COVID-19 and Eczema: connection, symptoms, and insights
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that affects many individuals worldwide. Characterized by dry, itchy, red, or scaly patches on the skin, eczema can be challenging to manage, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic [1][2].
The stress and immune response triggered by COVID-19 infection might exacerbate inflammation and itching in people with eczema. Additionally, pandemic-related hygiene measures like frequent handwashing and sanitizer use can strip the skin of moisture and impair the skin barrier, further aggravating eczema symptoms [1].
To manage eczema effectively during the pandemic:
- Maintain skin hydration: Use regular applications of barrier repair moisturizers to reduce water loss and repair skin [1].
- Continue prescribed medications: Apply topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or other treatments as directed by a healthcare provider [1].
- Avoid known irritants and allergens: This includes harsh soaps, detergents, and frequent sanitizer use when possible, substituting with skin-friendly alternatives [2].
- Practice gentle skin care: Use lukewarm water for bathing, and avoid excessive scrubbing.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or infection occurs: Sometimes eczema can be complicated by bacterial infections requiring antibiotics [2].
- Manage stress: Stress can contribute to eczema flares, so techniques to reduce anxiety may help.
It's important to note that COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects like skin irritation or swelling at the injection site, but these are generally mild and transient and not specifically linked to worsening eczema [4]. However, people with eczema should discuss vaccination and any concerns with their healthcare provider.
People with eczema may experience more flare-ups due to factors relating to COVID-19, including dry skin from frequent handwashing, flare-ups from increased stress, and irritation due to mask-wearing. To reduce eczema flare-ups during the pandemic, a person needs to maintain a skin care routine that includes frequent moisturizing, washing hands in lukewarm water, moisturizing after washing, managing stress as best they can, and investing in a soft, high-quality face mask.
In people with darker skin tones, eczema symptoms may also include a brown, purple, or grey rash, and lighter or darker patches of skin that persist even when other symptoms have gone away [5].
In summary, COVID-19 may impact eczema by triggering symptom flares due to immune activation and skin barrier disruption. Consistent skin care, medication adherence, and medical supervision remain key to managing eczema during the pandemic [1][2].
Remember, it's crucial to follow public health guidelines to help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. These include washing hands regularly, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, wearing a mask, getting fully vaccinated, staying 6 feet away from others, avoiding poorly ventilated areas and crowds, covering sneezes and coughs, getting tested, and taking precautions when traveling [3].
Sources:
[1] National Eczema Association. (2020). Managing Eczema During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Retrieved from https://nationaleczema.org/covid19
[2] American Academy of Dermatology. (2020). Coronavirus and Your Skin: Expert Answers to Your Questions. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/coronavirus/skin-concerns
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). How to Protect Yourself & Others. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
[4] National Eczema Association. (2021). COVID-19 Vaccines and Eczema: FAQs. Retrieved from https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-vaccines
[5] American Academy of Dermatology. (2020). Skin of Colour and COVID-19. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/coronavirus/skin-of-color-and-covid-19
- The COVID-19 pandemic has established eczema as a challenging condition to manage due to factors such as dry skin from frequent handwashing and increased stress.
- Proper skin care management, including regular moisturizing, gentle cleansing, and stress reduction, can help moderate eczema flare-ups during the pandemic for many individuals.
- Severe eczema symptoms may necessitate the attention of treaters, such as healthcare providers who can recommend appropriate medications and treatments.
- Maintaining a consistent skin care routine, including hydration and avoidance of known irritants and allergens, is essential to the health-and-wellness of people with eczema during the pandemic.
- COVID-19 vaccines may cause side effects like skin irritation or swelling at the injection site, but the severity is typically mild and transient, and not linked to worsening eczema symptoms.
- To effectively manage eczema during the pandemic, individuals with the condition should consult with their healthcare providers to discuss any concerns related to vaccination and other pandemic-related factors.
- In people with darker skin tones, eczema may present with symptoms such as brown, purple, or grey rashes and persistent skin discoloration, highlighting the need for mental-health awareness and sensitivity when addressing skin-care concerns.
