Eczema Symptoms Vary From Person To Person
Eczema symptoms vary from person to person. The most common symptoms are dry, itchy skin, cracks behind the ears, and rashes on the cheeks, arms and legs. The itchy feeling is an important symptom of eczema, because scratching and rubbing in response to itching can worsen the skin inflammation associated with this disease.
People with eczema seem to be more sensitive to itching and feel the need to scratch longer in response to their discomfort. They develop what is referred to as the “itch-scratch” cycle. The extreme itchiness of the skin causes the person to scratch which in turn worsens the itch and so a vicious cycle is developed. Itching symptoms are especially problematic during sleep, when conscious control of scratching decreases and the absence of other outside stimuli makes the itchiness more noticeable and troublesome.
Eczema may affect the skin around the eyes, the eyelids and the eyebrows and lashes. Scratching and rubbing the eye area can cause the skin to change in appearance. Some people with eczema develop an extra fold of skin under their eyes, called an atopic pleat. Other people may have symptoms where the skin on their eyelids darkens from inflammation or hay fever. Patchy eyebrows and eyelashes may also result form scratching or rubbing.
Researchers have noted differences in the skin of people with eczema that may contribute to the skin symptoms. The epidermis, which is the outermost layer of skin, is divided into two parts. The inner part contains moist living cells and the outer part, known as the horny layer contains dry, flattened dead skin
The skin of a person with eczema symptoms loses too much moisture from the epidermal layer, allowing the skin to become very dry and reducing its protective abilities. In addition, the eczema sufferer’s skin is very susceptible to recurring infections.
There are many treatments available that are used to treat eczema symptoms. In some cases topical prescription creams, like elidel, are used to relieve the itching and heal skin. Some patients benefit from phototherapy which incorporates the use of UVB to help improve skin problems associated with eczema. Some people make dietary changes to help lessen eczema symptoms.
Because people with eczema symptoms are prone to have dry skin, they should avoid long, hot baths and should always moisturize their skin immediately after bathing. Because soaps can be drying to the skin, people with eczema symptoms should use only mild soap or nonsoap cleansers.
Although the symptoms of eczema can be annoying and sometimes embarrassing, your doctor can work with you to minimize the impact of eczema on your quality of life. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat and hopefully eliminate your eczema symptoms.
Glossary:
Elidel: A topical prescription medication that is sometimes used to treat eczema.