If you or a loved one is suffering from inflamed, red, and itchy skin, you might be struggling with eczema—a widespread but usually poorly understood skin disorder. With millions of eczema sufferers worldwide, from babies to grown-ups, no one should suffer in silence any longer. However, even though how prevalent it is, most people are still in the dark regarding its causes, symptoms, and how to control it properly.
This article offers a concise description of eczema, its types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options, with professional input from Dr. Joshika ShettyofTwaksh Advanced Skin & hair clinic
What Is Eczema?
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a long-lasting inflammatory skin condition that results in dry, scaly, and irritated skin. It is not an infectious disease, but it can be distressing, emotionally painful, and sometimes hard to treat.
Eczema is a hypersensitivity reaction in which the natural barrier of the skin is broken down, causing loss of moisture and heightened sensitivity to irritants and allergens.
Common Causes of Eczema
The cause of eczema is not yet fully known, but it is thought to be genetic and environmental in origin. Some common triggers and contributing factors are:
- Genetics: If your family members have eczema, asthma, or allergies, you’re at higher risk of developing it.
- Allergens: Flare-ups can be brought on by dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold.
- Irritants: Soaps, detergents, artificial fabrics, and perfumes can irritate the skin.
- Climate: Cold, dry air or too much heat and humidity can make symptoms worse.
- Stress: Emotional stress is a recognized trigger for eczema in children and adults.
- Food Allergies: In certain individuals, foods such as dairy, eggs, or nuts can lead to flare-ups.
Dr. Joshika Shetty, dermatologist at Tvaksh Advanced Skin & Hair Clinic, says, “Identifying and avoiding triggers is one of the most important steps in managing eczema. Every patient is different, and treatment should be tailored to individual needs.”
Symptoms of Eczema
Symptoms of eczema will differ for each individual, and will also differ in presentation by age and severity. Some usual signs include:
- Dry, cracked, or scaly skin
- Itchy skin, intense in many cases and worse at night
- Red to brownish-gray patches, most often on hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, elbows, and knees
- Small, raised bumps that leak fluid when scratched
- Thickened, sensitive, or raw skin from frequent scratching
In infants, eczema is usually on the face and scalp, whereas in older kids and adults, it is in folds in the skin such as elbows, knees, and neck.
Diagnosis and When to See a Dermatologist
If you have recurring itching or rashes, it is worth taking a visit to an expert dermatologist. Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination and history taking. Patch testing can be performed in some instances to determine individual allergens.
Tvaksh Advanced Skin & Hair Clinic patients enjoy individualized care in which Dr. Joshika Shetty examines not just the skin condition but also the patient’s lifestyle, diet, and triggers to create an integrated treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Eczema
There is no cure for eczema, but symptoms can be successfully controlled with proper care. Treatment options may incorporate:
- Topical Corticosteroids
These are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat inflammation and itching during flare-ups.
- Moisturizers (Emollients)
Use of fragrance-free moisturizers every day is essential to maintain hydration and a healthy skin barrier.
- Antihistamines
These can help alleviate itching and sleep disturbances if itching is bad during the night.
- Immunomodulators
For severe to moderate eczema, drugs that control immune function (such as tacrolimus) may be prescribed.
- Lifestyle Changes
Avoiding identified triggers, dressing in soft clothes, employing gentle cleansers, and stress reduction are essential.
- Sophisticated Therapies
In serious cases, phototherapy or biologic drugs can be suggested by experts such as Dr. Joshika Shetty.
Living with Eczema: A Long-Term Approach
Eczema is chronic, but most people have very long periods of remission if they take good care of themselves. Knowing your triggers, being consistent with your skincare routine, and having a savvy dermatologist on hand can be a game-changer.
If you’re struggling with eczema and are unsure where to begin, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Joshika Shetty at Tvaksh Advanced Skin & Hair Clinic. With expert diagnosis and a customized treatment plan, managing eczema becomes far more achievable.