Living with Eczema
While there is no single solution for coping with eczema, there are lots of management strategies that can help. The key is knowing yourself and finding what works best for you. Aveeno® offers dermatologist-recommended eczema solutions that help provide relief to eczema-prone skin.
Do you think you have Eczema?
If you think you may have eczema, take our quiz to help recognize common eczema symptoms and schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is the name for a group of skin conditions that cause the skin to become red, itchy, and inflamed. Over 30 million Americans have some form of eczema, most common being Atopic Dermatitis.Eczema affects all skin colors. However, the prevalence of eczema is increasing and more common among the Black, Asian, and Pacific Islander population.
Where Does it Appear?
Skin tone and texture concerns can surface anywhere on the body, often presenting differently depending on location. The backs of legs and arms might feel bumpy, while the upper back or chest could feel rough due to dry patches. Other areas of rough, bumpy skin can include the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and sides of the torso.of melanin or pigment in the skin, while texture refers to the condition of the skin’s surface.
What can Eczema look like?
Common symptoms
85% experience itch every day
The most common symptom of eczema is itch. Research shows more than 85% of people with eczema experience itch every day. For many people, the itch can range from mild to moderate. Up to 30% of people rate sleep disturbance as their most or second most burdensome symptom.
But eczema and its symptoms are different for everyone. You may have all or just a few of the symptoms below. There may be times your symptoms go away, and other times when you have flare-ups. The best way to find out if you have eczema is to consult with a healthcare professional.
Itchiness
Dry, sensitive skin
Rough, leathery, or scalpy patches
Sleep disturbance
Inflamed, Discolored skin
Oozing or crusting
Why do people get Eczema?
The reason some people get eczema is a complex mix of factors including genetics, skin barrier function and environment. You may be at higher risk for developing eczema if a parent, sibling, or other close relative has it. Environment is also thought to play a significant role. Eczema rates tend to be higher in urban settings where there are higher levels of environmental pollutants.
Eczema triggers & treatments
While there is no cure, eczema can be managed by identifying and avoiding the things that may cause flare-ups and establishing a daily skin care routine.
Irritants
Soaps detergents & dryer sheets
Bubble-bath & certain shampoos
Disinfectants like chlorine
Fragrances & dyes
Wool or other coarse fabrics
How To Reduce Trigger
Wash new clothes before wear.
Use dye free and fragrance-free products.
Use sunscreens made for sensitive skin.
Food
Dairy products
Eggs
Nuts and seeds
Wheat
How To Reduce Trigger
If you suspect a food is making eczema symptoms worse, see your doctor. You may be asked to keep a diary to help identify one or more suspect foods.
Allergens
House dust mites
Pets
Pollen (seasonal)
Molds
How To Reduce Trigger
Vacuum and wet-dust floors and furniture regularly.
Limit soft toys and wash often.
Groom pets regularly to reduce danger.
Stress
Anxiety
Anger
Frustration
Stress-induced habit scratching
How To Reduce Trigger
Exercise regularly.
Eat a healthy diet.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Practice meditation.
Environment
Hot or cold temperature
High or low humidity
Tobacco smoke
Traffic pollution
Water hardness
How To Reduce Trigger
Try to maintain an even temperature and humidity in your home. Hot temperatures can cause sweating which can trigger eczema.
How to treat Eczema
Gentle skin care and liberal use of moisturizers are considered first-line therapy for management of eczema. Even when you are not experiencing a flare-up, basic management including trigger avoidance and gentle cleansing with daily, frequent moisturization is essential.
Easing Eczema symptoms
The treatment of eczema is similar in people of all races and ethnicities. Goals of treatment include relieving itch and hydrating to help restore the skin moisture barrier. Everyday treatment tips include:
Limit showers to 15 minutes using lukewarm water.
Use gentle cleansers that have been tested on sensitive skin.
Avoid harsh abrasives and loofahs.
Gently pat skin dry. Don’t rub.
Apply moisturizers to damp skin.
Avoid scratching.
Wear sunscreen.
Topical treatments
Treating eczema on the surface is the first line of defense against flare-ups. Topical treatments can include the following:
Oatmeal bath treatments
Moisturizers
Over-the-counter medications
Prescription medications
Relieving Eczema Symptoms With Colloidal Oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal is the only skin protectant ingredient FDA-approved for the treatment of eczema, and its benefits have been demonstrated through extensive research across diverse patient populations. In clinical studies, Aveeno® Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream has been shown to improve signs of atopic dermatitis from Day 1 and Aveeno® Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm provides immediate and long-lasting relief of dry, itchy skin.
Helped 444,000 Eczema Warriors in 2023
In 2022, Aveeno® achieved its goal of helping 100,000 Eczema Warriors through educational resources, tools, and products. In 2023, we have exceeded our goal of 200,000 and helped an additional 444,000 Eczema Warriors.
More Eczema Resources
SKIN CONCERN
Baby Eczema
ECZEMA ARTICLE
The Emotional Impact Of Eczema
ECZEMA ARTICLE
Tips For Easing Eczema Symptoms
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