ECZEMA PROGRAM

Eczema is a common chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. An eczema rash can vary in severity and may come and go.

Understanding the condition, including what causes eczema, and how to manage triggers and get rid of eczema flare-ups, is key to controlling symptoms effectively.

Eczema is a condition where the skin becomes inflamed, irritated, and prone to dryness. It is a long-term condition that typically goes through periods of flare-ups and remission. Though there is no cure for eczema, the symptoms can be effectively managed with the right strategies.

Eczema affects up to 2.8 million Australians, with most of them affected by pain, severe sleep disturbance, impaired quality of life, mental illness, and a higher risk than normal of many other serious chronic diseases. 

An eczema rash often appears as:

• Red, inflamed skin (or darker patches in skin of color)
• Dry, cracked, scaly skin
• Severe itching 
• Thick or rough skin from repeated scratching 

Symptoms can appear anywhere on the body and may vary depending on age and severity. 

Who gets eczema

Eczema can affect people of all ages. It is common in children and may persist into adulthood or develop later in life. It is more likely to occur in individuals with a personal or family history of allergies, asthma, or hay fever. 

An overactive immune response or a weakened skin barrier are other causes of eczema. While it can affect all skin types, its severity and appearance differ with individuals.

Common symptoms include 

• Itchy irritated skin 
• Dry or sensitive skin 
• Redness and inflammation 
• Cracked or weeping skin in severe cases
• Thickened skin from ongoing scratching 

Symptoms may worsen during flare-ups and improve with treatment and trigger management.

Understanding the triggers of eczema is an important part of managing the condition. Triggers vary between individuals but commonly include:

• Dry skin
• Soaps, detergents, and fragrant products 
• Weather changes 
• Dust, pollen, or allergens
• Certain fabrics, such as wool or synthetic material

Stress is a well-known trigger for eczema; it can worsen symptoms or lead to flare-ups. Individuals with food sensitivities and allergies are more likely to have food triggers that also contribute to flare-ups.

Managing eczema involves a combination of medical and skincare treatment options

• Prescription options
• Moisturise to restore the skin barrier
• Antihistamine where appropriate

The treatment focus is on how to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups rather than curing a condition.

Control symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation using appropriate treatments and regular moisturising.

Reduce flare-ups by maintaining skin hydration, avoiding triggers, and following a consistent skincare routine.

• Avoid scratching - Scratching the area causes damage to the skin and increases the risk of skin infections. Keep your nails short or wear gloves at night to minimize damage as much as possible.
• Moisturize the skin - Dry skin is one of the most common causes of a flare. Keeping the skin moist and healthy can protect the skin and help avoid flares from ever beginning. Make sure that you use fragrance-free moisturizer to avoid any allergies, as fragrances are a common trigger.
• Wear loose breathable clothing - tight clothes or clothes with irritating material or material that is too hot for the weather can all result in eczema worsening.
• Avoid fragranced products - Soap or laundry fragrances are often responsible for flares. Test some fragrance-free or mildly fragranced products to see if your condition improves. Once you have found the right product for you, avoid changing it if possible.
• Manage stress - Finding effective ways to manage stress can help reduce flares and improve your mental health.
• Avoid personal triggers - Keep a diary of what triggers your eczema and do your best to avoid them if possible.

If you are experiencing an eczema rash or want guidance on how to treat eczema, taking the first step to understand what may be contributing can be a useful starting point.

Speaking with a doctor allows for a discreet assessment and personalised guidance to help identify possible factors that may be affecting skin health.

Early discussion can help you better understand your symptoms and explore appropriate management approaches suited to your individual circumstances.

Connect with a clinical team for a professional assessment and, where appropriate, begin building a plan to help manage your skin effectively.