Symptoms

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) symptoms can appear anywhere on the body and vary widely from person to person. They may include:

• Dry, cracked skin
• Itchiness (pruritus)
• Rash on swollen skin that varies in color depending on your skin color
• Small, raised bumps, on brown or black skin
• Oozing and crusting
• Thickened skin
• Darkening of the skin around the eyes
• Raw, sensitive skin from scratching

Atopic dermatitis often begins before age 5 and may continue into the teen and adult years. For some people, it flares and then clears up for a time, even for several years.

When to See a Doctor

Talk with a healthcare provider if:

• The condition is so uncomfortable that it affects sleep and daily activities
• There is a skin infection, look for new streaks, pus, yellow scabs
• Symptoms persist even after trying self-care steps

Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child has a fever and the rash looks infected.

Causes

• In some people, atopic dermatitis is related to a gene variation that affects the skin’s ability to provide protection. With a weak barrier function, the skin is less able to retain moisture and protect against bacteria, irritants, allergens, and environmental factors such as tobacco smoke.
• In other people, atopic dermatitis is caused by too much of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus on the skin. This displaces helpful bacteria and disrupts the skin’s barrier function.
• A weak skin barrier function might also trigger an immune system response that causes inflamed skin and other symptoms.

Risk Factors

The main risk factor for atopic dermatitis is having had eczema, allergies, hay fever, or asthma in the past. Having family members with these conditions also increases your risk.

Complications

Complications of atopic dermatitis (eczema) may include:

• Asthma and Hay Fever: Many people with atopic dermatitis develop asthma and hay fever. This can happen before or after developing atopic dermatitis.
• Food Allergies: People with atopic dermatitis often develop food allergies. One of the main symptoms of this condition is hives (urticaria).
• Chronic Itchy, Scaly Skin: A skin condition called neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus) starts with a patch of itchy skin. Scratching makes the skin itchier and can cause it to become discolored, thick, and leathery.
• Patches of Skin That’s Darker or Lighter Than the Surrounding Area: This complication, after the rash has healed, is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. It’s more common in people with brown or black skin. It might take several months for the discoloration to fade.
• Skin Infections: Repeated scratching that breaks the skin can cause open sores and cracks. These increase the risk of infection from bacteria and viruses.
• Irritant Hand Dermatitis: This especially affects people whose hands are often wet and exposed to harsh soaps, detergents, and disinfectants at work.
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: This condition is common in people with atopic dermatitis. Allergic contact dermatitis is an itchy rash caused by touching substances you’re allergic to. The color of the rash varies depending on your skin color.
• Sleep Problems: The itchiness of atopic dermatitis can interfere with sleep.
• Mental Health Conditions: Atopic dermatitis is associated with depression and anxiety, possibly related to the constant itching and sleep problems common among people with atopic dermatitis.

Prevention

Developing a basic skincare routine may help prevent eczema flares. The following tips may help reduce the drying effects of bathing:

• Moisturize Your Skin at Least Twice a Day: Moisturizing creams like Metabase Cream seal in moisture. Choose a product or products that work well for you.
• Take a Daily Bath or Shower: Use warm, rather than hot, water and limit your bath or shower to about 10 minutes.
• Use a Gentle, Non-Soap Cleanser: For young children, you usually need only warm water to get them clean. Soap can be especially irritating to the skin of young children. Don’t scrub the skin with a washcloth or loofah.
• Pat Dry: After bathing, gently pat the skin with a soft towel. Apply moisturizer like Metabase Cream while your skin is still damp (within three minutes).

Eczema Triggers

The triggers for atopic dermatitis vary widely from person to person. Try to identify and avoid irritants that trigger your eczema. In general, avoid anything that causes an itch because scratching often triggers a flare. Common triggers for atopic dermatitis include:

• Rough wool fabric
• Dry skin
• Skin infection
• Heat and sweat
• Stress
• Cleaning products
• Dust mites and pet dander
• Mold
• Pollen
• Smoke from tobacco
• Cold and dry air
• Fragrances
• Other irritating chemicals

Infants and children may have flares triggered by eating certain foods, such as eggs and cow’s milk. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about identifying potential food allergies. Once you understand what triggers your eczema, talk with your healthcare provider about how to manage your symptoms and prevent flares.

FAQ

Does taking long showers trigger or treat eczema?

• Water can be the best treatment for many skin conditions if you:
  • Take lukewarm showers.
  • Avoid soap or use only mild soap.
  • Avoid rubbing your skin with coarse towels and loofahs.
  • Moisturize your skin immediately after a shower with Metabase Cream.
  • Avoid all kinds of soaps when your skin is irritated.
  • It is best to take your showers in the evening to maintain skin moisture for as long as possible.
  • Moisturize your hands after every wash.
  • Wear cotton gloves to maintain the moisture of your hands.
  • Avoid long and daily showers as these can cause dry skin.

How can I relieve itching?

• Make sure you wear cotton clothes as these can allow your skin to breathe. Avoid synthetics and wool, which can easily irritate your skin.
• Wash new colored clothes before wearing them to remove residue dye.
• Clip your nails.
• Moisturize your skin regularly with Metabase Cream.
• Sleep in a colder room.
• If you find that your child is itching, distract them.
• Cover your baby’s hands with cotton gloves during sleep.

Is it true that adding bleach (e.g., chlorine), salt, oatmeal, vinegar, or baking soda to bath water cures eczema?

• Adding these substances does not treat eczema. On the other hand, using moisturizers like Metabase Cream on your body after showering while your skin is wet can be beneficial.

Myths & Truths

Eczema is contagious.

Truth: Eczema is not a contagious condition.