Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, characterized by dry skin and red, itchy patches. Symptoms range from mild to severe and the condition can negatively impact quality of life. Eczema can occur anywhere on the body and is commonly found on the flexors (bends of the arms and back of the knees). Eczema can come and go, and move around the body, this is the chronic nature of the disease. 

There are also several different types of eczema:

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) – The most common type of eczema, linked to asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) – Develops when the body’s immune system reacts against a substance after it comes in contact with the skin.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD) – Caused by frequent contact with everyday substances, such as detergents and chemicals which are irritating to the skin.

Infantile Seborrheic – A condition that affects babies under one year old, the exact cause is unknown. 

Adult Seborrheic – Affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40, it is usually on the scalp and looks like flakey, mild dandruff, but can spread to the face, ears and chest.

Varicose – Affects the lower legs of people in their middle to late years, caused by poor circulation.

Discoid – Usually found in adults and appears suddenly as coin shaped areas of red skin, normally on the trunk or lower legs.

Flare-ups can be caused by environmental elements or “triggers” such as soaps, deodorants, carpet fibers, clothing fabrics, dust, and many more. Try writing down all of the possible things that could be contributing to your flare-ups. Controlling the factors in your environment can help minimize the number of flare-ups you experience.

Certain foods can trigger a flare-up, just like other environmental triggers. This can occur by eating the trigger food, or by skin contact with the food during preparation or when eating. There are no definitive cures for eczema although people can gain control and live quite comfortably with it.

Moisturizing regularly, skin care treatment routine, constant monitoring of the condition, and creating lifestyle changes in an effort to avoid triggers can greatly increase your chances of gaining control of the condition.