Where Does Eczema Come From? Causes Explained

Over 31 million Americans deal with eczema, a condition that can really affect your life. Eczema is a group of skin disorders that cause dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Researchers say it comes from a mix of your genes and the environment.

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a long-term condition that can start at any age. In fact, by age 1, 60% of people with eczema show symptoms. Another 30% will get it by age 5.

Key Takeaways

• Eczema is a common skin condition that affects over 31 million Americans.
• The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
• Eczema can develop at any age, with the majority of cases appearing in early childhood.
• Common triggers for eczema include dry air, certain products, stress, and exposure to allergens.
• Proper skin care and management of triggers are essential in preventing and controlling eczema flare-ups.

Understanding Eczema: An Overview

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common, chronic skin condition. It affects millions of people worldwide. It makes the skin dry, itchy, and irritated, which can really affect someone’s life.

To understand this skin disorder better, let’s look into what eczema is. We’ll also check out its prevalence and statistics.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a non-contagious, inflammatory skin condition. It makes the skin red, itchy, and prone to rashes. It happens when the immune system gets overactive and can be triggered by many things.

Eczema can be mild or severe and can happen to anyone, but often starts in childhood. It’s not contagious, so you can’t catch it from someone else.

Prevalence and Statistics

• About 10 to 20% of all children and an estimated 2 to 5% of all adults have eczema.
• Eczema usually starts between the third and sixth months of life in children, but can also develop later.
• It is quite rare for eczema to develop after the age of five years.
• Children who develop eczema under the age of twelve months often outgrow it relatively quickly, with only half of them still having it after three years.
• Eczema is estimated to get much better or go away in more than 80% of affected children about ten years after it first appears.
• Eczema can disappear and return in adulthood, most commonly on the hands, but it is rare to first develop eczema as an adult.
• About one third of children with eczema develop asthma or hay fever by the age of five.
• In about 30-40% of people with eczema, it is related to an allergy (atopic eczema), often accompanied by more severe symptoms, hay fever, or allergic asthma.
• More than 30 million Americans have some form of eczema.

Knowing the prevalence and statistics of eczema helps us see how common it is. It shows us why managing and treating it is so important.

Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition. It can cause uncomfortable and visible symptoms. Knowing the signs of eczema is key for proper treatment.

Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms of eczema include:

• Itchy skin that can be intense and persistent
• Dry, scaly, or rough patches of skin
• Red, inflamed, or irritated skin
• Oozing or crusting of the affected areas

In darker skin tones, eczema rashes may look brown, purple, gray, or ashen. This makes it harder to spot.

Differentiating Eczema from Other Skin Conditions

It’s important to tell eczema apart from other skin issues. The treatment options can be different. Eczema is not the same as psoriasis in many ways:

Eczema	Psoriasis
Causes intense itching	Causes scaly, flaky skin
Appears as red, inflamed patches	Appears as thick, silvery-white scales
Typically affects the hands, feet, elbows, and knees	Can appear on any part of the body, including the scalp

Understanding eczema’s unique symptoms helps people get the right medical care. They can also find effective ways to manage their skin issues.

Types of Eczema

Eczema is not just one condition. It’s a term for several skin inflammation types. Atopic dermatitis is the most common, but there are others that affect people differently. Knowing the types of eczema helps with diagnosis and treatment.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common eczema type, often starting in childhood. It’s marked by red, itchy, and inflamed skin, especially in kids. About 7% of American adults have it, and it usually gets better or clears up by adulthood.

Other Common Types

There are more types of eczema besides atopic dermatitis:

• Contact dermatitis – This happens when the skin reacts to substances like chemicals or metals. It shows as itchy, red skin that might blister.
• Dyshidrotic eczema – It’s known for small, fluid-filled blisters on the hands and feet. These blisters can last 2-3 weeks.
• Nummular eczema – This type causes round, coin-shaped patches of irritated skin. These patches can last for years without treatment.
• Seborrheic dermatitis – It affects the scalp, face, and other oily areas. It leads to flaky, scaly skin and redness.
• Stasis dermatitis – This happens in people with poor blood circulation, usually in the lower legs. It causes swelling, redness, and fluid leakage.

Each eczema type has its own symptoms and causes. This means different treatments are needed for relief and management.

Causes and Triggers of Eczema

The exact cause of eczema is still a mystery, but it likely involves both genetic factors and environmental triggers. Researchers have found several key factors that help cause and make eczema worse.

Overactive Immune System

An overactive immune system is a big reason for eczema. People with eczema often react too strongly to some irritants or allergens. This makes their immune system cause too much inflammation in the skin.

Genetic Factors

Genetics also matter a lot in eczema. Studies show that people with eczema often lack the protein filaggrin. This protein is key for keeping the skin barrier strong. Without it, people are more likely to get eczema.

Environmental Triggers

Other than an overactive immune system and genes, environmental factors can also make eczema worse. These include:

• Dry air
• Certain household products or chemicals
• Stress
• Exposure to allergens

Changes in the seasons, like going from cold to hot weather, can also make eczema worse. Some jobs that involve skin contact with irritants can too.

