Dry eczema is a skin disorder characterized bylit is dry, itchy, and a red rash appears. There are various things that can trigger dry eczema symptoms. To relieve the symptoms, you can do simple care at home nor treatment from a doctor.
The term dry eczema actually refers to atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis). This condition is often experienced by children and relapses into adulthood. However, some dry eczema can also occur in adults and the elderly who have never previously experienced similar complaints.
Dry Eczema Symptoms You Need to Know
When it recurs, dry eczema or atopic eczema is characterized by skin that feels itchy continuously, especially at night.
Not only that, dry eczema also triggers the appearance of rashes in several parts of the body, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, chest, eyelids, elbows and knees, face, and scalp.
People with dry eczema may also experience the following symptoms:
- Skin becomes thicker and cracked
- Dry and scaly skin
- Dandruff that is hard to get rid of
- Swollen skin or small lumps filled with fluid that can burst at any time, especially if scratched
- In infants and children, the recurrence of dry eczema symptoms can make them fussy and restless due to severe itching
Symptoms of dry eczema can sometimes resemble other skin diseases, such as fungal infections, seborrheic dermatitis, to psoriasis.
Causes and Triggers of Dry Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis
Until now, the exact cause of dry eczema is not known with certainty. However, some studies show that a person is more at risk of developing dry eczema if he has a history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or a biological family member who suffers from dry eczema.
In addition, dry eczema can also be triggered or exacerbated by certain factors. The following are factors that can trigger and worsen dry eczema:
- Allergies, for example to dust, food, pollen, pollution, or animal dander.
- Bathing habit is too long.
- Frequent sweating.
- The weather is dry and cold.
- Scratching habit.
- Clothing or fabrics made of synthetic materials or wool.
- Use of soaps and cleaners made from detergents and harsh chemicals.
- Stress.
Keep in mind, the factors that can trigger a recurrence and worsen dry eczema are different for each person. To determine what factors trigger the recurrence of dry eczema, it is necessary to be examined by a dermatologist.
Dry Eczema Treatment You Can Do at Home
To help reduce itching and other symptoms of dry eczema, you can try the following steps:
1. Avoid scratching
When dry eczema recurs, the itching that is felt will certainly make the body want to scratch it. But this should not be used to, yes. The more you scratch, the more damaged and irritated the skin will be. Even germs from your fingers can cause skin infections that can make dry eczema worse.
As an alternative to dealing with itching, try applying a cold compress to the itchy skin. Cold compresses can be done for 10-15 minutes and repeated 2-3 times a day.
2. Use a moisturizer
Dry eczema can cause cracked and dry skin. To prevent recurrence of symptoms and keep the skin healthy, it is important to use a skin moisturizer regularly. Apply moisturizer after showering, when the skin starts to feel dry, and before going to bed.
You can use a moisturizer that contains natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, honey, or beeswax. However, if your skin is sensitive, you should choose a moisturizer that is formulated for dry and sensitive skin, and choose one with fewer chemicals. Usually the moisturizer is labeled 'hypoallergenic', on the packaging.
If needed, you can also use waterhumidifier or an indoor humidifier, especially an air-conditioned room, to keep the skin moisturized.
3. Recognize and avoid triggering factors for atopic eczema
Each patient with atopic eczema has different trigger factors for symptom recurrence. Therefore, it is important to know these precipitating factors, so that they can be avoided. If it is difficult to determine what the precipitating factor is, consult a doctor.
4. Avoid taking too long a bath
The habit of bathing for a long time can make the skin dry and easily damaged. This can be one of the factors that trigger a recurrence or worsening of dry eczema. So, try to shower for 5-10 minutes.
When bathing, use a soap that is gentle, does not contain dyes, fragrances, or antibacterial substances, because it can irritate the skin. To relieve eczema symptoms, you can also use powdered oatmeal for bathing (colloidal oatmeal).
Treatment from Doctor to Overcome Dry Eczema
If these treatments are not effective in relieving the symptoms of dry eczema that you are experiencing, consult a doctor immediately. You are also advised to consult a doctor immediately if eczema has caused you to have trouble sleeping or triggers a skin infection accompanied by symptoms of pain, fever, and pus appears.
After conducting an examination and ascertaining what is the cause of dry eczema, the doctor can provide appropriate treatment. Usually doctors will treat dry eczema with the following medicines:
- Corticosteroids.
- Antihistamines, to relieve itching.
- Immunosuppressant drugs, such as corticosteroids and tacrolimus.
- Antibiotics, if there is a skin infection.
These drugs are given in the form of an ointment or cream, but the doctor may also give you oral medication. The choice of drugs prescribed by the doctor will be adjusted to the severity of the dry eczema symptoms that appear.
In addition to drugs, dry eczema is also treated with other methods, namely phototherapy. This therapy utilizes artificial ultraviolet light that is emitted into the skin. Usually, treatment with phototherapy is done when the prescribed medication is not effective or the eczema recurs after treatment.
Dry eczema is a disease that comes and goes. Symptoms can recur infrequently, can also be frequent, with varying degrees of severity. To determine how severe your dry eczema is and what treatment is needed, you should consult a dermatologist.