DO I HAVE ECZEMA?
There are many different types of eczema, and each type can present on the skin in unique ways. So what should you look out for if you think you may have eczema? Before you head to your doctor or dermatologist, here are five things to look out for:
1
YOUR SKIN IS VERY ITCHY
A central characteristic of eczema is that certain areas of your skin become very itchy. The itch may be so intense, in fact, that it’s sometimes called “the itch that rashes.” Unfortunately, it can also become worse at night.
2
YOU’VE GOT PATCHES OF DISCOLOURED SKIN
Patches of eczema can present as blotches of red, brown or grey, depending on your natural skin tone.
3
YOUR SKIN IS DRY, BUMPY AND INFLAMED
Scientists think eczema is caused by a dysfunction in your skin barrier, making it leaky, dry and vulnerable to irritation. Because the skin becomes very dry in certain places, it may look rough, cracked or bumpy. The appearance of bumps vary widely. Some may experience small raised rash-like bumps, larger round bumps or coin-sized blisters.
4
SYMPTOMS APPEAR ON ONLY CERTAIN PARTS OF YOUR BODY
Eczema shows up in particular places, often where the skin naturally folds, like hands, feet, at the creases of elbows or knees, ankles, wrists, face, behind the ears or on the scalp. But really, it can appear anywhere on the body.
5
YOUR SKIN IS VERY SORE
Often because of incessant scratching, either consciously or not, some areas of your skin can get very raw, sore and swollen. It can even become infected and weep with pus and develop scabs. If the symptoms persist, these areas may become prone to infection.
If you think you may have eczema, please know you are not alone! Estimates reveal between 10% to 20% of people worldwide will suffer from eczema at some point in their lives.
