Eczema
Eczema, commonly known as the “itchy rash”. Of whichatopic eczema is the most common form. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role here. Atopic eczema is most common in children, but it is also seen in adults. People with eczema often have dry, flaky, and itchy skin that is prone to infection.
On this page you will find the following information about eczema:
Dr. Francis Wu on eczema
Below explains Dr. Francis Wu briefly about the complaints, causes and solutions for eczema.
Eczema is a non-contagious inflammatory skin reaction. These are symptoms that can appear next to or after each other, such as redness, scales, itching, blisters, pustules, scabs, coarsening of the skin (lichenification).
Eczema often refers to atopic eczema. There is a link between people with atopic eczema, asthma and allergic rhinitis. About 50% of patients with severe atopic eczema will develop asthma and 75% will develop allergic rhinitis.
Atopic eczema occurs in 15-30% in children and 2-10% in adults. About 60% of cases develop in the first year of life. Eczema is more common in rural than in urban areas.
There are two types of eczema that are most common.
Atopic eczema, is present at birth. The cause is a combination of genetic predisposition, irritation, allergy and inflammation. Genetically there is a shortage of, among other things, filaggrin protein, which is located in the top layer of skin. A deficiency of filaggrin is caused by a genetic mutation that occurs in 8 to 10 percent of the population. The skin of these people does not retain moisture in the skin well, which leads to eczema. When the skin lacks this protein, its ability to protect against environmental influences is reduced. It can be triggered by cold weather, infections, dry air, irritating skin products, and stress.
Irritant eczema, is caused by continuous or prolonged exposure of the skin to an irritating substance. This can be a solid (for example a piece of clothing), a liquid (for example shower gel or hot water) or a gas (for example smoke and soot). The eczema develops in places where the skin is exposed to the substance. Irritant hand eczema is the most common form.
Other eczema forms:
Contact eczema, occurs in people from 6 years old and known to have eczema or from 40 years old without a history of eczema. There is a relationship between contact with a certain substance and eczema. It sits always at the place where the substance comes into contact with the skin. Examples are nickel, fabrics in shoes, clothing, cosmetics, cleaning products.
Dry skin eczema (asteatotic dermatitis), caused by excessively dry skin. Most often occurs on the forearms and lower legs.
Coin-shaped eczema, coin-forming eczema on the extensor sides of arms and legs, it also occurs on the trunk.
Seborrhoeic eczema, occurs after the 12th year of life with an increase in sebum. The cause of this eczema lies in the sebum composition. This sebum gives rise to an inflammatory reaction of the skin, in which certain skin yeasts also play a role.
Hypostatic eczema, caused by varicose veins in the legs. In addition to eczema, there is fluid in the legs and varicose veins.
Perioral dermatitis is a rash most commonly seen in women between the ages of 16 and 45. But children between the ages of 7 months and 13 years are not spared either. The skin condition consists of small inflammatory papules and pimples and/or red/pink scaly areas around the mouth or eyes. More about clown eczema
Swimmer’s eczema is not actually eczema but a fungal infection between the toes and the side of the feet.
The major difference between dry skin and eczema is the presence of inflammation (inflammation). In eczema, the skin barrier does not work properly, which leads to moisture loss from the skin and disturbances in the top layer of skin (epidermis). If your skin is red, itchy, and flaky, it’s probably more than just dry skin and you probably have eczema.
Another important clue between eczema and dry skin is that eczema gets worse if not treated properly. It can then lead to other complaints such as tears, cracks, skin thickening and intense itching. People with eczema are also more prone to skin infections due to a disrupted skin barrier.
If areas such as elbow creases, knee hollows are also affected. So red, scaly and itchy then chances are it is eczema.
If you notice that there is a relationship between contact with certain substances and a skin rash, there is a good chance that it is eczema. The eczema patches are always located where the substance comes into contact with the skin.
The basic steps of eczema care are:
- Calming inflammatory reaction of the skin
- Improve skin hydration simultaneously for soft and supple skin
- Maintaining the skin optimally, just like brushing your teeth, skin care is also part of the routine
For the active eczema spots themselves, in addition to a basic cream, a medicinal ointment is also required. First choice are the dermatocorticosteroids, also called ‘hormone ointment. Dermatocorticosteroids come in four different strengths and can be used safely.
