What Is Eczema & Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It’s common in young children but can occur at any age. Eczema damages the skin barrier, making the skin prone to skin irritation, skin inflammation and extreme dryness. Atopic dermatitis is long-lasting (chronic) and tends to flare sometimes. It can be irritating but it’s not contagious.

People with eczema-prone skin are at risk of developing food allergies, hay fever and asthma.

Moisturising regularly with DU’IT products and following other skin care habits can relieve itchy skin and prevent new outbreaks (eczema flare-ups). Eczema treatment may also include medicated ointments or eczema creams.

What are Eczema & Dermatitis symptoms?

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) symptoms can appear anywhere on the body and vary widely from person to person. They may include:

• Dry skin
• Skin cracking
• Itchiness (pruritus)
• Rash on swollen skin that varies in colour depending on your skin colour
• Small, raised bumps, on brown or black skin
• Oozing and crusting
• Thickened skin
• Darkening of the skin around the eyes
• Raw, sensitive skin from scratching

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) often begins before age 5 and may continue into the teen and adult years. For some people, it flares and then clears up for a time, even for several years.

How to manage Eczema & Dermatitis

Beyond avoiding triggers, keeping skin moisturised with ointments and creams is key. Ingredients like Urea that can help restore the skin’s barrier can be beneficial as well. Avoiding long baths and showers (and hot water) can also help prevent a flare up. Be mindful of the clothing you wear as well—and opt for soft, natural fabrics such as cotton and silk to help minimise the chances of an eczema outbreak. If these efforts don’t help improve your symptoms, it’s best to see a dermatologist.

A good first step for getting eczema relief is the proper skincare regimen. Eczema can be aggravated by harsh personal-care products, which is why it’s important to choose a gentle, non-irritating wash that cleanses, soothes and hydrates the skin. You should also look for over-the-counter ingredients with itch-relief benefits like hydrocortisone and colloidal oatmeal. Additional beneficial skincare ingredients include Urea to help restore the skin barrier, which helps keep moisture in the skin while keeping irritants out, as well as hyaluronic acid and omega-rich oils for extra moisture. Applying a moisturiser with these ingredients and soothing niacinamide after cleansing helps calm the skin as well—and remember to apply often throughout the day. For targeted eczema itch relief, keep a hydrocortisone anti-itch cream with you at all times to help relieve itching.Atopic dermatitis often begins before age 5 and may continue into the teen and adult years. For some people, it flares and then clears up for a time, even for several years.