Te mate harehare Eczema

The exact cause of eczema is not known, but it is believed that a combination of genes and environmental factors causes it.

Eczema is an atopic condition which means it occurs in people who have a genetic tendency to react to allergens. Other atopic conditions include hayfever and atopic asthma. You are more likely to get eczema if you or a whānau member has another atopic condition.

Some people with eczema have a lower amount of a protein called filaggrin. This protein plays an important role in keeping your skin barrier healthy. Having less filaggrin leads to dry skin and increases the risk of developing eczema.

People with eczema also tend to have an overactive immune system. This can be triggered by a substance inside or outside of the body, causing inflammation.

What is eczema? Patient Explainers — YouTube (external link)

Eczema occurs most often in pēpi and tamariki. But it can sometimes occur for the first time when you are an adult.

Eczema in children — KidsHealth (external link)

Eczema triggers

A trigger is something that causes your eczema to flare up. Common triggers include:

• heat or changes in temperature
• irritants such as soap, bubble bath, detergent, fabric conditioner and perfumed products
• fabrics such as wool or synthetic materials, which can be prickly
• chemicals such as chlorine in a swimming pool or chemicals in a spa
• stress
• food allergies such as cows milk
• environmental allergens such as animal dander, pollen or house dust mites.

The main symptom of eczema is itching. This itching can be moderate to severe, and is often worse at night. Your skin may also become dry, inflamed and cracked. 

When your eczema becomes worse it is called a flare-up — this can last for a few weeks.

• If it is mild, it can involve 1 to 2 areas of skin.
• If it is severe, it can involve many areas of your skin. 

Eczema can affect any area of your skin. In adults it is most common on the:

• wrists
• inside of elbows
• backs of knees
• torso
• limbs.

It can sometimes affect your face and genital areas.

Eczema in children — KidsHealth (external link)

Sometimes your skin can become infected. Signs and symptoms of skin infection include:

• skin that is weepy or crusted
• lots of white or yellow pimples
• a sudden flare-up of eczema all over your body
• shivering
• painful skin
• painful blisters that look like chickenpox.

See your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you think your eczema is infected. You may need antibiotics to treat the infection.

Your healthcare provider will usually diagnose eczema based on your medical history. They will talk to you about your symptoms and look at your skin. 

Blood tests and skin tests are not usually necessary.

• Moisturise your skin to keep it hydrated. Use colour and fragrance free products. There are many types of moisturisers — you can ask your pharmacist for advice. If your eczema is moderate or severe talk to your healthcare provider.
• Bathe or shower daily to help moisturise your skin. Use soap substitutes such as an aqueous cream.
• Use anti-inflammatory steroid cream. Ask your pharmacist for advice on what cream is best for you.
• Keep your nails short to avoid scratching yourself. This can lead to inflammation and infection.

Eczema in children — KidsHealth (external link)

If you have severe eczema that does not respond to treatment, your healthcare provider may refer you to a dermatologist (skin doctor). You can also pay to see a private dermatologist.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis — DermNet (external link)

The key to avoiding flare-ups of your eczema is to:

• moisturise your skin regularly
• know your triggers for eczema flare-ups
• avoid your triggers where possible
• use any medications from your healthcare provider or pharmacist as recommended.