Eczema is the name given for a group of conditions that cause inflamed, itchy, rash-like skin. Eczema is so common that over thirty million Americans are living with eczema currently.

Eczema cannot be “caught” as it is not contagious, however, the exact cause is unknown. Eczema may develop from a mix of triggers in youth, teenage years, or even during adulthood due to genetic reasons (family history) or environmental factors.

Eczema exists in six types, including:

• Contact dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Nummular eczema
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Stasis Dermatitis
• Seborrheic dermatitis

The different symptoms include Inflamed, discolored skin that is dry, itchy, sensitive skin that may ooze pus or crust over becoming scaly in nature, forming rough, scaly patches of skin.

Common eczema triggers include:

1. Dry skin
When skin dries out, often due to weather, it can cause inflammation. Skin can dry out because of exposure to the sun, hot showers, or winter weather. Too much moisture, or humidity, also can cause dry skin and trigger eczema. Fragrances in perfumes, laundry detergent, body soap or lotions should also be considered potential irritants if you have eczema. Also beware of skin exposure to some antibacterial products, such as baby wipes and abrasive hand sanitizer products.

2. Iritants
So many “everyday items” or naturally occurring substances can cause eczema to flare up. Cigarette smoke, exposure to certain metals (i.e., nickel-containing belt buckles or clothes with metal snaps or zippers), and wearing abrasive or non-breathable fabrics like polyester and wool.

3. Stress
Emotional stress can cause eczema flare ups. Emotional stress due to work, school, relationships, even commuting may cause eczema to flare up in child, teen, or adult patients. It is very important to understand that eczema triggers differ among patients. Eczema may also show up on different areas of a person’s body, with common areas affected being these:

• Hands or feet
• Behind the ears
• Face and cheeks
• Insides of your elbows
• Backs of your knees
• Buttocks

Eczema often occurs in flare ups, which are periods of severe symptoms, followed by periods of remission, or no symptoms. If you suffer with eczema, it is best to talk to a medical professional to figure out the absolute best way to deal with your specific symptoms. Eczema is often treated with medications, like Dupixent, as a children’s eczema medication or “Rory”, an eczema medication for teens. However, simple lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and prevent a flare up, such as:

• Don’t scratch: Scratching your skin can cause bleeding and breaking skin.
• Moisturize: Use a moisturizer with no scent and little irritating ingredients.
• Unwind: Stress can cause flare ups. Exercise and get as much fresh air as possible.
• Stay cool: Exposure to too much heat or cold can cause flare ups.
• Avoid triggers: Stay away from things that can irritate your skin.
• Use warm water. Stay away from too hot and scalding water
• Wear breathable cotton: Try not to use fabrics that may scratch skin
• Take your meds.