Eczema is a persistent skin disorder characterised by the presence of dry, itchy, and inflamed patches on the skin. This condition can occur at any stage of life, with some individuals experiencing it during childhood and others noticing its prominence as they grow older. In addition to the physical symptoms, eczema can also cause changes in the colour and texture of the affected skin. The intense itchiness associated with eczema often leads to excessive scratching, which further worsens the condition. Continuous scratching can impair the skin barrier, increasing the likelihood of infection and ultimately resulting in scarring. We spoke to our expert Dr Siham Affreen NK, Consultant Dermatologist, Kosmodermam, who explained eczema scars and their causes, treatment, and preventive tips. According to the StatPearls, eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is the prevalent form of dermatitis. Its development involves various factors, such as genetics and the environment. Eczema affects approximately 15-30% of children and 2-10% of adults over their lifetime. Around 60% of cases emerge within the first year of life. Moreover, eczema is more prevalent in rural areas compared to urban ones. Also Read: Redness On Scalp? Expert Lists Signs Of Scalp Eczema And Its Types Chronic itching “Itching is a common side effect of eczema and often leads to excessive scratching. With repeated scratching, the skin starts to damage and can lead to thick and leathery patches, resulting in scarring”, said Dr Affreen. Prolonged Inflammation One can suffer from prolonged inflammation because of severe eczema. This makes the skin even more vulnerable and impairs the skin’s ability to heal properly, which eventually results in scarring. Infections Scratching eczema patches makes the skin more prone to bacterial infection. The open skin attracts even more bacteria, and these infections can increase the risk of scarring. Treatment for Eczema Scars Here are some of the treatment measures for eczema scars, as listed by the expert: Use Topical Treatments: They help to reduce the visibility of scars by stimulating cell turnover and lightening pigmentation. Considering Prescribed Ointments: You can also explore the option of using dermatologist-prescribed ointments to progressively treat scars over time. Laser therapy: Collagen synthesis by laser treatment can help smooth the skin surface and reduce scar thickness if done as directed by your doctor. Prevention of Eczema Scars Adequate Moisturisation “For individuals with eczema, maintaining regular skin moisturisation is crucial. Utilise hydrating moisturisers to keep the skin well-hydrated, which can help alleviate the urge to scratch and minimise resulting scars”, added Dr Affreen. Cleansing Properly Keeping the skin clean is critical because allowing dirt and bacteria to grow slows the healing process. Gently cleanse the area with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Make sure to avoid harsh soaps and scrubbing, which can irritate the skin. Avoid Scratching Scratching is a common symptom of eczema, but it can worsen the condition and lead to scarring. So, to avoid them, keep your nails short and avoid scratching aggressively. You can even apply cool compresses to itchy areas. Bottomline “It is best to check with a dermatologist and get advice from a professional practitioner before the condition becomes worse. Regular moisturisation, effective cleansing, avoiding scratching, and seeking professional help are key steps to prevent scarring and minimise the impact of eczema on the skin”, added Dr Affreen. [Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you have any skin issues to get the necessary treatment.]Read NextWhy Is Besan Essential For Your Skin? Explore Its Benefits Disclaimer All possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; however Onlymyhealth.com does not take any liability for the same. Using any information provided by the website is solely at the viewers’ discretion. In case of any medical exigencies/ persistent health issues, we advise you to seek a qualified medical practitioner before putting to use any advice/tips given by our team or any third party in form of answers/comments on the above mentioned website.
Dealing With Eczema Scars? Expert Lists Its Causes, Treatment, And Prevention Measures
