The skin ailment eczema makes your skin dry, itchy, and rough. The barrier function of your skin, which aids in retaining moisture and shielding your body from the outdoors, is weakened by this condition.

A kind of dermatitis is eczema. a category of illnesses known as dermatitis result in skin inflammation.

SYMPTOMS

Eczema symptoms include:

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Skin rash
• Skin bumps
• Thick, leathery areas of skin
• Flaky, scaly, or crusty skin
• Swelling

CAUSES

Your immune system: Your immune system overreacts to minute allergens or irritants (triggers) in your environment if you have eczema. When you come into contact with a trigger, your immune system interprets these minor irritants as potentially dangerous foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses. The triggers therefore cause your body’s defense mechanisms to go into action. Inflammation is the immune system’s method of protection. Your skin’s eczema symptoms are brought on by inflammation.

Your genes: If your family has a history of eczema or dermatitis, you are more likely to develop it. Additionally, if you have a history of allergies, hay fever, or asthma, you are at a higher risk. Pollen, pet hair, and foods that cause an allergic reaction are examples of common allergies. Another possibility is that you have a genetic mutation that prevents your skin’s barrier function from functioning properly.

Your environment: Your environment contains several things that can irritate your skin. Examples include smoking, breathing in pollutants, using harsh soaps, wearing wool, and using some skin care products. Your skin may become dry and irritated in low humidity (dry air). Sweating can be brought on by heat and excessive humidity, which can worsen itching.

Emotional triggers: Your skin’s health could be impacted by your emotional well-being, which could lead to an escalation of eczema symptoms. You may experience eczema flare-ups more frequently if you have high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression.

PREVENTION

• Moisturize your skin regularly or when your skin becomes dry. Seal in moisture after a bath or shower by immediately applying moisturizer to your skin.
• Take baths or showers with warm, not hot, water.
• Stay hydrated and drinks at least eight glasses of water each day. Water helps keep your skin moist.
• Wear loose clothes made of cotton and other natural materials. Wash new clothing before wearing it. Avoid wool or synthetic fibers.
• Manage your stress and emotional triggers. See a psychiatrist for medication and a therapist for counseling if you’re experiencing symptoms of poor mental/emotional health.
• Use a humidifier if dry air makes your skin dry.