Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in the UK, with 1 in 10 adults thought to suffer from it, but despite its prevalence many eczema myths still persist. This can prevent sufferers from getting the right information, or seeking effective treatment.
So, we spoke to Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, to get to the bottom of what exactly eczema is, and the myths that need correcting.
What is eczema?
Eczema, also known as “atopic dermatitis” is a common non-contagious skin condition that can cause painful, itchy, dry skin. “It's a chronic condition affecting millions around the UK," says Dr Grant, and “it affects both children and adults,” he adds. While there is no known cure for eczema, it can be treated to make it more comfortable.
What are some eczema myths that need debunking?
According to Dr Grant, “for sufferers, it’s essential to understand the truth behind the condition to ensure they get the correct help, treatments and advice,” so below he busts some common misconceptions.
“As mentioned previously, eczema is a chronic condition affecting both children and adults," explains Dr Grant. “While it’s common for the condition to be diagnosed during childhood, eczema can be brought on at any age. Adult-onset eczema is fairly common and can be caused by exposure to different irritants or hormonal changes,” he adds.
“Contrary to popular belief, eczema is not caused by poor hygiene. Instead, various other factors can trigger the condition, including stress, genetics or any irritants that can react badly with the skin. A lack of washing may increase the risk of catching diseases or infections, but it won’t raise the likelihood of developing a chronic condition, such as eczema," says Dr Grant.
In fact, excess hygiene led to a surge of eczema cases during lockdown, when hand-washing and using anti-bac became much more frequent. According to the Skin Life Sciences Foundation, almost four out of five (78%) adults reported a flare-up or worsening of their skin conditions as a result of increased hand hygiene.
Even so, in general, “it is vital to maintain healthy hygiene levels to avoid worsening the condition. Regular washing can keep skin hydrated, protecting against dry skin and other eczema symptoms," says Dr Grant.
“Like any health concern, eczema should never just be ignored. The condition can become a lot worse without treatment or lifestyle adjustments," warns Dr Grant. “Firstly, with the skin’s natural barrier broken, bacteria could quickly lead to infections. Additionally, ignoring eczema can dramatically impact people’s quality of life – itchiness can impact sleep quality, leading to fatigue and raised stress levels,” he says.
“Instead of ignoring the chronic condition, I suggest finding the best treatment for you. There are many products available, designed to ease itchiness and provide some much-needed relief from symptoms. In particular, I recommend HC45 Hydrocortisone Cream, an effective treatment for targeting inflamed skin," says Dr Grant.
“While eczema can cause skin to dry, it’s misleading to brand the condition as ‘dry skin’. Overall, eczema has various symptoms such as itching, rashes, blisters and bleeding. While both eczema and dry skin can flare due to different triggers, they are separate concerns," explains Dr Grant.
“Dry skin, however, can worsen eczema, making skin more itchy and exacerbating symptoms further. If you’re unsure whether you might be suffering from eczema or dry skin, it’s always best to seek further advice from a qualified medical professional, such as your GP," he encourages.
“Much like with any chronic condition, eczema should be constantly treated, not just during flare-ups, to avoid symptoms becoming more intense. While the skin condition may cause rashes and itchiness to come and go, continuous treatment can help negate these unwanted flare-ups," says Dr Grant.
“To do so, identifying and avoiding potential triggers can be useful. Whether it’s a particular soap or fragrance, constructing a healthy skincare routine can help with constantly treating the condition. By controlling inflammation, people can reduce the damage done to their skin’s natural barrier, avoiding potential scarring or skin thickening," he adds.
“Overall, maintaining a healthy skin routine while suffering from eczema is crucial. Additionally, understanding the condition fully is key for spotting potential triggers and being able to identify the best treatment options,” he concludes.
