Why is my eczema severe, and what triggers flare-ups?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had terrible eczema my whole life, and it has gotten so much worse. My skin is red, itchy, cracked, and bleeding, especially on my hands, arms, and face, and I also have food allergies to nuts, eggs, and dairy that make my skin flare up even more.

Is my eczema connected to my food allergies?
Will avoiding foods help my skin?
What else triggers eczema flares?
What can I do to fix the itching?
What creams should I use? Are steroids safe?
Can I use them on my face?
Do new drugs work for both eczema and allergies?
How often do I get them?
What are the side effects?
Should I take allergy pills too? Will they help with itching?
Should I get allergy testing?
What lotions are safe?
Do I need a dermatologist and an allergist?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition that is autoimmune in nature and presents with itchy rashes over the skin. You do not need allergy tests, as you could be allergic to materials or pollen that you may not be able to avoid.

Also, generally, antihistamines and steroids control the acute attacks, but you may need to take them in a controlled manner to prevent attacks. Lifestyle also plays an important role in preventing flare-ups, like having a sleep schedule, having an exercise routine, stress management, avoiding hormonal disturbances, and similar measures.

You need to eat a healthy, nutritious diet, drink plenty of fluids orally, and take enough Vitamin D through diet as well as minimal sunlight exposure. Continue to use a moisturizer that contains 10% urea and ceramides for continued hydration.

You may avoid certain foods (as you mentioned that you are allergic to them) and fabrics, animal dander, and similar triggers if you feel they cause flare-ups. Increase consumption of anti-inflammatory foods in the diet.

Yes, biological drugs are available, like Dupilumab, which is quite effective. These biologicals do not have many side effects and are widely used for controlling intense symptoms. However, there may still be recurrence after use of biologicals.

Use mild fragrance-free and chemical-free soaps and lotions as much as possible. Kindly send images so that I can see the severity of symptoms and prescribe accordingly.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer.

For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.