eczema: do you know the signs?

while there is no cure for eczema, symptoms can be avoided by identifying and steering clear of the triggers that result in flare-ups.

by dave yasvinski

published may 06, 2022

last updated feb 20, 2023

4 minute read

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4 minute read

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eczema is a hereditary condition and not contagious but there is no cure and flare-ups can take a heavy toll on quality of life. getty

eczema refers to a group chronic inflammatory diseases that cause the surface of the skin to become red and itchy. the most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis, is characterized by patches of fluid-filled bumps that can ooze or become scaly and hard. the hereditary condition is not contagious but there is no cure and flare-ups can take a heavy toll on quality of life, according to the eczema society of canada. treatment for the disease, which usually begins in childhood but can appear at any age, focuses on providing relief from itching and preventing new outbreaks from occurring.

symptoms of eczema

not every patient has the same experience with eczema but symptoms typically include dry, itchy skin that may worsen at night, according to the mayo clinic. red or greyish patches can form anywhere on the skin but most commonly appear on the hands, feet, wrists, ankles, upper chest, neck, eyelids and inside the bends of the elbows and knees. infants may experience these patches on the face and scalp. small, raised bumps can also form and leak fluid when the area is scratched or broken. skin may thicken, crack or grow scaly in affected areas or become swollen and sensitive from excessive scratching.

diagnosing eczema

eczema is generally diagnosed by examining the skin and reviewing a patient’s family history. sometimes, patch testing may be used to rule out other skin diseases or identify conditions that may occur alongside eczema.

treating eczema

most forms of the disease require a combination of treatments and medications that depend on what works best for a particular patient, according to the canadian dermatology association. treatments may be required for months and years and, even if successful, do not guarantee the disease will not return later in life. the three main steps are: bathing and moisturizing to repair skin; using medications to reduce inflammation; and avoiding the triggers that lead to flare-ups. non-prescription medications can include antihistamines to help patients who are struggling to sleep, moisturizers and emollients that decrease dryness and increase comfort, bleach baths in warm water twice weekly, which may be helpful to patients prone to infections that worsen the disease, and cool compresses to help alleviate inflammation and itching.

if these measures don’t work to ease symptoms, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat secondary skin infections that occur when the barrier of the skin is broken by inflammation and scratching, corticosteroids to control inflammation, calcineurin inhibitors to reduce itchiness and prevent flare-ups, or phototherapy to reduce severe symptoms using uv light.

preventing eczema

while there is no cure for eczema, symptoms can be avoided by identifying and steering clear of the triggers that result in flare-ups. common triggers include certain soaps, clothing fabrics, deodorants, detergents, dust and pollen. in children, certain foods may contribute to episodes of the disease. even when triggers are vigorously avoided, however, flare-ups can still occur, sometimes as a result of overheating, excessive sweating, stress or anything else that may irritate the skin. the eczema society of canada recommends documenting any possible triggers when you experience a flare-up to help reduce the likelihood of a recurrence.

recent research has focused on the causes of the disease, with one study tying the occurrence of childhood eczema to the use of disinfectants during pregnancy. the study showed that children of mothers who were exposed to disinfectants every day faced a 29 per cent greater risk of developing the disease than children whose mothers had no exposure. another study found that allergens in the environment are often to blame intense itching and that antihistamines may not help because the itch signals travel to the brain via a previously unrecognized pathway that current drugs do not target.

prevalence of eczema

the canadian dermatology association estimates that up to 17 per cent of canadians will deal with atopic dermatitis at some point in their lives. the biggest barrier to managing the disease is adhering to treatment, with around three in four patients failing to follow the advice of their care providers.

support for eczema

eczema is a complex and often misunderstood disease that takes a toll on patients and caregivers alike. the eczema society of canada offers information, such as the latest news and research. if your child suffers from eczema, resources are available through global parents for eczema research, an organization founded and led by parents who are striving for a future in which no child suffers from the disease. and if you’re looking to speak to others who have been affected by eczema, you can find forums at talkhealth.

dave yasvinski is a toronto-based freelance writer.

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dave yasvinski

eczema: do you know the signs?