Eczema is without doubt one of the most typical pores and skin circumstances within the UK, with 1 in 10 adults thought to undergo from it, however regardless of its prevalence many eczema myths nonetheless persist. This may forestall victims from getting the appropriate data, or looking for efficient remedy.
So, we spoke to Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Scientific Advisor at The Impartial Pharmacy, to unravel what precisely eczema is, and the myths that want correcting.
What’s eczema?
Eczema, also referred to as “atopic dermatitis” is a standard non-contagious pores and skin situation that may trigger painful, itchy, dry pores and skin. “It is a continual situation affecting hundreds of thousands across the UK,” says Dr Grant, and “it impacts each youngsters and adults,” he provides. Whereas there isn’t a recognized remedy for eczema, it may be handled to make it extra comfy.
What are some eczema myths that want debunking?
In response to Dr Grant, “for victims, it’s important to grasp the reality behind the situation to make sure they get the right assist, remedies and recommendation,” so under he busts some frequent misconceptions.
1. Eczema solely impacts youngsters
“As talked about beforehand, eczema is a continual situation affecting each youngsters and adults,” explains Dr Grant. “Whereas it’s frequent for the situation to be recognized throughout childhood, eczema will be introduced on at any age. Grownup-onset eczema is pretty frequent and will be brought on by publicity to completely different irritants or hormonal modifications,” he provides.
2. Eczema is brought on by poor hygiene
“Opposite to standard perception, eczema shouldn’t be brought on by poor hygiene. As an alternative, numerous different elements can set off the situation, together with stress, genetics or any irritants that may react badly with the pores and skin. An absence of washing might improve the danger of catching illnesses or infections, but it surely gained’t elevate the probability of creating a continual situation, comparable to eczema,” says Dr Grant.
Actually, extra hygiene led to a surge of eczema circumstances throughout lockdown, when hand-washing and utilizing anti-bac grew to become rather more frequent. In response to the Pores and skin Life Sciences Basis, virtually 4 out of 5 (78%) adults reported a flare-up or worsening of their pores and skin circumstances because of elevated hand hygiene.
Even so, usually, “it’s vital to take care of wholesome hygiene ranges to keep away from worsening the situation. Common washing can preserve pores and skin hydrated, defending towards dry pores and skin and different eczema signs,” says Dr Grant.
3. Eczema will go away by itself
“Like several well being concern, eczema ought to by no means simply be ignored. The situation can grow to be lots worse with out remedy or way of life changes,” warns Dr Grant. “Firstly, with the pores and skin’s pure barrier damaged, micro organism may shortly result in infections. Moreover, ignoring eczema can dramatically affect individuals’s high quality of life – itchiness can affect sleep high quality, resulting in fatigue and raised stress ranges,” he says.