What is eczema and how does it start? Eczema treatment methods
Especially during the winter months, a persistent sensation of itching, dryness, redness, and rashes on the skin can indicate atopic dermatitis—a skin disease that can lead to infection—more commonly known as eczema. So, how is eczema treated? Here is the answer...
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Eczema emerges as a protective mechanism of the skin against certain substances taken internally or contacted externally, much like the rejection of a foreign substance.
Eczema, which is seen in all age groups, is encountered in individuals with a predisposition to allergies, and almost any substance can be allergic for any given person.
Experts, stating that skin itching can lead to thickened skin and open cuts on the skin surface, say, "While redness and a cracked skin appearance are bothersome to a certain degree, the main problem is the intense sensation of itching.
In addition to the hardening and loss of elasticity in the skin of the hands and feet, the resulting cracks can impair quality of life. Eczema complaints arise more frequently, especially in winter due to the drying of the skin. For this reason, it is very important to protect the skin from the cold and keep it moisturized".
COLD WEATHER TRIGGERS IT
In infants and young children, lesions are usually seen on the elbows, knees, scalp, and face, while in older children and adults, they mostly appear on the hands, feet, inner arms, and behind the knees.
In newborns, allergens transmitted through breastfeeding can be effective, as can certain cosmetic substances such as cleaning materials used on fabrics, diapers, and creams.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Experts, who emphasize the need to protect parts of our body that come into contact with the air, such as the face and hands, from cold and wind, say the following:
"Winter months, when the air gets colder and humidity levels decrease, increase eczema complaints. The transition from cold air outside to hot and dry air inside, the drying of room air by closed heating systems, wearing thick clothing, and taking hot baths also trigger eczema.
For this reason, it is recommended to prefer cotton clothing instead of wool, drink plenty of water, avoid hot baths, and maintain skin moisture with appropriate cosmetic products."
TREATMENT IS DETERMINED ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF ECZEMA
Staying away from allergy-causing factors and using as few cosmetics as possible is also important. Contrary to popular belief, washing hands too frequently is inadvisable as it disrupts the skin's protective layer.
Moisturizers should be water-based for oily areas and oilier for very dry areas.
Even though there is no definitive cure for eczema, itching can be brought under control and infection prevented through internal and external treatments; however, the disease can still recur. The treatment method is determined according to the type of eczema.
It is recommended to seek support from allergy specialists for eczema and other allergic conditions that cannot be brought under control.