Eczema is a chronic, inherited, inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and bumpy patches of skin. It is not contagious and can be triggered by environmental factors such as rough fabrics, cigarette smoke, and extreme temperatures. Eczema can be managed with a good skin care routine, including moisturizers, antihistamines, topical steroid creams, and corticosteroids. However, not all moisturizing creams are created equal, and its important to choose products that contain ingredients that help eczema-prone skin, such as oat or shea butter, aloe, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, vitamin E, and humectants. Its also important to consult with a dermatologist and check out products with the NEA Seal of Approval before choosing skin products, steroid cream, or other eczema treatments for your eczema-prone skin.
While eczema is not harmful to the rest of the body, it can affect your quality of life, especially when its at its worst. It can keep you from sleeping, distract you, and make you feel self-conscious in public. Identifying environmental triggers and avoiding them can reduce your risk of an eczema flare-up in the future. For severe cases of eczema, a short course of oral corticosteroids may be necessary, but this must be done under careful medical supervision.