Another possibility is pimecrolimus (Elidel) cream and tacrolimus ointment (Protopic). These are hormone-free ointments that can inhibit mild to moderate eczema. These remedies are not powerful enough to treat severe eczema. And they can cause burning and itching at the beginning. These symptoms disappear the longer you lubricate.
A basic skin care cream or ointment is necessary against dry skin, even on skin where no eczema is present. When the eczema is calm, it is important to continue to care for the skin. Various studies show that eczema stays away longer with good skin care. More on lotion, cream and ointment what are the differences?
Tips when you have eczema
Below are tips from Dr. Francis Wu when you have eczema
Tip: make sure your skin is 'more acidic'
Research has shown that for the skin, the “ideal” pH is 4.7. pH Is the measure of acidity of an aqueous solution. pH neutral has a value of 7. For example, lemon (acid) has a pH value of 2 and liquid soap (alkaline) has a pH value of 10.
The more alkaline the skin, the more less the integrity, less bonding and more flaking.
A low skin pH (around pH 5) contributes to a moisturizing effect of the skin.
Due to the disrupted skin barrier such as in eczema, the Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria thrive in a neutral pH environment. This makes people with eczema more susceptible to bacterial infections.
A more acidic skin can better resist Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria.
Tip: do you like to swim
There is no objection to swimming. A thin layer of petroleum jelly, coconut oil, olive or baby oil on the skin before swimming provides an extra barrier and protects against skin dehydration.
After swimming and showering, apply a greasy cream or ointment.
Tip: sun protection, go for mineral sunscreen
Mineral sunscreen filters are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These two combinations ensure optimal and broad UV coverage. The two filters give the least chance of skin reaction, are not absorbed by the skin and provide immediate protection after application.
Zinc oxide protects mainly UVA rays and less UVB. Titanium dioxide mainly has a UVB protection and less against UVA rays.
Tip: shower & soap
Combination hot water and especially soap dry out the skin. Your natural skin oils (sebum) are stripped off by this combination. As a result, your skin barrier is disrupted. Alternatives if you really want to use something are to use bath oil, soap-free products. Dry your skin by dabbing with a towel; do not rub.
Always lubricate well with the cream after shower to keep the skin flawless.
Tip: 'am I allergic to this product' test:
Do the ROAT aka Repeated Open Application Test. it is used to test whether you have an allergy to a particular (skin care) product. The advantage of the ROAT is that you can easily perform it at home, without the intervention of a dermatologist.
Apply a thin layer of one product in one elbow fold twice a day for 14 consecutive days.
- No skin reaction = no allergy
- Redness, itching and/or scaling = allergy
Wash your hands to prevent any spread of the product to other skin areas e.g. the face. You can test a second or more products at the same time in the same way in the other elbow creases, back of the knees or the skin area behind the ears. This test can only be used for products that may remain on the skin and therefore do not need to be rinsed off. So no shower gel, shampoos, soap, toothpaste or aggressive substances. When in doubt, contact your dermatologist first.
More about ROAT
The best products to care for eczema skin
Below you will find some products that can help you take care of your skin.
- All products have the ideal pH 5 acidity – for good skin resistance and skin barrier.
- Vegan, Zero Plastic inside
- Iconic Elements skincare has been named the Best Holistic skincare line 2022 by EU Business News.
What our customers think of our eczema products
Frequently asked questions about eczema
Not all perfume substances give an allergic skin reaction. More than 150 fragrances can cause contact allergies and dermatologists are testing a mix of perfumes. In total there are more than 2000 fragrances.
Perfume has been added to some Iconic Elements products to remove the basic smell of ingredients. We use a concentration lower than 0.2%. For comparison, the concentration of perfume in eau de parfum, cologne and toilette ranges from 3 to 15%.
If you use both hormone ointment and a care cream, it is best to start with the care cream first. Wait 20-30 minutes before applying the hormone ointment.
Lotion contains relatively more water than caring oils compared to a cream or ointment. Lotion advantages are, better spreadability, it does not stick and feels light on the skin. A major disadvantage is that a lotion on dry skin makes the skin drier. This is due to the high water content in the lotion and that evaporates on the skin. Evaporation drains more moisture from the skin leading to drier skin.