“Eczema is a complex condition that involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Understanding the root causes and common triggers is essential for effectively managing the condition.”

Where Does Eczema Come From?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that affects millions globally. The exact eczema origins are still a mystery, but it’s thought to be caused by both genes and environment.

Having a family history of eczema or other atopic conditions like asthma or hay fever is a big factor in getting eczema. If you’re more likely to get it because of your genes, your skin might not protect itself well. This makes you more sensitive to things that can trigger eczema.

Environmental triggers also play a big role in eczema onset. Dry air, irritants, and allergens like dust mites, pollen, and some foods can make eczema worse. Stress, skin infections, and changes in humidity can also make it worse.

Eczema is not contagious, so you can’t catch it from someone else. It’s a complex mix of genes and environment that leads to eczema. This makes it a unique experience for each person who has it.

“Understanding the underlying causes of eczema is the first step in effectively managing this chronic skin condition.”

Role of Allergies and Atopic March

There is a strong link between eczema and allergies. Many people with eczema also have hay fever, food allergies, and asthma. This is known as the “atopic march.” Up to 80% of children with eczema may develop asthma or allergic rhinitis later. Avoiding food and environmental allergens is key to managing eczema.

Eczema and Allergies Connection

Studies show a clear link between eczema and allergies. Children with eczema are more likely to get asthma and allergic rhinitis. Over 50% of kids with severe eczema will get asthma, and about a third will have allergic rhinitis early on.

Genetics also play a big part in this link. Mutations in the filaggrin gene increase the risk of eczema, asthma, and food allergies. The risk of moving from eczema to other atopic conditions varies by race or ethnicity. For example, being Black increases the risk of moving to asthma, while being Asian or Pacific Islander raises the risk of food allergies.

Knowing how eczema and allergies are connected is key to managing them. Avoiding triggers like certain foods or environmental allergens can help ease eczema symptoms. It may also stop other atopic disorders from developing. Working with healthcare professionals to create a detailed treatment plan is vital for those with eczema and allergies.

Diagnosis and Management

Managing eczema starts with a proper diagnosis by a healthcare expert. A dermatologist or allergist will check your skin, talk about your symptoms and past health, and might do tests. These tests help find allergies or triggers.

Seeking Professional Help

To diagnose eczema, a doctor will examine your skin for signs like redness, itchiness, and inflammation. They’ll ask about your symptoms and when they happen. Tests like skin prick tests or patch tests might be done to find allergies or irritants.

Treatment Options

After diagnosing eczema, a treatment plan is made to manage symptoms and prevent more flare-ups. Treatment for eczema includes:

• Topical creams and ointments, such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation and itching
• Oral antihistamines to alleviate itching
• Prescription medications, including topical calcineurin inhibitors and the newer biologic drug dupilumab
• Strategies to identify and avoid triggers, such as certain skin care products, fabrics, or environmental factors
• Moisturizing and maintaining healthy skin through proper bathing and hydration habits

For severe or persistent eczema, advanced treatments like light therapy or systemic medications might be needed.

Getting advice from an allergist eczema specialist or dermatologist is key. They help create a good eczema management plan and find the best eczema treatment for you.

Prevention and Lifestyle Modifications

There is no cure for eczema, but you can prevent flare-ups and manage symptoms. A consistent skin care routine is key. Use gentle, fragrance-free products and avoid known triggers to keep your skin healthy.

Wearing loose, breathable clothes and managing stress can also help prevent eczema. By finding what triggers your eczema, you can take charge of your condition. This leads to a better life.

Everyone’s eczema is different. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider. They can help you create a plan that meets your needs and relieves your symptoms.

FAQ

What is eczema?

Eczema is a group of inflammatory skin conditions. They cause itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections.

How common is eczema?

Over 31 million Americans have eczema. It can start at any age, from childhood to adulthood.

What causes eczema?

The exact cause is still unknown. But it’s thought to be due to genes and environmental factors. Common triggers include dry air, certain products, stress, and allergens.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Symptoms include itchy skin, dry and sensitive skin, and red or inflamed skin. You might also see scaly or rough patches, and oozing or crusting.

The look of eczema can vary. In lighter skin tones, it shows as red, inflamed skin. In darker skin tones, it can look brown, purple, gray, or ashen.

Are there different types of eczema?

Yes, there are several types. Atopic dermatitis is the most common. Other types include contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis.

Is eczema contagious?

No, eczema is not contagious. You can’t catch it from someone else.

What is the connection between eczema and allergies?

Many people with eczema also have allergies like hay fever, food allergies, and asthma. This is known as the “atopic march.” Up to 80% of children with eczema may develop asthma or allergic rhinitis later.

How is eczema diagnosed and treated?

Doctors, often dermatologists or allergists, diagnose eczema by examining the skin and asking about symptoms and triggers. Treatment includes creams, ointments, oral antihistamines, and prescription drugs like steroids and dupilumab. Avoiding triggers and keeping the skin healthy is also key.

How can I prevent eczema flare-ups?

Use a consistent skin care routine and gentle, fragrance-free products. Avoid harsh soaps, dry air, and allergens. Wear loose, breathable clothing and manage stress to prevent flare-ups.