According to the National Eczema Association, nearly one in ten people in the United States have eczema. This painful skin condition causes inflamed skin, which can be dry and itchy. It is extremely common for young children to have eczema. However, individuals of all ages are affected. This condition presents itself with an array of symptoms that can be painful.
Symptoms of Eczema
Individuals who suffer from eczema, or atopic dermatitis, often experience an array of symptoms. These include:
- Itchiness in the affected areas
- Cracked and dry skin
- Raised bumps
- Skin darkening around the eyes
- Raw and sensitive skin
- Black or brown blotches on the skin
- Crusting and oozing
- Thickened skin
The symptoms that a person experiences can appear anywhere on their body. Unfortunately, symptoms also differ from person to person, which makes it critically important to see medical help for a diagnosis and a treatment plan.
What Causes Eczema?
There are several factors that can influence a person’s developing eczema. In some individuals, this condition is related to a specific gene variation that impacts the ability of their skin to provide adequate protection. Having a weakened barrier function leaves the skin unable to retain enough moisture. This leaves it vulnerable to irritants, bacteria, allergens, and other environmental factors that can wreak havoc.
For other individuals, eczema is caused by having too much of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria present on the skin. This can disrupt the skin’s barrier function and lead to severe irritation and dryness.
Complications of Eczema
There are several potential complications associated with eczema. These can include:
- Food allergies: Individuals with eczema are at a heightened risk of developing food allergies. This can result in hives.
- Asthma: Many individuals with eczema develop hay fever or asthma. This can happen before or after the development of eczema.
- Scaly and itchy skin: Individuals with eczema may experience a skin condition called neurodermatitis. This condition begins with itchy skin patches, which can worsen with scratching.
In addition, individuals can experience skin infections, discoloration of the skin, allergic contact dermatitis, and sleep problems.
Get Eczema Help Now
If you have symptoms of eczema and would like to get involved with a clinical trial, contact Skin Care Research today. With locations in Dallas, Miami, Tampa, Hollywood, and Boca Raton, you can choose the location that works best for you. Call their team at 561-948-3116 or schedule an appointment online.
