Eczema Treatment: Causes, Symptoms and Effective Solutions

Eczema is a chronic skin disease that manifests itself with symptoms such as dryness of the skin, itching, redness and crusting. Eczema, known in medical terms as atopic dermatitis, is associated with a weakening of the immune system and skin barrier, causing inflammation and irritation on the skin. This condition, which can be seen in both children and adults, has a structure that can flare up and heal from time to time. Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü, a dermatologist in Adana, aims to relieve symptoms and restore skin health by offering solutions to her patients with up-to-date and effective methods in the treatment of eczema. In this article, you can find comprehensive information about the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of eczema.

1. What is Eczema?

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic skin disease that occurs as a result of the weakening of the skin's protective barrier. The weakening of the skin barrier causes the skin to lose moisture and become sensitive to external factors. Eczema usually manifests itself with itchy and inflamed rashes and is characterized by dryness, cracking and redness of the skin. Although atopic dermatitis often begins in childhood, it can continue in adults or occur at later ages.

2. Causes of Eczema

The exact cause of eczema is not known, but it is thought to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Eczema develops as a result of a complex interaction between the immune system, skin barrier, and environmental triggers.

Genetic Predisposition

Eczema is more common in individuals with a family history of atopic diseases (e.g. asthma, allergic rhinitis). Genetic predisposition can cause the skin barrier to be weak, making the skin more sensitive to external factors.

Immune System

Eczema is associated with an overreaction of the body's immune system. The immune system overreacts to allergens that are normally harmless, causing inflammation and itching on the skin.

Environmental Factors

Eczema can be triggered by environmental factors. Dry air, cold air, irritants such as pollen, dust, detergents and soaps can cause eczema to flare up. Stress is also a major factor that triggers eczema flare-ups.

Allergic Reactions

Certain foods and substances (such as milk, eggs, dust mites, pollens) can trigger eczema symptoms. Allergic reactions can cause itching, redness and rashes on the skin.

3. What are the symptoms of eczema?

The symptoms of eczema can vary from person to person and may vary depending on the severity of the disease. Common symptoms of eczema are listed below:

• Intense itching: The most common symptom of eczema is intense itching on the skin. Itching may increase at night and may result in the urge to scratch the skin.
• Redness and inflammation: Eczema causes redness, swelling and inflamed rashes on the skin. Inflamed skin can become sensitive and painful.
• Dry and scaly skin: During eczema, the skin becomes dry, flaky and crusty. Dryness may be more pronounced, especially in joint areas.
• Skin cracks and leaks: In advanced stages, the skin may crack and pus may leak. This may increase the risk of infection.
• Thickened skin: The skin may thicken and harden in areas that are itchy and irritated. This condition is called lichenification.

4. Types of Eczema

There are different types of eczema, and each can have different triggers and symptoms. The most common types of eczema are:

Atopic Dermatitis

This is the most common type of eczema. It usually begins in childhood and manifests itself with itching, dryness and redness of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is associated with allergic reactions and genetic factors.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin is exposed to irritants or allergens. Soaps, detergents, chemicals or metals such as nickel are the triggers of this type of eczema.

Discoid Eczema

Discoid eczema appears as round, coin-shaped lesions and is usually seen on the legs, arms, and trunk. This type of eczema is more common in areas where the skin is dry and itchy.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis occurs in areas where the sebaceous glands are dense, such as the scalp, face, and chest. It is characterized by oily, scaly skin and is associated with dandruff.

Stasis Dermatitis

This type of eczema occurs on the legs due to poor circulation. This condition, which is especially seen in individuals with varicose veins, manifests itself with redness, itching and swelling in the legs.

5. Can Eczema Be Treated?

Although there is no definitive treatment for eczema, the symptoms of the disease can be controlled and flare-ups can be prevented. Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü aims to improve skin health by creating individual treatment plans that suit the needs of her patients in eczema treatment.

6. Eczema Treatment Methods

Eczema treatment varies depending on the type of disease, severity and the patient's lifestyle. Treatment methods are aimed at controlling symptoms and reducing itching and inflammation.

Topical Corticosteroids

Commonly used in the treatment of eczema, corticosteroid creams quickly relieve inflammation and itching. These creams are applied to inflamed areas of the skin to reduce redness and irritation. Corticosteroids are used for short periods under the supervision of a doctor.

Moisturizing Creams

Keeping the skin moist is one of the most important parts of eczema treatment. Moisturizing creams strengthen the skin barrier, prevent the skin from drying out and relieve itching. Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü helps her patients maintain healthy skin by recommending moisturizers suitable for their skin types.

Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors

For patients who do not want to use corticosteroids or who need long-term treatment, calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., tacrolimus and pimecrolimus) are an effective alternative. These drugs control inflammation in the skin by reducing the immune system's overreaction.

Antihistamines

antihistamines can be used to relieve itching caused by eczema. It is an effective solution especially for patients who have trouble sleeping due to itching at night.

Phototherapy (Light Therapy)

Phototherapy is a treatment method used in severe forms of eczema. By exposing the skin to controlled UVB rays, the immune system's overreaction is reduced and skin inflammation is brought under control.

Antibiotics

The skin can become infected during eczema. In this case, antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics prevent infection and accelerate skin healing.

7. Recommendations for Managing Eczema at Home

In addition to eczema treatment, some measures that can be taken at home can also help manage the disease. Uzm. Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü offers the following suggestions for managing eczema at home:

• Moisturize the skin regularly: Using a moisturizer is very important in the treatment of eczema. Keeping the skin moist reduces dryness and itching.
• Avoid hot baths: Hot water can dry the skin. Short showers with lukewarm water should be preferred.
• Use gentle soaps: Chemical-free, gentle and moisturizing soaps should be preferred.
• Wear cotton clothes: Cotton and soft fabrics do not irritate the skin. Synthetic and wool clothing should be avoided.
• Stress management: Stress can trigger eczema flare-ups. Stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation and regular exercise are recommended.

8. Psychological Effects of Eczema

Eczema can cause not only physical but also psychological problems in patients. Severe itchingı, redness and skin appearance can cause loss of self-confidence and social anxiety. Chronic eczema patients may experience psychological problems such as depression and anxiety. Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü helps her patients cope with the disease by providing not only physical treatment but also psychological support.

9. The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Eczema

When eczema is diagnosed early and controlled with the right treatment methods, symptoms can be alleviated and the skin can heal. When symptoms such as itching, redness and dryness are noticed, it is important to see a dermatologist without delay in order to prevent the disease from progressing.

Adana Specialist Dr. Hatice Coşkun Güngördü offers effective solutions to improve skin health and relieve symptoms by offering personalized treatment plans to her patients in the treatment of eczema. You can contact our clinic for more information about eczema and treatment options.