Eczema is likely one of the commonest pores and skin circumstances within the UK, with 1 in 10 adults thought to undergo from it, however regardless of its prevalence many eczema myths nonetheless persist. This could forestall victims from getting the fitting data, or searching for efficient remedy.
So, we spoke to Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Scientific Advisor at The Unbiased Pharmacy, to resolve what precisely eczema is, and the myths that want correcting.
What’s eczema?
Eczema, often known as “atopic dermatitis” is a typical non-contagious pores and skin situation that may trigger painful, itchy, dry pores and skin. “It is a continual situation affecting thousands and thousands across the UK,” says Dr Grant, and “it impacts each youngsters and adults,” he provides. Whereas there is no such thing as a identified treatment for eczema, it may be handled to make it extra snug.
What are some eczema myths that want debunking?
In line with Dr Grant, “for victims, it’s important to know the reality behind the situation to make sure they get the right assist, therapies and recommendation,” so beneath he busts some widespread misconceptions.
1. Eczema solely impacts youngsters
“As talked about beforehand, eczema is a continual situation affecting each youngsters and adults,” explains Dr Grant. “Whereas it’s widespread for the situation to be identified throughout childhood, eczema might be introduced on at any age. Grownup-onset eczema is pretty widespread and might be attributable to publicity to totally different irritants or hormonal modifications,” he provides.
2. Eczema is attributable to poor hygiene
“Opposite to fashionable perception, eczema shouldn’t be attributable to poor hygiene. As a substitute, numerous different components can set off the situation, together with stress, genetics or any irritants that may react badly with the pores and skin. A scarcity of washing might improve the chance of catching illnesses or infections, but it surely gained’t increase the probability of creating a continual situation, corresponding to eczema,” says Dr Grant.
Actually, extra hygiene led to a surge of eczema instances throughout lockdown, when hand-washing and utilizing anti-bac turned rather more frequent. In line with the Pores and skin Life Sciences Basis, nearly 4 out of 5 (78%) adults reported a flare-up or worsening of their pores and skin circumstances on account of elevated hand hygiene.
Even so, normally, “it is important to keep up wholesome hygiene ranges to keep away from worsening the situation. Common washing can preserve pores and skin hydrated, defending in opposition to dry pores and skin and different eczema signs,” says Dr Grant.
3. Eczema will go away by itself
“Like several well being concern, eczema ought to by no means simply be ignored. The situation can grow to be rather a lot worse with out remedy or way of life changes,” warns Dr Grant. “Firstly, with the pores and skin’s pure barrier damaged, micro organism might shortly result in infections. Moreover, ignoring eczema can dramatically influence individuals’s high quality of life – itchiness can influence sleep high quality, resulting in fatigue and raised stress ranges,” he says.