Eczema Explained: What Causes It and How Can I Improve it?

In the United States, about 10% of the population suffers from eczema, nearly 32 million people, as the National Eczema Association (NEA) reported. A common skin condition that results in dry and itchy patches on your skin, eczema is a form of dermatitis, a category of conditions causing skin inflammation. 

As a specialist in diagnosing and treating eczema and other skin rashes, dermatologist Roy Stern Seidenberg MD can help when you develop a widespread or extremely itchy outbreak. It’s also possible to gain the upper hand over eczema at home. 

Let’s review the common causes of eczema, look at home remedies to reduce the number and severity of outbreaks, and discuss ways to control symptoms. 

What causes eczema?

There’s not a single cause for all cases of eczema. It may have a genetic connection, or your immune system could trigger an allergic response. 

Those with asthma and specific allergies have a greater risk of developing eczema, and your environment plays a prominent role in your exposure to irritants, substances to which you have an inflammatory skin reaction. Anxiety, depression, and stress can also be eczema triggers. 

How can I reduce eczema episodes? 

It may take time to discover the conditions or substances that trigger eczema. One of the best ways to avoid eczema outbreaks is to avoid these triggers, which can differ for every sufferer. As well as stress and mental health challenges, some of the most common eczema triggers include: 

• Certain fabrics or items of clothing
• Cosmetics and skin care products
• Detergents, soaps, and personal care products
• Dry weather or low humidity conditions indoors
• Smoke and other environmental pollutants
• Contact with a substance for which you have an allergy

It is unclear whether food allergies are related to eczema outbreaks, but it’s possible. Keeping a food log may reveal a connection. 

Home remedies for eczema

Until you identify and avoid all triggers, you may need to deal with eczema episodes. Consider these solutions for treating eczema symptoms: 

• Reduce the temperature of baths and showers to lukewarm
• Keep baths to 15 minutes or less
• Dry your skin by patting, rather than rubbing, to minimize irritation
• Use moisturizers after bathing
• Try baths with colloidal oatmeal
• Use mild soapless cleansers instead of soap to cleanse your skin, rinsing thoroughly to remove residue.
• Liquid laundry detergents are typically more mild than powders and tablets
• Extend the rinse cycle on your washing machine if that’s an option
• Cool, damp cloths soothe the irritation and itch from eczema patches
• Use home humidifiers in the winter months and dry conditions

When home remedies fail to relieve your symptoms, contact Dr. Seidenberg’s Midtown New York office to request an appointment, online or by phone. We can recommend next-level eczema treatments to alleviate your skin irritation. Book your visit today.