Eczema is a form of inflammation of the skin characterized by the appearance of itching and red skin rashes. In medical terms, eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. This condition can be experienced by anyone, but is usually more common in children.
Eczema can cause typical symptoms in the form of intense itching and the appearance of rashes in several parts of the body, especially the hands, feet, neck, chest, knees, and body folds, such as the elbows and armpits.
Not only rashes and itching, eczema or atopic dermatitis can also cause various skin problems, such as dry, rough, thick, and scaly skin.
Causes of Eczema
The cause of eczema is not known for certain. However, various studies show that there are several factors that can cause eczema or atopic dermatitis, namely:
Genetic disorders
One of the factors that can cause eczema is a genetic mutation, namely thegene CARD11. Mutations in this gene can make the body's immune cells called T lymphocytes not function properly, so that the immune system can be disrupted.
In addition, the cause of eczema is also associated with the presence of mutations in the FLG gene that produces filaggrin. Filaggrin is a protein that is important for protecting and moisturizing the top layer of skin (epidermis). Without filaggrin enough, the skin will become dry and ultimately prone to eczema.
History of disease in the family The
inheritance of genetic traits in the family is also one of the factors that cause eczema. Some studies show that a person will be susceptible to eczema if he has a history of asthma or allergic rhinitis and has a biological family member who also suffers from eczema.
Immune system disorders
An overactive immune system or an over-response when exposed to allergens or irritants can trigger an inflammatory reaction in the skin. An allergen is a substance, object, or condition that can trigger an allergic reaction. This is what puts a person at risk for eczema or atopic dermatitis.
In addition to some of the causes of eczema above, there are also other factors that are believed to trigger eczema or even worsen its symptoms, namely:
- Hormonal changes
- Food allergies, such as allergies to cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, seafood, or wheat
- Exposure to environmental allergens, such as cold or hot temperatures, dry air, animal hair, dust, cigarette smoke, or plant pollen
- Use of soaps and cleaners containing harsh and irritating chemicals for the skin, such as detergents and fragrances
- Uncomfortable and irritating clothing materials, such as wool or synthetic fabric
- How to Treat Eczema Easily
Basically, eczema is an incurable condition. Treatment is done only aims to relieve symptoms that appear. There are many ways that can be done to relieve eczema symptoms, ranging from self-care at home to the use of drugs from a doctor.
The following are some eczema treatments that you can do at home:
1. Cold compresses when you feel itchy
When you feel itchy, avoid scratching because it can cause sores and irritation that can lead to infection. As a solution, apply a cold compress to the itchy skin area to relieve the itching.
2. Take a warm bath
To overcome the itching and reduce irritation on the skin, you can also take a bath with warm water. Avoid bathing with water that is too hot because it can make the skin inflamed and dry, so eczema symptoms can recur or get worse.
3. Wear clothes that absorb sweat
Eczema sufferers are encouraged to wear clothes made of soft, cool, and absorb sweat, such as cotton. This is useful for preventing excessive sweating which can trigger rashes and itching.
4. Use the right soap
When bathing, use a soap made from mild chemicals and free of dyes and fragrances so as not to irritate the skin. You are also not recommended to usesoap antiseptic because it can cause the skin to become dry and itchy. To be safer, choose a soap product that is labeled "hypoallergenic".
5. Use a special moisturizer
Using a skin moisturizer on a regular basis is important for eczema sufferers so that the skin does not dry out and stay healthy. Apply moisturizer 2 or 3 times a day, especially after bathing.
For maximum results, use a special moisturizer that contains allantoin, ceramide, glycerin, caprylic, pentylene glycol, niacinamide, panthenol, and sodium hyaluronate.
Besides being able to maintain skin moisture, special moisturizers with these ingredients can also relieve eczema symptoms, such as dry skin, rashes, and itching. Use the moisturizing product according to the doctor's recommendations or instructions for use as listed on the packaging label.
While doing eczema treatment at home, you also need to check with a doctor. This is important to do to determine the cause of the eczema you are experiencing, so that your doctor can provide the appropriate medication.
The following are some types of drugs that doctors usually prescribe to treat eczema symptoms:
- Corticosteroids, to relieve inflammation of the skin
- Antihistamines, to relieve itching and allergic reactions
- Antibiotics, to treat bacterial infections of the skin
- Immunosuppressant drugs, to prevent the immune system from overreacting
Eczema or atopic dermatitis can appear and recur at any time. By knowing the cause and how to treat it, it is hoped that this disease will not worsen and can be resolved immediately when symptoms recur.
If the eczema symptoms you are experiencing still do not go away despite various treatments at home or using drugs, you should consult a doctor to get the right treatment.