Scars resulting from eczema: Understanding causes, treatments, and preventive measures
Eczema, a common skin condition that causes inflammation and irritation, affects approximately 31.6 million people in the United States. Symptoms often include itchy, dry skin with swollen, weeping, and crusty patches.
While there is no cure for eczema, effective management can help keep the symptoms under control. Treatment typically involves identifying and avoiding triggers for eczema flare-ups, following a healing skin care routine, and using medication according to a doctor's instructions.
Common environmental triggers for eczema flare-ups include:
- Dry or cold air, which can worsen symptoms by drying out the skin barrier [2][4].
- Harsh soaps and detergents, which strip skin oils and worsen inflammation [2][3].
- Allergens such as pet dander, pollen, and dust mites, which can provoke the overactive immune response associated with eczema [2].
- Sweating and overheating, which cause irritation due to salt and compounds in sweat that dry out and inflame the skin [1].
- Heat and humidity, which increase moisture loss and trap sweat, aggravating flare-ups [1].
- Exposure to chlorine and salt water, which can dry or sting sensitive skin, triggering eczema [1].
- Certain fabrics like wool or synthetic fibers, which can cause mechanical irritation and flare-ups [2][3].
- Stress and lack of sleep, which are common triggers [2][3].
To minimize flare-ups caused by these environmental triggers, it is recommended to use fragrance-free, mild cleansers and moisturizers, avoid hot water, and wear breathable, soft fabrics [1][3].
Eczema can also cause temporary changes in pigmentation, which people may refer to as scars. Refraining from scratching the skin during an eczema flare-up can help minimize pigmentation changes. These pigmentation changes, or dyspigmentation, may resemble eczema scars but will regain the skin's usual appearance in time.
People with eczema may consider alternative or complementary treatments, but speaking with a healthcare professional before trying them is recommended due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting these practices, particularly for children. Dermatologists can help people improve the appearance of their skin and limit the impact of future eczema flare-ups.
It is advisable to see a doctor for evaluation if a person develops itchy and painful skin, a skin rash, bleeding or oozing skin, pus-filled bumps on the skin, skin infections, numerous deep lines in the palm, mental health issues, or if dyspigmentation due to eczema is affecting their quality of life.
Substances such as oatmeal, aloe vera, turmeric, and chamomile are substances that people may use to treat eczema, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness. In the meantime, taking short baths or showers in lukewarm water, using fragrance-free or hypoallergenic skin care and bathing products, testing new skin products, moisturizing regularly, avoiding extreme temperatures, wearing loose fitting clothing, using hypoallergenic detergent, washing new clothes before wearing them, choosing breathable fabrics, and identifying personal triggers can help prevent eczema flare-ups and pigmentation changes.
- Treatment seekers dealing with eczema, a severe or moderate health-and-wellness condition affecting millions in the United States, can benefit from established medical-condition management strategies.
- Common triggers for eczema flare-ups include extreme temperatures, harsh soaps, allergens, and certain fabrics, among others, all of which can be managed by adopting a healing skin care routine.
- To avoid pigmentation changes due to eczema, it's crucial to refrain from scratching and stick to using mild, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers.
- While substances like oatmeal, aloe vera, turmeric, and chamomile are often used to treat eczema, science has yet to provide solid evidence supporting their effectiveness.
- Dermatologists, as certified treaters of various skin-conditions, can help improve the appearance of skin affected by eczema and offer advice on limiting future flare-ups.
- If a person experiences itchy, painful skin, a skin rash, bleeding or oozing skin, pus-filled bumps, or other concerning symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.
- Besides medical intervention, hygiene practices such as short baths in lukewarm water, gentle skin care products, testing new products, and avoiding extreme temperatures can assist in preventing eczema flare-ups and pigmentation changes.
