This document discusses living with eczema and managing flareups. It defines eczema as a group of conditions that cause inflamed, irritated, and itchy skin. The most common types are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. Symptoms include redness, inflammation, itching, dry patches, and sensitive skin. Treatment involves using moisturizers and prescription creams. Managing flareups requires identifying triggers and maintaining a daily skin care routine.

2. LIVING WITH ECZEMA

3. This year, more and more people with eczema are dealing with extreme flareups.
Between stress, face mask irritation, and frequent handwashing due to COVID-19,
many sufferers are having a tough time managing the symptoms right now.
What exactly is eczema?
Eczema can either mean a group of conditions that causes inflamed, irritated, and
often itchy skin or any one of the conditions within a group of atopic dermatitis,
contact dermatitis, or stasis dermatitis.
No matter what type of eczema you are dealing with, the condition is caused by
oversensitivity due to the skin's inability to effectively create a barrier to retain
moisture and protect the body from the external irritant. Here are the set of chronic
skin conditions that are called eczema:

4. • Atopic Dermatitis: The most common form of eczema that causes redness,
inflammation, and itching. It typically appears on the face, arms, and legs. This
type of eczema usually develops first in childhood, but flareups will likely occur
throughout the person's life.
• Contact Dermatitis: This type of eczema occurs when the skin is exposed
repeatedly or for an extended time to an external irritant. It can include the
sun's UVA or UVB rays, allergens, chemicals, and toxins.
• Stasis Dermatitis: A type of eczema that occurs due to poor circulation and is
most common on the lower legs. When pressure builds up in improperly
functioning veins, fluid leaks under the skin, causing pain, swelling, itching, and
discoloration.

5. What are the most common symptoms of eczema?
Healthy skin tissue creates a complete barrier, covering and protecting the body. But
people who suffer from eczema have gaps in the protective outer layer of the skin. This
means the immune system may be more easily triggered to react, leading to an
overreaction to slight injury or irritation and itchy, sensitive skin. Some of the symptoms
that are experienced by individuals diagnosed with all forms of eczema include:
• Skin reactivity to perfumes, dyes, and chemicals in skincare, hygiene, and cleaning
products
• Difficulty adequately moisturizing skin and noticeable dry patches on the skin
• Reddening of the skin
• Chronic itching or rashes
• Rough, dark-colored patches of the skin
• Sores that ooze or take longer to heal
• Potentially painful swelling and inflammation around irritated patches of the skin
• Generally raw or sensitive skin

6. What is the treatment for eczema flareups?
It is best to work with your dermatologist to find the best treatment for you. Your
doctor can prescribe a steroid cream to stop the itch and clear your rash.
Usually, hydrocortisone cream is prescribed to ease mild itching. Your doctor
may also give you oral corticosteroids for a strong eczema flare.

7. How to control eczema flareups?
Like most chronic skin conditions, prevention is a crucial aspect of managing
the symptoms. Because there is still no cure for eczema, taking steps to stave
off flareups or minimize the impact is essential. Here are some
recommendations to prevent flareups:
• Moisturize: Because eczema sufferers have skin that is prone to
dryness, moisturizing is vital. Make sure to use a thick, cream-based
moisturizer at least twice a day.
• Change shower routines: Avoid taking very hot showers or baths that
can cause dryness to your skin. Use gentle cleaning products on your
hair and body and avoid anything with fragrance. Even products that use
naturally-derived fragrances can cause eczema flareups.

8. • Switch laundry detergent: Many people who struggle with eczema don't think about
how their detergent can irritate the skin, but very strong detergents with harsh chemicals
can often trigger an allergic response, and eczema flareups. Switch to products that are
labeled hypoallergenic and fragrance-free instead. For some people, laundry soap
formulated for babies is ideal because these products are made to handle baby stains
without irritating sensitive skin.
• Review all skincare, hygiene, and cleaning products: Generally, you should look at
the ingredients of all the products you use. Monitor any flareups and discontinue use that
contributes to flareups.
• Create and maintain a routine: Finally, you should be working with a board-certified
dermatologist who can help you create and maintain a daily skincare routine that works
for you and your skin, especially if you have trouble managing symptoms or if you haven't
received an eczema diagnosis in the past, but you are noticing the symptoms.

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REFERENCES:
https://www.usdermatologypartners.com/blog/eczema-faqs/
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/childhood/treating/derms-control
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema