Eczema is a disorder of the skin which causes inflammation of the skin layers. It is a quite common health issue that applies to varied skin conditions. Its major symptoms include skin redness, swelling, itching and bleeding. Here are some of the common myths attached to it.
Eczema and acne are the same thing.
A lot of people tend to consider eczema and acne as similar skin conditions whereas they are entirely different from each other. Eczema is a medical condition in which the skin starts becoming rough and inflamed in patches, and this is accompanied by bleeding blisters and itching. Whereas, acne is the occurrence of infected or inflamed sebaceous glands within the skin that appears in the form of red pimples on the face. However, when acne occurs on top of an eczema skin condition, then the eczema can worsen, leading to acute skin irritation. This is when you would require the professional help of a dermatologist.
Eczema is normally caused due to emotional stress or a disorderIt is important to know that the cause of eczema is not emotional anxiety or stress,. However, emotional factors can lead to a flare up of the eczema skin condition. But, it is definitely not the only reason behind it as there are a host of symptoms that actually lead to a flare up. However, emotional stress can trigger or enhance the eczema and make it worse. Therefore, you must try to overcome stress by meditation, yoga and other concentration exercises to prevent a major flare up.Eczema can spread easily and is contagious
A person suffering from eczema cannot spread the skin condition through touch or contact as eczema is not a contagious disease. It is unfair to shun patients suffering from eczema and ostracize them. Eczema can be passed on as it does have a hereditary link, otherwise this skin condition is triggered by irritants or allergens in the air that the patient is sensitive to.
Swimming is forbidden if you are suffering from eczema
Swimming is not forbidden if you have eczema since the disease does not flare up or irritate the skin when in touch with chemicals in the pool water. Each eczema patient is allergic or sensitive in a different way to certain agents. For some patients, the chemicals inside the pool can irritate and flare up the eczema condition, whereas others may not feel a thing. Hence, if a patient responds well to pool water, then he/she can freely go swimming.
Topical corticosteroids can get rid of eczema
No cure for eczema has yet been discovered, so the myth that topical corticosteroids can eliminate eczema is not true. The application of topical corticosteroids, however, can help a person reduce the irritation and other symptoms of eczema such as inflammation and itching. However, these antibiotic creams can cure some viral infections that accompany eczema. But, to cure this skin condition is not that simple. However, the best treatment would be to manage the factors that trigger the eczema for having more control over the condition.
Eczema does not scar the skin
Eczema is a very unsightly skin condition and it can lead to complications in which the skin gets scarred. The dry skin of the eczema patient, which is accompanied by symptoms such as itching, rubbing and irritation, can damage and break the skin leading to scarring, However, in order to reduce the possibility of scarring, it is pertinent to keep the skin moist and hydrated by using antihistamines to reduce the itching and irritation. A bath with cool water will also ensure hydration of the skin which is apparently dry.
Dirt on skin can trigger eczema
A lot of people associate the outbreak of skin conditions with the unhygienic condition of the skin. However, this is not so in the case of eczema or any other skin condition. No matter how much you wash yourself, eczema is a predisposed skin condition and is bound to happen. On the contrary, excessive scrubbing and washing can only make eczema worse. Therefore, it is wrong to assume that eczema can occur due to the skin being kept dirty.