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Eczema is a common skin disease that often affects children, but also adults and adolescents. It is characterized by itching, redness and other symptoms of varying severity depending on the origin and type of inflammation. In this article, we explain the factors that favor the appearance of eczema, as well as the importance of natural treatments to remedy it. Please note that the information gathered in this article does not replace the advice of a doctor. 

What is eczema?

Eczema is a non-contagious skin condition that manifests itself as red areas with blisters on top that cause pain, rashes and severe itching.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

There are different symptoms of an eczema flare-up (acute eczema) depending on the stage of the disease:

• Erythematous phase: appearance of eczema lesions in the form of swollen red patches, poorly delimited and associated with a burning and tingling sensation;
• Vesicular phase: presence of small vesicles called eczema pimples that form a bulge filled with clear fluid;
• Oozing phase: the microvesicles burst spontaneously or after scratching, forming oozing sores;
• Crusty phase: the vesicles dry and become crusty and eventually disappear.

Chronic eczema is characterized by dry, rough, dark skin. The dryness of the skin is not limited to the areas affected by eczema. It is important to note that thick, scaly skin similar to eczema that does not heal or recurs quickly may be a sign of skin cancer.

Severe eczema in babies is characterized by sleep disturbances and intense scratching. In atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, the eczema lesions can cause a bacterial infection (staphylococcus) that leads to impetigo. A viral infection of the herpes virus can occur and cause fever and worsening of the itchy skin.

Atopic eczema weakens the skin’s immune system and promotes sensitization to environmental allergens. Moreover, this type of eczema is characterized by several allergies:

• Food allergy, especially in children;
• Infant asthma;
• Allergic rhinitis;
• Allergic conjunctivitis;
• Contact urticaria;
• Etc.

What parts of the body are affected by eczema?

Eczema is a common skin condition that affects different parts of the body. It manifests itself as dry, red, itchy patches on the skin. Eczema can affect any part of the body, but is usually found on the face, neck, hands, feet, and the inside of the elbows and knees. 

Sometimes eczema can also appear on the scalp, chest and back. It is a chronic condition that can wax and wane over time, and the severity and location of symptoms can vary from person to person. People with eczema may also experience other symptoms such as inflammation, oozing and crusting of the skin.

Tips to keep your skin glowing with the changing of seasons

What are the triggers and causes of eczema?

Genetic factors

Atopic eczema often occurs in genetically predisposed individuals. Studies have shown that 50 to 70% of children with atopic eczema have a first-degree relative who has had the condition. Atopic skin is dry and lacks the hydrolipidic layer. This facilitates the penetration of allergenic molecules into the epidermis and the triggering of an inflammatory reaction with immune cells. In addition, atopic individuals secrete high levels of lgE antibodies in response to antigens, which explains the hypersensitivity to allergens.

Environmental factors

Certain environmental factors can trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups, such as

• Allergens: allergenic foods, pollen, dust mites, animal hair, mold, etc.
• Irritating products: detergents, some soaps and perfumed skin products, irritating fabrics (wool or synthetic fiber), chlorinated pool water, etc.
• Temperature and humidity: extreme temperatures, air that is too humid or too dry.

Excessive sweating

Excessive sweating can irritate the skin and cause a rash in people with eczema. Sweat dripping onto eczema patches can cause a tingling and burning sensation.

Stress

High levels of nervous tension due to stress can trigger an eczema attack.

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What are the different types of eczema treatments?

Local treatments

• Antiseptics

Using an antiseptic treatment for eczema can help reduce the risk of infection that can make eczema symptoms worse. Skin irritations provide a favorable environment for bacterial and fungal infections. Using an antiseptic inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi on the skin, which can help reduce inflammation. In addition, silver nitrate is an external antiseptic that helps dry out oozing lesions.

There are different types of antiseptics that can be used to treat eczema, including chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine, benzalkonium and triclosan creams. These products can be applied directly to the affected skin, or used in addition to other eczema treatments, such as topical steroid creams.

• Local Corticosteroids

Dermocorticoids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Classified according to their potency (class I very strong, to class IV weak), local corticosteroids are applied directly to the affected skin, and are generally used for a short period of time to relieve an eczema attack. Local steroids are available in several forms:

• Cream in acute oozing forms;
• Lotion in the hairy zones;
• Ointments in chronic lichenified forms.

However, it is important to note that long-term use of topical steroids can cause side effects, including

• Atrophy of the epidermis;
• Acne and perioral dermatitis (around the mouth);
• Glaucoma and cataract in case of applications on the eyelids;
• Hypertrichosis (increased hair growth);
• Digestive, infectious, metabolic, endocrine complications, etc.

Therefore, you should strictly follow your dermatologist’s instructions and not use excessive amounts of topical steroids.

Oral treatment

• Antihistamines

This type of medication can help reduce the itching associated with eczema by blocking the action of histamine, a substance released by the immune system in response to skin irritation. The most common antihistamines include cetirizine, loratadine and fexofenadine.

• Corticosteroids

These medications are often used to treat the inflammation and itching associated with severe eczema. They are usually prescribed in tablet or capsule form for short-term use because of their potential side effects. Commonly used corticosteroids include prednisone, methylprednisolone and dexamethasone.

• Antibiotics

If bacterial superinfection occurs, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the eczema and prevent the infection from spreading. Common antibiotics used to treat eczema include doxycycline, amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin.

Why moisturize your skin?

Natural treatment of eczema

Healing eczema naturally is becoming an increasingly popular method. Some natural products are very helpful in making the treatment plan more reliable and preventing eczema attacks. Moisturizing products are effective in restoring skin function, including the protection provided by the skin’s surface layers.

Regular application of moisturizers promotes skin health and helps reduce eczema inflammation. Moisturizers often contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, urea, ceramide and glycerin, which help retain moisture in the skin.

Alternatively, you can use essential oils and other natural remedies to reduce inflammation, soothe itching and regenerate the skin:

• Black cumin oil: powerful anti-inflammatory power;
• Healing coconut oil: antifungal, antimicrobial and moisturizing;
• Almond oil: softening;
• Olive oil: softening and quickly relieves itching;
• Essential oil of lavender aspic: soothing, healing and antibacterial;
• Tea tree oil: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal;
• Rose geranium essential oil: anti-inflammatory and regenerative of the skin;
• Sage: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant;
• Aloe Vera: moisturizing and regulating the pH of the skin;
• Cider vinegar: regulates the pH of the skin;
• Honey: healing, nourishing and antiseptic.

PUVA therapy

PUVA therapy is a treatment that consists of exposing the body to ultraviolet A rays (UVA) after taking a psoralen medication. This treatment has an immunomodulatory effect that reduces the inflammation of the eczema.

Thermal cures

Thermal cures can be used for:

• Rehydrate the skin in depth;
• Accelerate healing;
• Reduce itching;
• Reinforce skin protection;

Etc.

How do you cure eczema for good?

Using natural products and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are the best options for preventing eczema and curing mild to moderate cases of this skin condition. Our cosmetics store, Pravi, offers a wide range of cleansers, moisturizers, masks, hair products, etc. made with organic ingredients selected according to the properties of each skin type.

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