How to Manage Living with Eczema

There are millions of people in the U.S. that are suffering from a chronic form of atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis or eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy, red, and inflamed. It is common and living with it can be a challenge. Eczema can affect people at any age, but in many cases, can be successfully managed.

How Do You Know if You Have Eczema?

 

 

Eczema causes the skin to lose its ability to retain moisture and protect itself from allergens, bacteria, and irritants. The symptoms of eczema can resemble other conditions, so you should get checked out by a dermatologist if any of the following are present:

  • Dry skin
  • Severe itching, especially at night
  • Red to brownish-gray patches, which are found on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, or in the bend of the elbows and knees
  • Raised, small bumps that may leak fluid and crust over when they are scratched
  • Thickened, cracked, scaly patches

Treatment Options

 

It is important to remember that eczema can be persistent, so it may be necessary for you to try different treatments, or combinations of them to achieve remission. Symptoms can also flare back up. Medications such as creams that reduce the itch and help repair skin, fight infection, control inflammation are all options. The FDA recently approved Dupixent, which is used to treat severe eczema, which has not responded well to other treatments, thanks to clinical research.

Moisturizing often (after bathing and throughout the day) and avoiding scratching eczema can also be useful in reducing flare-ups. Extreme temperature changes can also trigger symptoms, so dressing in layers in the cold, and breathable clothing in warmer temperatures will help.

Clinical Research and Eczema

Trying to manage eczema on your own can lead to worsening of symptoms, or even undermining of a treatment. Seek the professional help of a dermatologist to manage your eczema effectively.

Clinical research helps to bring current treatments like Dupixent to the public. Even with the current options available, many remain without adequate treatment. More work is needed to be done to ensure possible remission for everyone. To learn more about our currently enrolling eczema studies looking into new treatment options, click here.

References:

https://www.eczemaexposed.com/understanding-eczema

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353279