This article delves into the causes of eczema, strategies for management, and the most effective treatment options available. Explore the causes of eczema, learn how to manage flare-ups, and discover the latest treatment options for this common skin condition.

What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a group of chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can cause itchiness, dry skin, scaly patches, rashes, blisters, and potential infections. This condition typically begins in childhood and persists for life.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with eczema have a genetic mutation that affects the function of the skin barrier. Deficiencies in certain proteins, like filaggrin, compromise your body’s ability to maintain a healthy, intact skin barrier. Studies have shown that there is a higher likelihood of developing eczema if there is a family history of the condition, or other atopic diseases like asthma.

Eczema flare-ups involve an overactive response by your immune system, specifically by cytokines and other inflammatory molecules. When your body overreacts to certain triggers, inflammation ensues, accompanied by the other characteristic, irritating symptoms of eczema.

What Triggers Eczema? How do I prevent flares?

While genetics are responsible for your predisposition to eczema, environmental factors are also critical in determining whether flares will occur. 

Exposing your skin to certain irritating substances, such as harsh soaps, detergents, perfumes, or allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, can all contribute to triggering eczema flare-ups. Climate and weather are also important considerations: extreme temperatures, high or low humidity, and sudden changes in weather can all exacerbate eczema symptoms.

An imbalance in the skin’s natural microbiome, particularly an overgrowth of certain bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms. Emotional stress can also exacerbate eczema symptoms, because the body’s stress response triggers inflammation! For some people, certain foods can also trigger eczema symptoms, with specific triggers varying greatly from person to person. It is important to speak to a trusted professional if you are experiencing eczema, so you can work together to identify and avoid your individual triggers.

What Treatment Options are Available for Eczema?

While eczema is a lifelong condition, there are a variety of treatment options intended to resolve uncomfortable symptoms during flares.

The first step will always be to adjust your lifestyle, so flares happen minimally in the first place. This includes avoiding triggers for your eczema, as well as home remedies like wet dressings, relaxation techniques, and dietary changes.

Topical treatments are the most common intervention prescribed for eczema. Corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve itching. However, prolonged use of topical steroids risks overly thinning the skin. Calcineurin inhibitors, like tacrolimus, present a non-steroidal option for treating inflammation and preventing flare-ups.

For severe cases that are unresponsive to topical therapies, systemic medications may be prescribed. This may include oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.