Redness, Scales, and Itching… Oh My!
Redness, Scales, and Itching… Oh My!
Skin irritations can come in many shapes, sizes, textures, and just about any variable quality you can think of. Some types of irritations are more common and general, such as Eczema, and some are more rare, possibly indicating some underlying condition as seen in the lupus skin rash. However, most rashes are often more convoluted than they originally appear. Even the “simple” rash that Eczema was likened to before is actually an umbrella term for a variety of skin conditions, the most common of which is atopic dermatitis.
Atopic Eczema
There is no known Eczema cause, unfortunately, but there are many irritants, called triggers, that can bring on episodes of Eczema outbreak.
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Stress
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Irritants, such as soaps, detergents, lotions, and other things that may touch the skin
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Allergens
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Climate and Environmental changes
Atopic Eczema Symptoms
It is very common for Eczema to present differently in different people however, as with all diseases, some symptoms are more common than others;
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Dry, scaly, or crusty skin
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Redness
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Puritis (Itching)
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Blisters that may ooze if broken during scratching
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Higher rates of infection due to routinely broken skin.
Eczema location can vary not only from person to person, but also from age group to age group. Adults are more likely to have outbreaks in “bending areas” such as their elbows or knees, while children often get outbreaks in their elbows, behind their knees, on their face, the back of their neck, and on their scalp.
Eczema Management
Fortunately, there are a wide variety of ways in which to handle Eczema symptoms. Over the counter lotions can be used with fair effectiveness as long as there are no fragrances in them that may exacerbate an outbreak. Doctors can also prescribe prescription-strength cortisone creams, pills, and even shots that are often more effective in the management of more severe cases. Luckily, there are a few holistic ways to manage and reduce the risk and severity of Eczema outbreaks.
Stress appears to be a significant factor in Eczema and its outbreak occurrence rate, so proper stress management and simply taking time for yourself can help to reduce severity and frequency of outbreaks (while having the additional benefit of helping you feel better!). Staying on top of daily moisturizing routines and not simply moisturizing in response to an outbreak can also help prevent them before they arise. Finally, avoiding irritants can help ensure skin does not get aggravated, which can eventually lead to a flare up. Here at Thrive, our certified Functional Medicine (IFM) providers are accustomed to treating complex and intertwined health issues like Eczema from a functional and preventative standpoint. Allow Thrive to play an integral part in your journey to optimal health and wellness in 2019!
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