Understanding and Recognizing Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can manifest with different symptoms depending on age and context, making proper diagnosis and individualized management important.

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ECZEMA: UNDERSTANDING IT, TREATING IT, PREVENTING IT

Eczema is a very common chronic inflammation that affects the skin and can occur as early as the first months of life. Characterized by alternating periods of remission and flare-ups, this noncontagious condition can cause considerable discomfort. As one of the most common skin diseases, understanding its symptoms and causes is essential to improve daily management and offer relief to sufferers.

WHAT IS ECZEMA?

Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that can be genetic in origin. This type of dermatitis is characterized by intense itching, redness (erythema), scaling, dry skin, and, in some cases, the formation of scabs and blisters. These symptoms can occur and regress following exposure to various triggers, such as allergens or environmental irritants.

It mainly affects infants and children, often manifesting on the face and limbs with rashes. In adults, however, eczema is typically localized in the folds of the elbows, behind the knees, on the backs of the hands, on the eyelids, and around the mouth.

A critical element of the condition is the frequent itching sensation, which leads people to scratch, causing a thickening of the skin, known as lichenification and thus complicating the course of the disease and its management.

Parts of the body where eczema occurs

Eczema can affect a variety of parts of the body and presents with specific features depending on age and the area involved.

• Eczema on face and scalp: in infants, eczema often manifests from the first months of life as "milk crust," localized mainly on the scalp and face. In older children and adults, the face may be affected with eruptions on the eyelids, around the mouth, and sometimes on the neck.
• Eczema on arms and elbows: the arms are one of the areas most commonly affected by eczema. In infants, the manifestations are concentrated on the outside of the arms. As children grow, they often develop eruptions in the folds of the elbows and on the wrists, while in adults, eczema is typically localized within the elbow folds.
• Eczema on neck and back: can affect the neck and various parts of the back, including the upper area, shoulders, and even buttocks. The distribution can be diffuse or localized depending on factors such as age and exposure to irritants.
• Eczema on abdomen and chest: atopic dermatitis on the trunk is most common in infants, especially on the belly. In children and adults, however, it may affect other areas of the chest such as the décolletage, nipples, and, in particular, the lower abdomen around the umbilicus.
• Eczema on hands and feet: these areas are particularly vulnerable to eczema because of the presence of numerous sweat glands, which tend to become inflamed easily. Eczema on the feet is often concentrated on the soles and sides of the toes, while hands may develop redness and scaling on the back and palms.

Each area of the body requires targeted attention and treatment to relieve itching and limit inflammation, key elements in improving the quality of life of eczema sufferers.

Causes of Eczema

Eczema is a primarily hereditary condition that makes the skin unusually sensitive to various external stimuli. This condition occurs most frequently in individuals with a family history of allergies or asthma, suggesting a significant genetic component.

Among the main causes:

• Combined risk factors: eczema emerges from the complex interaction of genetic, environmental and immune system factors. People with this condition have a damaged skin barrier, which does not adequately retain moisture and allows environmental allergens, such as pollen and dust, to penetrate more easily. This problem is exacerbated by the use of soaps and detergents, which can further dehydrate and irritate the skin.
• Immune reactivity: a hallmark of eczema is a dysfunctional immune response. The immune system overreacts not only to allergens, but also to emotional stress, extreme temperatures, and friction from irritating tissues, causing intense inflammation and itching. This can lead to constant scratching, exacerbating irritation and increasing the risk of infection. In addition, an altered skin microbiome-the set of microorganisms that colonize the skin-can exacerbate these symptoms, further contributing to inflammation and allergic reactions.
• Seasonal influences: the severity of dermatitis can vary with the seasons. The winter months can worsen symptoms due to low humidity, while moderate sun exposure during the summer can alleviate some discomfort. It is crucial to protect sensitive skin with suitable sunscreen to avoid additional damage.

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

Eczema symptoms can vary in intensity and frequency, significantly affecting patients' daily lives.

In children, symptoms are often more acute and can cause considerable irritability and fatigue due to constant itching, focusing mainly on the face, neck, and diaper contact areas. In adults, symptoms tend to appear in specific areas of the body and can be aggravated by environmental factors and stress.

Among the main symptoms:

• Dry and reddened skin
• Intense itching
• Vesicles and scabs that form during acute phases and can leave scars.
• Thickening of the skin (lichenification) caused by continuous scratching.
• Rhagades: cracks in the skin that can bleed.

Eczema has a chronic course with periods of flare-ups. During the acute phase, symptoms may include dryness, erythema, blisters, and crusts. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may appear, such as skin thickening and papules, indicative of a chronic phase.

Complications of eczema

In addition to skin symptoms, eczema can predispose to allergic-reactive disorders involving several organs, such as food allergies, asthma, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. In addition, frequent scratching can further compromise the integrity of the skin, making it particularly vulnerable to bacterial infections mainly caused by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. Ragging, on the other hand, bleeds provide a breeding ground for the proliferation of these microorganisms, significantly elevating the risk of developing serious complications.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of eczema is based primarily on personal and family history of atopy and clinical observation of symptoms. The physician, usually a dermatologist, examines the characteristics of the skin lesions and evaluates the patient's medical history to identify possible links to known allergens or concomitant allergic conditions in the family.

In some cases, when the diagnosis is unclear or to rule out other more serious dermatologic conditions, a skin biopsy may be necessary. This examination involves taking a small sample of tissue from the injured area for further analysis in the laboratory.

