Eczema is without doubt 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 stop victims from getting the best data, or in search of efficient remedy.
So, we spoke to Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Medical Advisor at The Unbiased Pharmacy, to unravel what precisely eczema is, and the myths that want correcting.
What’s eczema?
Eczema, often known as “atopic dermatitis” is a standard non-contagious pores and skin situation that may trigger painful, itchy, dry pores and skin. “It is a power situation affecting thousands and thousands across the UK,” says Dr Grant, and “it affects both children and adults,” he adds. While there is no known cure for eczema, it can be treated to make it more comfortable.
What are some eczema myths that need debunking?
According to Dr Grant, “for sufferers, it’s essential to understand the truth behind the condition to ensure they get the correct help, treatments and advice,” so below he busts some common misconceptions.
1. Eczema only affects children
“As mentioned previously, eczema is a chronic condition affecting both children and adults,” explains Dr Grant. “Whereas it’s frequent for the situation to be identified throughout childhood, eczema might be introduced on at any age. Grownup-onset eczema is pretty frequent and might be attributable to publicity to completely different irritants or hormonal adjustments,” he provides.
2. Eczema is attributable to poor hygiene
“Contrary to popular belief, eczema is not caused by poor hygiene. Instead, various other factors can trigger the condition, including stress, genetics or any irritants that can react badly with the skin. A lack of washing may increase the risk of catching diseases or infections, but it won’t raise the likelihood of developing a chronic condition, such as eczema,” says Dr Grant.
In fact, excess hygiene led to a surge of eczema cases during lockdown, when hand-washing and using anti-bac became much more frequent. According to the Skin Life Sciences Foundation, almost four out of five (78%) adults reported a flare-up or worsening of their skin conditions as a result of increased hand hygiene.
Even so, in general, “it is vital to maintain healthy hygiene levels to avoid worsening the condition. Regular washing can keep skin hydrated, protecting against dry skin and other eczema symptoms,” says Dr Grant.
3. Eczema will go away on its own
“Like any health concern, eczema should never just be ignored. The condition can become a lot worse without treatment or lifestyle adjustments,” warns Dr Grant. “Firstly, with the skin’s natural barrier broken, bacteria could quickly lead to infections. Additionally, ignoring eczema can dramatically impact people’s quality of life – itchiness can impact sleep quality, leading to fatigue and raised stress levels,” he says.
