Adult Eczema
Eczema, although not a life threatening illness, can be extremely damaging to the sufferer both physically and mentally. It is a common problem – reports show that around 10-20% of the world’s population will experience some form of the condition during their lifetime. In the last four years, these numbers have also been seen to be rising. Many children have eczema as infants but most seem to grow out of it. For some, however, the condition remains with them into adulthood while others suddenly develop adult eczema.
Eczema can look and feel different for everyone but the main symptoms include patches of red, dry skin which are horribly itchy. There are varying degrees of the condition which go from a light rash to deep, disfiguring patches which can ‘bubble up’ and ooze. Eczema is in no way contagious and generally seems to be connected with the immune system. It is just an abnormal way of the body reacting to an external factor which irritates it.
The condition can appear on any part of the body, but for adults it is usually seen on the insides of the knees and elbows. It can also appear on the ankles and often the face and neck areas which obviously can be most embarrassing. As mentioned before, some merely have a slight red patch but more severe cases can start to ooze and become wet. This is when it is probably most advisable to see a medical professional who can check to see there is no infection and who can prescribe a course of antibiotics just in case.
All eczema is characterised by itching and it is this which, if possible, you have to train yourself to stop. Itching, while giving momentary relief, will only make things worse. It’s a bit like having chickenpox when you were a kid. Your mother most probably made you wear mittens to stop you scratching and while you couldn’t understand why at the time; it almost certainly stopped you from being scarred in later life.
Many things can start you itching – it could be the feel of rough materials on the skin or perhaps the use of a new washing detergent. Sometimes contact with fruits, nuts or dust can trigger it off – anything which may disagree with your body. It may not be something you are actually allergic to but it will be just enough to trigger a ‘flare-up’.
It isn’t known exactly why certain people have the condition but it is known to be linked with genes – if your family has a history of it, it’s more likely you’ll suffer from it too. It has also been linked with asthma and if you experience a stressful time in your life.
There are precautions you can take to prevent ongoing bouts of adult eczema. Try to understand your most frequent triggers and then avoid them. Steer clear of perfumed soap or foods that will upset you. Try to reduce stress and avoid places which make you sweat unnecessarily. Moisturise frequently and when you do have that itch, try not to give in to temptation.
