmons, BS, Summa Cum Laude
Ali Lemmons is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication with a minor in computer science. While at UTC, Ali also earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude, the Outstanding Senior Award for the communication department, and was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society. Now, as editor/digital content specialist for CMC Publications and Digital Smart Marketing, Ali leads the ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia. She also is the lead copywriter for the company’s social media sites.
