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Top Eczema Myths

top six common myths about eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that can cause an itchy, red, and inflamed rash on different parts of the body depending on how old one is.  Common areas include the face, hands, ankles, scalp, and on insides and outsides of the knees and elbows. Eczema is quite common, with the National Eczema Association reporting that more than 30 million people have the condition.

But despite it being so widespread, there are still hundreds of misconceptions surrounding eczema. Let’s clear up some of the top eczema myths.

1) Eczema is Just Dry Skin

Almost everyone can get dry skin, but everyone does not have eczema. Eczema is not just dry skin. Rather, it is the result of a combination of factors that results in skin barrier dysfunction.  Proteins that make up the skin do not function exactly how they should and this results in microscopic openings on the skin’s surface that make it harder for the skin to hold onto moisture and repel irritants. Because the skin can’t fight off irritants, the immune system switches into overdrive and sets off an inflammatory response that causes eczema’s signature red, itchy, and inflamed rashes.

2) Eczema is Contagious

Although eczema is itchy, it is definitely not contagious.

3) There’s Only One Kind of Eczema

Eczema isn’t just one condition; it actually serves as an umbrella term for a few different kinds of similar skin conditions. The most common kind of eczema is atopic dermatitis, which results in scaly and dry rashes. However, there’s also contact dermatitis that’s caused by allergic reactions, stasis dermatitis caused by circulatory problems, and seborrheic dermatitis that usually manifests on the scalp.

4) Eczema Only Affects Children

Eczema typically manifests in childhood, and some people’s eczema clears up as they age. But there are still millions of adults that suffer from eczema. Interestingly, despite eczema’s prevalence in young children, there are very few effective, safe, and gentle baby eczema shampoos on the market. There is also room for improvement in the child eczema cream department.  (link to cream?)

5) Eczema is Always Worse in the Winter

Unfortunately, eczema is a year-round issue. For some people, winter is the toughest time of year for their eczema as the cold, dry air takes away even more of the skin’s moisture. But, for other people, the heat and humidity of the summer can trigger eczema flare-ups.

6)Eczema is Limited to Certain Spots on the Body

While eczema rashes can pop up in the same areas of the body, the condition affects the entire skin’s surface. The skin barrier isn’t working as well as it should even in areas where there aren’t active rashes, making it imperative to treat the entire body, not just the spots with rashes.

Cleanse the scalp and skin with a fragrance-free baby shampoo for eczema with a low pH, like Happy Cappy Daily Shampoo and Body Wash. Follow cleansing with a moisturizing cream for eczema to help restore the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and repel irritants. Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Moisturizing Cream is non-greasy and quick-absorbing to relieve redness and hydrate sensitive skin.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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