Skin conditions can develop for a myriad of reasons. Different allergies may appear depending on the season and the environment that you’re in, causing you to have rashes and bumps. While not all skin symptoms lead to allergies, there still may be an underlying issue. Symptoms can range from red, itchy spots to flaky, dry skin patches. But why does eczema develop?
Why Does Eczema Develop?
Eczema is a common condition that is often thought to be the result of allergies. You may be surprised to learn that eczema is actually not an allergy but a different type of skin condition. It can have flare-ups, just like an allergic reaction. The best way to start treatment for eczema is by contacting a premier dermatologist in Sarasota. Local professionals can tell you whether or not you are dealing with a skin condition or an allergy.
But why does eczema develop in the first place? What are some factors that cause it, and what is the best way to treat it? Reliable experts at the Institute of Dermatology and Oculoplastic Surgery will provide answers to these questions.
What Is Eczema?
If you have inflammatory symptoms of itchy, dry, and scaly skin, there is a possibility that you are dealing with eczema. Eczema actually describes a category of diseases that are all part of the same skin condition family. Seven distinct types of eczema can form, and they each present similar symptoms.
Eczema is defined by the moderate to severe itchiness that comes from these dry patches of skin. There are other symptoms to be aware of as well, however.
Symptoms of Eczema
One frustrating aspect of eczema is that it comes and goes in a series of what are called “flare-ups.” These flare-ups may develop in response to an allergic reaction, or they can be completely random. Notable symptoms include:
- Red, blotchy, or discolored areas of skin
- Scaly patches or extremely dry and rough textures on the skin
- Abnormally sensitive skin
- Itchiness
- Inflammation
- Swelling, oozing, or scabbing
Currently, there are over 31 million Americans currently diagnosed with a form of eczema. There have been cases of newborns having eczema. Some people develop eczema during childhood. For others, they do not see signs until their young adult years. A lot of patients do not develop any symptoms of eczema at all until they are older adults. This is why the cause of eczema can sometimes be difficult to root out.
What Causes Eczema to Form?
Eczema does not stem from a single individual source. Instead, each of the seven forms of eczema can have one or more causes. Some might develop eczema as a result of a hereditary trait, while others get eczema later in life due to repeated exposure to an irritating allergen. We can take a look at these causes in more detail below:
Genetics
Again, it is possible to have eczema simply because it was passed down to you by your family. Usually, this is due to a deficiency in the production of a protein known as filaggrin. Filaggrin keeps your skin hydrated and moisturized. If your skin cannot develop enough of this protein on its own, it is more likely to develop some uncomfortable conditions like eczema.
Immune System Issues
Someone struggling with a condition or disease that weakens the immune system is more likely to have topical skin issues. Certain forms of eczema, like atopic dermatitis, develop when the immune system is imbalanced. Usually, an overactive immune reaction leads to the development of skin conditions like eczema.
Environmental Factors
Your environment has a massive impact on your body. There may be everyday triggers in your life that irritate, infect, or otherwise harm the layers of your skin. These can range from natural substances like flower pollens to at-home chemicals that you use every day. This is why it is so easy to mistake eczema for a type of allergy since many of its triggers are the same.
Common environmental factors that lead to eczema include:
- Jewelry made with cheap metals like nickel or lead
- Polyester and other synthetic fabrics
- Certain perfumes and shampoos with fragrances that contain harmful chemicals
- Scented soaps and laundry detergents
- Antibacterial products
- Dust mites and dirt
- Disinfectant surface cleaners
- Runoff juice from used vegetables or meat
- Bad weather conditions, such as extreme dryness or humidity
While not necessarily an environmental cause, stress is also known to contribute to eczema. In fact, many people report that they experience flare-ups of their eczema symptoms during times of high stress. Keep an eye on your mental and physical health when seeking treatment for eczema.
Eczema Treatment in Sarasota
It is important to speak with your doctor about the best way to treat your unique eczema symptoms. We can help you figure out the root cause of your skin troubles and find the perfect treatment to get your symptoms under control. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment.