Eczema is the term for a group of conditions that cause dry, irritated skin. The most common form is atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis). This causes skin to become dry, sore, itchy and cracked. It can affect any part of the body, face or scalp. The exact cause isn’t known, but there are usually multiple triggers. There’s no cure for eczema, but it can be treated and managed with emollients (moisturising skincare ingredients) that soften, soothe, hydrate and protect.
What are the symptoms of Eczema?
Frustratingly with eczema there are periods of time that symptoms improve, followed by periods that are worse due to flare-ups. Flare-ups can occur at any time and as often as 2-3 times per month.
Eczema can occur all over the body, but is most common on the hands, inside of the elbows and backs on knees, but adults can suffer with eczema on the face and scalp.
Inflamed skin can become red on lighter skin, and darker brown, or purple on darker skin. Eczema can also be harder to identify on darker skin.
Scratching is very common when the skin becomes irritated and sore, this can disturb sleep, make the skin bleed and cause secondary infections. When itching takes place on the skin it heightens the need to itch and a cycle of itching and regular scratching occurs. This can lead to lack of sleep and effect daily routines such as work.
Due to the skin being irritated it is often common to notice the skin turns slightly darker in the infected area, this also can be noticed to turn lighter once the flare-up has improved. Eventually skin tone will return to normal.
Signs of infected skin:
- Your eczema is getting worse
- Fluid is beginning to ooze from the skin
- A yellow crust is forming on the skin or yellow/white spots are appearing on the eczema
- Your skin is swelling and sore
- If you are effected by any of these concerns seek advice from your GP
Because of the temptation to itch, it is important to use emollients and hydrators to stop the skin drying out and becoming itchier. This will help to stop the skin thickening as a result of chronic scratching, and decreases the risk to your skin becoming infected and scarred.
Try to reduce scratching maybe use a rubbing technic to avoid breaking the surface of the skin.
Do not use any creams on broken skin unless advised by your GP. If a product causes reaction, please stop using immediately.
If you’re unsure if a product/ingredients is right for you, please speak to you GP.
For more information regarding a skin routine, please book a 1-1 virtual consultation with one of our Skin Experts.
