Eczema Specialist

What causes eczema?

The precise cause of eczema, or atopic dermatitis, isn’t known, though there are several factors thought to combine to create the condition. Healthy skin protects against substances like allergens, bacteria, and irritants. Skin that’s prone to eczema may have some or all of these traits:

• Overall or spots of dryness that are prone to irritation
• Genetic variations that affect the skin’s ability to act as a barrier
• Bacteria on the skin that creates a block to sweat glands
• Reactions to the environment

Eczema in adults is linked to those with a family history of eczema, allergies, hay fever, and asthma, as well as those working in the healthcare field.

What problems can eczema create?

There are many complications arising from eczema. A patient may experience any number of these, alone or together.

• Chronically itchy and scaly skin called neurodermatitis: May start a cycle of itchiness and scratching leading to the development of thick and leathery skin.
• Skin infections resulting from breaks in the skin caused by scratching
• Eye problems including watery eyes, eyelid inflammation, and conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye
• Sleep problems from the itch-scratch cycle preventing deep sleep

How is eczema treated?

Though there are many treatments, eczema is persistent and symptoms may return, even after it’s been brought under control. It’s common to use different treatments over time as some may work better than others. Common treatments include:

• Corticosteroid creams or injections to control itching and inflammation
• Creams that help repair skin, called calcineurin inhibitors (These have numerous side effects and are typically prescribed when other treatments aren’t effective.)
• Antibiotics over short or longer courses to fight skin infections
• Oral antihistamines to reduce severe itchiness
• Wet dressing techniques, usually done with nursing care
• Light therapy, using natural sunlight or artificial sources
• Stress counseling and relaxation techniques providing help breaking a scratching habit