We’ve all had days when we wake up with dry, irritated skin. For some though, it’s an everyday struggle. These are women with eczema — a skin condition that’s definitely frustrating, but nothing to be ashamed of.
Eczema (aka atopic dermatitis) often gets swept under the rug, like it’s a ’hush-hush‘ topic. This silence around it can make people dealing with eczema feel even more isolated. But here’s the thing: eczema is way more common than most people realise, and it’s not something one e should tiptoe around. Expert dermatologist Dr Kiran Sethi is on board, who clearly wants you to talk about it!
What Is Eczema, Really?
’At its core, eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It often pops up on the arms, elbows, behind the knees, and on the face, though it can appear just about anywhere,’ says Dr Kiran. People who have eczema are well aware of the constant itchiness that can become downright annoying. The dry patches can sometimes crack, bleed, or become infected if scratched too much.
Why Does Eczema Occur?
The causes of eczema aren’t fully understood, but some triggers can make it worse. If you have eczema, you might have already noticed that certain irritants like stress, soaps, or even the weather, make your skin act up. It can be linked to a person’s immune system or even genetics. If your mom, dad, or grandparents had eczema, you might be prone to it as well.
’It's also important to understand that eczema often comes in waves. You might be fine for weeks or even months, and then a flare-up happens,’ says Dr Kiran.
It Affects More People Than You Think
You’re definitely not alone if you have eczema. The numbers speak for themselves—around 10 per cent to 20 per cent of children and about 3 per cent of adults experience eczema. It often shows up in kids but can continue into adulthood. Some people even develop it later in life.
So, the next time you’re out and feel like you’re the only one slathering on extra lotion, remember: tons of people are doing the same thing.
Busting Eczema Myths
Myth 1: Eczema is contagious. Eczema is a rash that you cannot catch from anyone else. However, if you have broken skin, there may be chances of an infection.
Myth 2: It’s just dry skin. Eczema is much more than that. It’s a chronic condition that can cause severe discomfort and even pain if not managed properly.
Myth 3: You can outgrow eczema. While some kids do outgrow eczema, many people continue to experience symptoms throughout adulthood.
Managing Eczema Like a Pro
a. Living with eczema isn’t about curing it (since, sadly, there’s no cure). Instead, it’s about managing the symptoms and keeping flare-ups at bay. Here are a few tips that can help:
b. Moisturise like your life depends on it. Pick non comedogenic moisturisers with ingredients like ceramides. Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the best ways to control eczema. Look for thick creams or ointments that lock in moisture.
c. Avoid triggers. If you know that certain things—like hot showers, scented products, or stress—cause your eczema to flare up, try to steer clear of them as much as possible.
d. Talk to a dermatologist. They might suggest topical treatments like corticosteroids or newer options such as biologics that can help manage your condition.
e. Wear soft clothing. Harsh fabrics like wool can irritate sensitive skin. Stick to softer materials like cotton that allow your skin to breathe.
You’re Not Alone—Let’s Normalise The Conversation
The important thing to remember is that eczema shouldn’t be a taboo topic. The more we talk about it, the less stigma there is. Whether it’s a mild case or severe, it doesn’t define who you are. Normalise the conversation, and share your experiences with others. You never know who might be going through the same thing, silently wishing someone would bring it up.