By Anas Arif It is projected that one in ten people will experience eczema at some point in their lives, with the highest occurrence observed in early childhood. It is one of the many types of dermatitis: a series of skin conditions that result in rash and inflammation. Eczema Research Studies in Indianapolis are playing an important role in uncovering the mysteries associated with this disease. This blog gives an overview of eczema backed by key findings and current trends.
The appearance of eczema
Eczema manifests as dry, scaly patches that can be sensitive to touch. The visual characteristics vary with skin tone, appearing reddish on lighter skin and purplish grey on darker skin.
Additional symptoms associated with this condition include:
- Thickened and hardened skin
- Rashes that may ooze fluid
- Bleeding resulting from scratching
- Swelling in the affected areas
- Intense itching (pruritus)
- Cracks and crusting on the skin surface
- Changes in skin color, including darkening
- Small, rough bumps on the affected regions
- Presence of blisters and marks.
Who experiences it?
In the United States, approximately 31.6 million individuals are affected by some form of eczema. This skin condition is prevalent across all races, ethnicities, genders, and age groups, but its occurrence may vary slightly among different demographics. It affects some people more strongly than others.
By age
Anyone, at any age and in any region can get affected by eczema. However, children are more susceptible to it. According to studies, around 9.6 million children in the United States who are under 18 years old are affected by eczema, with about one-third experiencing moderate to severe forms of the condition. Around 80% of children heal from this condition as they progress in life and grow older.
By gender
The bifurcations in eczema percentages based on gender are very minimal, around 2%. Despite that, studies have shown that it is more dominant in women (11.1%) than in men (9.1%). The reason for this is not gene oriented, it has to do with the occupational differences associated with different genders. For example, research studies have proven that hand eczema is common in female-centric professions. Precisely, these were service dependent domains like cleaning, catering, babysitting, hairdressing, which involve a substantial use of water.
By environment
Across all demographics, urban regions report a higher incidence of eczema compared to their rural counterparts. The areas with the most significant rates of active eczema include London, the North-West, and the West Midlands.
While the environmental factors contributing to the increased risk of eczema remain somewhat ambiguous, there is a noted association between the condition and factors such as exposure to pollutants, dust, ultraviolet light, colder air, and the prevalence of indoor heating.
By genetics and ethnicity
Genetic changes determine how the skin barrier functions. In people with hay fever, asthma, or a family history of eczema, there are certain medical characteristics that increase the chances of eczema. These alterations are transmitted through generations from elder family members and tend to be more prevalent among specific ethnic groups and races compared to others.
A research review from 2018 indicates that while much of the existing literature has concentrated on White populations regarding dermatitis, it is important to note that dermatitis is more prevalent and occurs more frequently among Asian and Black populations.
Diagnosis
The initial step in diagnosing atopic dermatitis involves recognizing its symptoms. The distinct physical characteristics of this condition facilitate its identification by healthcare professionals. A physician may conduct a physical examination to assess the type and intensity of the symptoms, subsequently recommending appropriate treatments. In some cases, they might suggest additional tests such as blood work, tissue analysis, or skin patch testing to gain a deeper insight into the condition.
Treatment of eczema
Fortunately, there are numerous effective treatments available to manage eczema, atopic dermatitis, and other skin conditions. For instance:
Ointments: Majorly prescribed to adults, these topical creams are the most popular form of eczema management. Corticosteroids and other topical creams can be applied to irritated areas to reduce redness and discomfort.
Betamethasone valerate stands out as one of the leading treatments for eczema in the UK, with a remarkable total of 2,835,584 prescriptions issued in 2023. This compound is frequently found in various eczema treatment formulations, including creams, lotions, ointments, and scalp solutions.
Following closely is fusidic acid, which ranks as the second most prescribed medication with 924,270 prescriptions in 2023. While primarily aimed at addressing eczema and dermatitis, fusidic acid is also effective for other skin conditions characterized by inflammation or infection.
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride holds the position of the third most favored treatment option. As an antihistamine, it is widely recognized for its effectiveness in managing inflammation, although it is also utilized for a range of allergic reactions.
Oral medication: Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors may prescribe oral medications, such as prednisone, to help control inflammation. For allergic eczema, antihistamines may be recommended.
Injections: If topical and oral treatments prove ineffective, healthcare providers may consider injectable medications approved by the FDA, such as Dupilumab.
Light therapy: Patients experiencing severe flare-ups despite standard treatments often find relief through light therapy, where a healthcare professional administers controlled doses of ultraviolet light to the affected skin.
Prevention
Keeping atopic dermatitis in check and preventing it from getting worse can be done with a few simple steps:
- Scratching can really aggravate the skin, so it’s best to steer clear of it. Instead, try gently rubbing or pressing the area. If a child has eczema, make sure their nails are short and consider putting soft cotton gloves on them at night.
- Keeping the skin hydrated is key. Use a mix of organic oils, unscented lotions, and gentle creams to keep everything soft and nourished.
- Putting a wet dressing over an ointment can help soothe irritation and itching.
- If you often deal with skin issues, adding anti-allergy medications to your routine can help manage reactions and boost your overall health.
- Tight or uncomfortable clothing can irritate the skin. Wearing light, breathable fabrics can help minimize skin issues.
- Since stress can negatively impact your skin and health, finding ways to reduce it is important.
- If the air in your home or office is too dry, it can worsen eczema symptoms. A humidifier can help add moisture to the air, which might ease your condition.
- Oatmeal is fantastic for the skin and acts as a natural moisturizer, making it perfect for anyone dealing with skin allergies or rashes.
Conclusion
Statistics have shown that eczema is common in children, people living in urban settings, and those of Black and Hispanic origins. Despite being a common condition, there are certain measures that can be taken to reduce the number of people affected by it. Paid research studies in Indiana are playing a beneficial role in highlighting key facts about eczema and proposing effective therapies for it.
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