WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema is a common, non-contagious skin condition that is characterised by dry, red, scaly, or itchy skin. In more severe cases, the skin can crack, bleed, and/or crust. 1 in 10 people will develop eczema at some point during their lives 2. While the condition is most common in children 1, it can affect people of all ages.
There are many different types of eczema, or dermatitis. These include:
- Atopic dermatitis3, the most common type of eczema, refers to the classic scaly patches that usually begin in childhood and can affect the extensor surfaces of the arms and backs of the knees.
- Irritant or allergic contact dermatitis is a result of a reaction to a known irritant and/or allergen that comes into contact with the skin.
- Nummular eczema refers to coin-shaped, scaly patches occurring usually on the extremities. It is caused by allergens or very dry skin.
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis occurs in common oil-producing (sebaceous) glands such as the upper back, nose, and scalp.
- Dyshidrotic eczema presents as small, itchy blisters on the edges of the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet.
- Stasis dermatitis occurs when there is inadequate blood flow in the veins, causing swelling, skin redness, and itchiness, often in the legs.
To better understand eczema, speak with a dermatologist about a personalised diagnosis and treatment plan.
WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA?
While the exact cause of eczema is still unknown, it has been linked to both genetic and environmental factors 4. Those who develop eczema symptoms are thought to have an immune system that is reactive to certain irritants.
Eczema-prone skin is unable to properly retain moisture, which may be caused by a deficiency in naturally occurring moisturising factors found in normal skin. To understand this, it is important to understand the function of the skin barrier, the protective, outermost layer of the skin. One of its primary functions is to regulate moisture and to keep harmful substances from entering the skin. It helps keep the good things in and the bad things out.
Eczema-prone skin suffers from dysfunctional skin barrier function 6. This means that it retains less moisture than healthy skin, resulting in dryness. When moisture loss occurs, irritants or other substances penetrate more easily into the skin. They then stimulate the immune system, which overreacts. This triggers clinical signs of eczema to appear: itchiness, inflammation, and redness. This dryness can be especially pronounced in hot, arid climates such as the GCC, where intense heat outdoors and the low humidity created by constant air conditioning indoors both place extra strain on an already compromised skin barrier.
There is increasing research suggesting that skin surface bacteria, collectively known as the skin microbiome, may play a role in the pathology of certain skin conditions, including eczema 6. A disruption in the natural harmony of the skin microbiome is often associated with the symptoms of atopic skin. Certain topical skincare products, particularly those containing prebiotic ingredients, may help to promote a balanced skin microbiome.
Certain external factors can also trigger eczema. The most common are:
Irritating products:
SEA WATER CAN MAKE YOUR RASH STING
Always keep some atopic eczema cream handy
Paddling in the sea and feeling the sand between your toes is a lovely way to spend the day. But if you’ve recently had an eczema flare-up and scratched a lot, the salt water can really sting. If that happens, just rinse off and then pat on some soothing specialized cream, like CICAPLAST , where it hurts.
FRESH AIR AND SOME SUN IS GOOD FOR ATOPIC-PRONE SKINS
But make sure you protect your skin from sunburn
A little bit of sunshine is good for atopic-prone skins, but make sure you always protect your skin with sun cream every 2 hours, so it doesn’t get burnt. Some sunscreens are tested to make sure they don’t annoy atopic eczema-prone skin, like the ANTHELIOS range. And remember, never skip protection because sunburn stings even more than sore atopic eczema skin!
There’s no reason why your skin condition should stop you from having a whale of a time on holiday. Just follow these top tips and your skin will stay ship shape all holiday long.
Click HERE for tips on dealing with eczema in children at school.