Eczema is a major dermatological disease. Although it is not a life-threatening disease, it is easily recurring and itchy, and it has a serious impact on the lives of patients and their families. One of the questions that patients often ask is “Can eczema be cured”. The current level of medicine is not yet able to cure eczema, but it is possible to control the rash and ensure a good quality of life. One of the secrets is “moisturizing and emolliency”!
Why do people with atopic dermatitis/eczema need to “moisturize”?
Although it is called “eczema”, most people with eczema have dry skin and a weak skin barrier. Take a look at the following pictures of dry skin in various types of eczema and in different parts of the body.
Why are eczema patients prone to dry skin problems?
Some eczema patients are born with dry skin! For example, atopic dermatitis, the most common of the eczema diseases
Decades ago, doctors observed that most patients with atopic dermatitis often had dry skin, so “dry skin” was included as a major criterion in the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. However, at that time, we did not know that there was a direct link between dry skin and the development of atopic dermatitis.
In recent years, it has been found that about 30%-50% of patients with atopic dermatitis have mutations in the gene of a protein (filoprotein) in the epidermis, and the mutations cause a decrease in the content of filoprotein in the epidermis, which in turn leads to structural damage of the stratum corneum and abnormal content of lipids in the stratum corneum, which is the most important moisture barrier in the outer layer of the skin, so the skin’s ability to retain water decreases and dryness, flaking and even itching occur. symptoms.
In addition to dry skin all over the body, people with mutations in the filoprotein gene also have palmaris (increased and disorganized skin texture on the palms and soles of the feet), ichthyosis (ichthyosis) and peripapillary keratosis (also called “chicken skin”).
Of course, there are also patients who do not have mutations in the filoprotein gene, so why do they also have dry skin problems? The answer is simple: modern lifestyle is to blame.
In recent decades, the use of water for personal cleansing has increased significantly, and a variety of cleansing products have emerged, which, while washing away surface dirt, have also damaged the normal sebum film and pH of the skin;
The use of air conditioning and heating equipment in the indoor environment has created a comfortable living and working environment, but it also causes a decrease in air humidity and thus increases the loss of skin moisture;
Industrial development brings environmental damage, the thinning of the ozone layer leads to an increase in ultraviolet radiation, PM2.5 particles in atmospheric pollution, etc. All of these can cause damage to the skin barrier, and the skin’s ability to retain water will be reduced.
Therefore whether it is natural dry skin, or dry skin caused by lifestyle and environmental factors, is one of the important reasons for the aggravation or flare-up of eczema, moisturizing and emollient is the root of eczema prevention eczema recurrence.
Six Benefits of Moisturizing Emollients for Eczema Patients Some patients with mild atopic dermatitis/eczema can get complete relief from eczema with just a sufficient amount of moisturizing emollients;
For patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis/eczema, the use of adequate moisturizing emollients can reduce the use of topical anti-inflammatory medications (such as the much talked about hormonal creams);
In addition to medications, moisturizing emollients can be an effective way to relieve itching, which is a common symptom in patients with atopic dermatitis/eczema;
Eczema can easily flare up and be a nuisance, and studies have found that regular long-term use of moisturizers can be effective in reducing flare-ups;
Atopic dermatitis is a form of eczema associated with genetic allergies. Regular use of moisturizers from birth onwards can significantly reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis/eczema in babies raised by allergic parents;
Long-term use of emollients in eczema patients can keep the skin moisturized and smooth, improving its dry, coarse appearance.