Have you ever felt an intense itch in a specific area of your skin, only to find that after scratching, it became red, dry, scaly, or even sore? Many people immediately assume it's a "food allergy" or "regular hives" and treat it with whatever ointment is available.
However, if this condition recurs frequently and is very uncomfortable, you may be dealing with eczema.
Eczema isn't just a simple itch that can be relieved with anti-itch powder. Let's learn more about what eczema is, its symptoms, and why you shouldn't treat it yourself!
What is Eczema (Dermatitis)?
In the medical world, eczema is known as dermatitis. It is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by dryness, redness, and intense itching. Eczema is not a contagious disease, but rather a chronic condition, meaning it can disappear and recur (relapse) if triggered by certain factors.
The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which is usually linked to genetics or a family history of allergies (such as asthma or morning sneezing). Contact dermatitis is also caused by skin contact with irritating or allergenic substances, such as certain detergents, cosmetics, or jewelry.
Eczema Symptoms You Need to Watch Out For
Eczema symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on age and severity. However, in general, look out for the following signs:
- Intense Itching: Especially at night, which often triggers a strong urge to scratch.
- Reddish to Brownish Gray Patches: Usually appear on the hands, feet, wrists, neck, upper chest, and the creases of the elbows and knees.
- Very Dry and Scaly Skin: In chronic conditions, the skin may thicken and crack ( lichenification ).
- Small, Watery Bumps: If scratched, these bumps can burst, ooze fluid, and trigger a secondary bacterial infection.
Important Note: The "Itch-Scratch" cycle in eczema will actually damage the skin barrier , worsen inflammation, and increase the risk of more serious skin infections.
What Actually Causes Eczema?
The exact cause of eczema is still unknown. However, experts agree that it occurs due to a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers that cause the immune system to become overactive.
In general, here are some of the main factors that cause and trigger eczema flare-ups:
- Disorders of the Skin Barrier : In the skin barrier of eczema sufferers, there are genetic mutations (such as the filaggrin gene) which make it difficult for the skin to retain moisture and is susceptible to the entry of bacteria, viruses, and irritants.
- Genetic Factors and Family History: A person is more at risk of developing eczema if their parents or immediate family members have a history of eczema, asthma, or nasal allergies ( allergic rhinitis ).
- External Irritants: Direct contact with everyday chemicals can trigger skin inflammation. Examples include bath soaps containing strong perfumes, laundry detergents, floor cleaners, high-alcohol hand sanitizers, and certain clothing materials like wool or synthetics.
- Allergens (Allergy Triggers): Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and even certain types of food can trigger eczema reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Environmental and Weather Factors: Air that is too dry and cold can cause skin to crack quickly. Conversely, excessive heat and excessive sweating can also often trigger extreme eczema itching.
- Psychological Stress: While stress does not directly cause eczema, high levels of emotional stress or anxiety can stimulate the release of certain hormones that worsen skin inflammation.
Proper and Safe Eczema Treatment
Eczema treatment focuses on two main areas: relieving symptoms during flare-ups and preventing future flare-ups by strengthening the skin barrier . Here are some treatment steps you can take:
1. Self-Care at Home (First Aid)
- Maintain Skin Moisture: Immediately apply a moisturizer specifically for sensitive skin or without fragrance within 3 minutes after bathing to lock in skin moisture.
- Avoid Bathing in Water That Is Too Hot: Use lukewarm water and limit your bath time (maximum 5–10 minutes) to prevent your skin from drying out further.
- Use a Gentle Soap: Choose a soap with a gentle formula, without added heavy perfumes, and that has a balanced pH.
- Avoid Key Triggers: Note and avoid things that trigger your eczema flare-ups, such as dust, rough clothing materials (like wool), harsh detergents, or psychological stress.
- Don't Scratch: If it itches, apply a cold compress to the area using a clean, damp cloth to relieve the itching without damaging the skin.
2. Medical Treatment by Specialist Doctors
If self-care at home is not enough to relieve symptoms, a Dermatologist and Venereologist will provide measured therapy, such as:
- Topical Corticosteroids (Ointments/Creams): To quickly relieve inflammation and redness in inflamed skin areas.
- Antihistamine Medication: Given to help reduce severe itching, especially if the itching interferes with sleep quality at night.
- Antibiotics: Only given if the eczema has experienced a secondary infection due to bacteria (for example due to open, pus-filled scratch wounds).
- Immunomodulatory Therapy or Phototherapy: For cases of chronic or severe eczema that do not respond to standard treatments.
When to Act and See a Doctor?
Don't wait until your skin is injured, infected, or the itching keeps you awake at night. It's highly recommended that you seek medical help immediately if:
- Eczema symptoms do not improve or worsen after self-treatment at home.
- The itching you feel has disrupted your daily activities or disturbed your sleep.
- Signs of infection appear, such as areas of skin that are filled with pus, swollen, red streaks appear, or accompanied by fever.
The Right Solution for Healthy Skin at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital
Each skin type and eczema condition requires personalized treatment. Avoiding triggers and maintaining skin moisture are the first steps, but effective and safe long-term treatment can only be achieved through an accurate medical diagnosis.
Dermatologists and Venereologists at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital are ready to help you identify the root cause of eczema, provide safe and appropriate medication or ointment therapy, and educate you on how to care for your skin to prevent eczema from recurring.
Don't let eczema affect your comfort and self-confidence. Schedule a consultation with a Dermatologist and Venereologist at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital for appropriate and professional treatment!
Article written by Dr. Dwi Ro Santi, Sp.KK (Specialist in Dermatology and Venereology at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).