PREVENTION

Although there is no definitive cure, adopting preventive strategies can be key to managing symptoms and minimizing flare-ups of atopic eczema: 

• Applying fragrance- and dye-free emollient creams daily will help keep skin soft and reduce irritation.
• It is essential to identify and avoid triggers such as dust, pollen and certain foods, along with the use of gentle and hypoallergenic detergents.
• Short showers with lukewarm water and gentle drying of the skin are recommended practices, as is the immediate application of a moisturizer after bathing.
• Wearing garments in natural fabrics such as cotton and avoiding irritating materials, such as wool or synthetics, can make a big difference.
• Try to eliminate all sources of stress, including resorting to relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.

NATURAL REMEDIES

In the treatment of eczema, several natural remedies can offer valuable support in relieving itching, dryness, and irritation, providing an excellent alternative or complement to pharmacological treatments. These remedies take advantage of the beneficial properties of natural ingredients to improve the skin condition without the side effects of corticosteroids.

Among the most commonly used natural remedies are:

• Aloe Vera: because of its soothing properties, it can be applied directly to the skin to soothe irritation.
• Oils derived from plants such as Hemp, Sea Buckthorn and Borage: due to their essential fatty acids, these oils are often suggested to nourish the skin and improve its protective barrier.
• Coconut oil: due to its moisturizing properties, coconut oil helps keep the skin soft and reduce dryness. It also has antibacterial properties that can reduce the risk of infection.
• Colloidal Oatmeal: added to bath water, can help relieve itching and irritation. Oatmeal creates a protective barrier on the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation.
• Zinc and Vitamins B6, D, and E: These supplements can support the skin through their nourishing properties, although there is no solid evidence on the specific efficacy for eczema.

In particular, some studies, although limited and often conducted on only a few subjects, suggest that Omega 3 may have positive effects on skin trophism, contributing to the maintenance of healthy skin in eczema sufferers. Another relevant aspect relates to the role of the gut and skin microbiota, which is increasingly being studied in relation to inflammatory diseases such as eczema: probiotics, in particular, are considered to be useful in promoting the balance of the microbiota and, consequently, supporting skin health.

MEDICAL TREATMENTS

The management of eczema includes a variety of medical treatments aimed at controlling symptoms and reducing flare-ups. Although there is no definitive cure, the goal is to improve the patient's quality of life through the use of different therapeutic approaches.

Standard therapy includes the use of emollients, which are topical preparations designed to soften and moisturize the skin, helping to improve its elasticity and appearance.

Other treatments:

• Corticosteroids: powerful anti-inflammatory drugs used to control inflammation. Prolonged use can lead to serious side effects, such as thinning of the skin and increased risk of osteoporosis, diabetes and other conditions.
• Immunodepressants: agents that reduce the activity of the immune system to decrease inflammation. These can increase susceptibility to infection.
• Antibiotics: prescribed to treat bacterial infections that may develop in areas with eczema.
• Antihistamines: used to relieve itching and irritation caused by inflammation.
• Phototherapy: the use of specific light to treat certain types of eczema, such as photochemotherapy or photodynamic therapy.

INTERACTIVE MEDICINE: NEXT-GENERATION HERBAL-BASED TREATMENTS

In recent years, dermatological research has made significant strides in the treatment of sensitive and atopic skin. Alongside traditional remedies and medical treatments, new solutions have been developed based on the use of natural ingredients: this innovative approach, which we can call "interactive medication," aims not only to relieve symptoms but also to promote natural and lasting regeneration of the skin.

In the day-to-day management of eczema, Hyperoil® Gel (Tube 30 ml) can be of great help: ideal for dressing external lesions, this gel is particularly suitable for areas where product retention is difficult, or where additional hydration is required. It contains Neem seed oil and Hypericum flower extract, known for their soothing and regenerative properties.

The products in the Hyperoil® line of RI.MOS. CARE are formulated to be gentle on the skin, without parabens or petrolatum, and should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment to preserve their effectiveness.

DISCOVER HYPEROIL® PRODUCTS

Each treatment strategy should be tailored to the specific needs of the patient and always under the supervision of a dermatologist. By following a well-structured treatment regimen and with the appropriate use of treatments, patients with eczema can hope for significant improvement in their symptoms.

GENERAL TREATMENT ADVICE

Each treatment strategy should be tailored to the specific needs of the patient and always under the supervision of a dermatologist. By following a well-structured treatment regimen and with the appropriate use of treatments, patients with eczema can hope for significant improvement in their symptoms.

TIPS:

In addition to medical treatments and natural remedies, some practical tips can be very helpful in managing eczema:

• Skin care: it is essential to use products specifically for sensitive skin that will not irritate or further damage the skin.
• Appropriate clothing: prefer clothing made of cotton or other natural fibers and avoid synthetic or too tight clothing that can aggravate skin irritation. Clothing should allow the skin to "breathe" and should not cause friction.
• Choice of cosmetics: for those who do not want to give up a little make-up, opting for high-quality cosmetics that are free of fragrances, alcohol and other potentially allergenic substances is crucial. Make-up products should be selected with special care to avoid components that can worsen symptoms.

With the right care and treatment, many people with eczema manage to maintain a high level of well-being and continue to live active and fulfilling lives.

Products to treat Eczema