Like many of the other common skin issues that we treat, eczema can be a mystery to many people. Eczema affects the skin by weakening its natural protective barrier. This in turn leads to common eczema symptoms that can affect the appearance and health of the skin, including itchiness, dryness, rash, and more. Despite all that we know about eczema, many of the patients that we speak with are often still unsure of the condition, its effects, and what they can do about it. Which is why our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistants wanted to get into more detail and use this blog post to debunk a few common myths about eczema, as well as offer some guidance on how we can help this condition.

Myth #1: Eczema Is Caused By Stress

While it’s true that certain environmental and emotional factors like too much stress can make eczema symptoms worse, these are not root causes of the condition. Eczema is almost always caused by genetic factors like a family history of eczema or dermatitis, or an overactive immune system. For people with eczema, their immune system is often overactive, meaning even small and normally harmless irritants or allergens in the environment such as smoke, air pollutants, fabrics like wool, and certain skin care products can trigger a natural healing response. This healing response creates inflammation, which can lead to the appearance of eczema on the skin. In some rare cases, eczema may be caused by a genetic mutation that causes the skin’s barrier function not to work as it should.

Myth #2: Eczema Only Affects Children

This is a myth. While it is common in children and infants, eczema can affect the skin at any point in a person’s life. However, the effects of eczema can often vary depending on a person’s age. Teens and adolescents with eczema may experience scaly rashes and patches of dry, itchy skin. For adults, eczema can cause issues in areas that children may not experience. This includes the backs of the knees, around the elbows, as well as a thickening in the skin around the eyes.

Myth #3: Eczema Can Clear Up On Its Own

Every person’s skin is different, but it is not likely for eczema to clear up on its own. It’s important to begin an eczema treatment plan as soon as possible, both to find an effective course of treatment before symptoms get worse, and also to prevent excessive scratching and rubbing that can make your symptoms worse over time (or even lead to possible infections). We offer a variety of effective treatments for eczema, ranging from topical medications, customized prescription compounds, cosmetic laser therapies, and more.

At our Eczema Center, our experts specialize in diagnosing and treating eczema, based on the specific condition, needs, and preferences of each patient we meet. This not only includes diagnosis and treatment, but also guidance on how to avoid triggers and minimize future flare-ups. For more information on eczema, contact Dermatology Associates of Atlanta to schedule an appointment today. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more skin care tips and practice updates.