The Skin Nerd: Do you have eczema? Here's how to manage the chronic skin condition

How to reduce the discomfort of eczema and control the itch

Skin Nerd: How to reduce the discomfort of eczema.

Living with a long-term skin condition can be frustrating – and an uncomfortable, itch-inducing one can further add to your woes! If you are dealing with eczema though, one thing you are not is alone. Eczema is an incredibly common, chronic skin condition that affects around 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults, according to the Irish Skin Foundation. Eczema presents on the skin in red, flaky, scale patches, sometimes with swelling. Although there are plenty of educational and helpful resources out there, such as the Irish Skin Foundation website, misinformation on the condition is rampant. Eczema is not simply dry skin, nor is it an occasional itchiness or a sudden rash, for most people. Unfortunately, there is no one easy “cure” for eczema but thankfully, it can be managed.

Another thing to note is that eczema is an umbrella term for skin conditions that can lead to the skin becoming itchy, inflamed and red. When we refer to eczema, we often mean specifically atopic eczema, the most common form. Those who suffer from eczema may see symptoms such as red, purple or grey-ish patches of inflammation, itching, scaley patches, swelling and cracking, accompanied by skin soreness and discomfort. In some, especially in cases of cracking or those who scratch, the open wounds may allow for infection. The cause of eczema is not clear – there seems to be a link in that you are more likely to have it if, for example, one of your parents has it.