For those not familiar with dermatitis, otherwise known as eczema, it is a clinical term used to denote any number of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy, inflamed, and irritated. Many of the same conditions can cause dry, scaly skin as well.
While we are on the topic, it is worth pointing out that eczema is one of the most common skin problems affecting the lives of men and women in America today. And this is evidenced by a study published by the National Eczema Foundation. The study revealed that roughly 31 million people in the U.S. have some form of eczema. And just because some don't have the condition now doesn't mean they are incapable of developing it much later in life. According to researchers, 1 in 10 individuals will develop eczema in their lifetime, and the likelihood of it happening has a lot to do with their ethnicity.
For reference, the probability of developing eczema, based on ethnic makeup, is as follows:
As noted in the preface of this article, there is more than one type when it comes to eczema. While the atopic variant is the most common, many people in the U.S. and worldwide also struggle with the following types of eczema:
Other than the body part affected, symptoms associated with eczema, regardless of the specific variant, are nearly identical. Across the board, the most commonly reported symptoms include the following:
Regardless of the type of eczema you have, there are a few things that you can do to prevent the skin disorder from getting worse. And the first one has to do with diet. While nuts, milk, and wheat, for example, are considered healthy foods, they are foods that individuals with eczema would do best to avoid. To better understand why this is the case, it helps to know more about what these foods do in the body after being consumed. In short, nuts, milk, and wheat are foods that prompt the body to release more T cells and more immunoglobulin-E (IGE), both of which are responsible for inflammation.
In individuals who do not have eczema, this is a good thing since inflammation is part of the immune system response. For context, the immune system response is a natural bodily process that protects against infection and speeds up healing following an injury. For those living with eczema, inflammation triggered by consuming certain foods can lead to flare-ups, which means suffering through even more intense eczema-related symptoms. While we are on the topic, consuming a diet that includes food high in sugar and trans fat can increase inflammation in the body. Some of the foods that can lower inflammation in the body, on the other hand, include fish and foods rich in probiotics.
Along with being mindful of the foods they consume, there is a whole lot more that individuals can do to keep eczema flare-ups at bay, some of which include avoiding the following:
Excessive sunlight exposure – While it is a good source of vitamin D, too much of the sun's ultraviolet rays can give way to eczema flare-ups, say many dermatologists. And this is primarily due to the risk of sunburn, which can sometimes set the stage for fungal, viral, or bacterial skin infections. That said, if you struggle with eczema and spend any amount of time outdoors, it would be a good idea to apply a generous amount of sunscreen or sunblock to your skin before venturing out.
Scented detergents – The overwhelming majority of laundry detergents on the market contain fragrances. And while they do make your clothes smell good, they can do a number on your skin if you suffer from eczema of any kind. Studies show that the fragrances in these detergents can worsen eczema by causing the skin to become even more dry, itchy, and irritated. That said, using a hypoallergenic detergent whenever you wash your clothes can go a long way toward keeping all of these problems at bay.
Hormonal imbalances – According to many endocrinologists, hormonal imbalances can interfere with many critical functions in the body. And when they do, it is not uncommon for a host of unpleasant symptoms to present themselves, one of them being irritated skin. In fact, one of the more common hormonal imbalances linked to eczema, not to mention other skin disorders, is low estrogen, which is especially common among menopausal and pregnant women. Low human growth hormone (HGH) levels in both men and women can trigger the same.
Exercise - There is no denying that regular exercise is good for joint, cardiovascular, and overall health; however, those benefits can come at a price for those who struggle with eczema. Studies show that warmer body temperature, profuse sweating, and elevated heart rate that go hand-in-hand with being physically active can worsen eczema-related symptoms. That said, exercising indoors or in a shaded area if outside can minimize the risk of this happening. Exercising with a little less intensity could help in this regard as well.
All in all, eczema can be brought on by a wide range of things. But it doesn't necessarily have to upend the lives of those who develop and have to live with it. And this is because there are plenty of medical and all-natural treatments that can help combat eczema and keep it from becoming not only more painful but also unsightly.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.