Chemical mediators act on the nerve endings in the upper layers of the skin or indirectly through cells that affect itching. Researchers have identified various chemical itch mediators in eczema, one of which includes a neuropeptide named substance-P. Experts indicate this is due to changing sensations in sweat gland nerve endings in the skin and an increase in the number of chemical mediators called neuropeptides.
Many environmental trigger factors may cause itching in eczema due to allergic reactions or irritants. These may include:. The dry skin leads to more itching, and so the cycle continues. Scratching, not eczema itself, is one of the main causes of skin damage. Scratching can lead to painful, red skin, which may break and bleed.
Broken skin also makes it easier for irritants and allergens, such as dust and pet dander, to enter the skin barrier and cause eczema to flare. Scratching can also cause the skin to become thick and leathery through a process called lichenification, which may cause changes to skin color. It may take weeks or months for the skin to return to its typical appearance.
Some people with eczema may have itchy lumps that may become thick and dark if they scratch them. This is called nodular prurigo. If this occurs in someone with a darker skin tone, there is an increased risk of the skin areas having permanent discoloration. The best way to stop skin damage with eczema is to stop scratching. A person may be better able to help prevent scratching by treating or taking steps to help prevent the itch.
When a person scratches eczema, they often end up in an itch-scratch cycle, where itching causes more scratching, and vice versa. Treatments and prevention for itchy eczema include avoiding triggering factors such as wool, perfumes, and dye, and contacting a dermatologist for treatment. Eczema is linked to inflammation in the body, so eating an anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce symptoms. Learn about which foods to eliminate.
Many natural remedies can relieve the dry, itchy skin that eczema causes, including aloe vera, coconut oil, special baths, and essential oils. In this…. Treating severe eczema can be challenging, but certain intensive treatments can help reduce symptoms.
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Home Skin. Eczema atopic dermatitis. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. About eczema Causes of eczema Symptoms of eczema Managing eczema Treatments for eczema Emerging treatment Importance of eczema treatment Complications of eczema Where to get help.
About eczema Atopic dermatitis commonly known as eczema is an inherited, chronic inflammatory skin condition that usually appears in early childhood. Triggers of eczema Some things make eczema more likely to appear. These include: contact with irritants in the environment heat, which can aggravate the itch and make affected people more likely to scratch allergic reaction to particular foods — this is rare.
Food allergy appears as redness and swelling around the lips within minutes of eating the offending food. Symptoms of eczema The physical effects of eczema can include: skin dryness red and scaly areas on the front of the elbows and the back of the knees watery fluid weeping from affected skin itchiness lesions sores that may become infected by bacteria or viruses.
Managing eczema Most people with eczema find that their symptoms are made worse by common aspects of daily living, such as hot weather, frequent showering, soap, ducted central heating and overheating in bed at night. Eczema coping tips — good hygiene Skin affected by eczema is more vulnerable to a range of infections, including impetigo, cold sores and warts.
Suggestions for washing include: Take lukewarm baths or showers, and avoid really hot showers. Wash your body with warm water alone. For armpits and groin, use soap-free products, such as sorbolene cream.
Bath oils can help to moisturise your skin while bathing. When towelling dry, pat rather than rub your skin. Eczema coping tips — reducing skin irritation People with eczema have sensitive skin. Suggestions for reducing skin irritation include: Avoid overheating your skin. Wear several layers of clothing that you can remove, as required, instead of one heavy layer. Avoid scratchy materials, such as pure wool, polyester or acrylic. You could try a cotton and synthetic mix material — this is fine for some people with eczema.
Remove labels from clothing. Always wear protective gloves when using any type of chemical or detergent. You may want to wear cotton gloves inside rubber or PVC gloves. Avoid chlorinated pools. If you have to swim in a chlorinated pool, moisturise your skin well when you get out.
Eczema coping tips — beauty products Suggestions for using beauty products include: Remember that even hypoallergenic cosmetics can irritate your skin.
Whenever possible, keep your face free of make-up. Avoid perfumes, fragranced skin lotions and strongly scented shampoos. When using a new cosmetic, try testing it first on a small, inconspicuous area of skin such as your forearm. Eczema coping tips — allergies In some cases, eczema may be an allergic reaction to environmental triggers. Eczema coping tips — avoid changes in temperature Abrupt temperature and humidity changes can sometimes irritate the skin — for example, going in and out of air-conditioned buildings on hot days or heated buildings on cold days.
Dress warmly when going outdoors and remove the extra layers as soon as you return. Air conditioners can dry out the air and irritate your skin. Avoid hard physical activity in hot weather. For example, do your gardening first thing in the morning, or in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky.
General tips for coping with eczema Other tips to manage your eczema include: Keep your fingernails short — longer nails are more likely to injure your skin when you scratch. Swim in the sea in warm weather whenever you can — seawater is known to reduce the symptoms of eczema. Use sun exposure for limited periods — for example, when swimming at the beach. This can help relieve eczema symptoms. But be aware that ultraviolet radiation is a risk factor for skin cancer and premature ageing of the skin.
Also, if sun exposure causes overheating, this can also aggravate eczema. Treatments for eczema Treatment options for eczema include: moisturisers emollients anti-inflammatory ointments — either topical corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointments such as pimecrolimus coal tar — to reduce the itch dietary changes — seek professional advice before changing your diet ultraviolet radiation therapy phototherapy oral medication tablets.
Do not submerge the head. Take a bleach bath no more than twice a week. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Atopic dermatitis behind the knees Open pop-up dialog box Close. Atopic dermatitis behind the knees Atopic dermatitis can cause small, red bumps, which can be very itchy.
Atopic dermatitis on the chest Open pop-up dialog box Close. Atopic dermatitis on the chest Inflammation caused by atopic dermatitis can cover large areas of the body, such as the chest, or be limited to a few small locations. Infantile eczema Open pop-up dialog box Close. Infantile eczema In infants, atopic dermatitis infantile eczema usually appears as red, itchy patches that are associated with very dry skin.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Can baby eczema be prevented? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Atopic dermatitis adult and pediatric. Rochester, Minn.
Eichenfeld LF, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis. Section 1. Diagnosis and assessment of atopic dermatitis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Archer CB. Atopic dermatitis. In press. Accessed May 10, Eichenfield LF, et al.
Current guidelines for the evaluation and management of atopic dermatitis: A comparison of the Joint Task Force Practice Parameter and American Academy of Dermatology guidelines.
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