Eczema can be an uncomfortable topic of discussion for those affected directly or indirectly by the skin condition. The constant itching, excessively dry skin and the overall misinformation leaves many scared to touch this issue or someone else for that matter. That’s why we’ve put together this awesome list to dispel the elephant in many people’s room. While over 30 million people in the United States suffer from the skin inflammation, the condition still leaves many people puzzled.
Here are six of the top myths about eczema and the truth about this condition:
Myth 1: Eczema is contagious.
Fact: This is one of the most common myths about eczema. Eczema is,in fact, NOT contagious and cannot be transferred to another person by physical touch. Although the cause of the disease is not known, doctors believe that it’s caused by environmental and genetic factors.
READ: Prevent Eczema Summer Flare Ups
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Myth 2: You can't go swimming if you have eczema.
Fact: People with eczema can certainly go swimming. The National Eczema Association does advise that those affected by the condition should take the proper precautions before swimming. the NEA strongly advises that you wash well before entering the pool and apply emollients and moisturizers before swimming to avoid any potential flare ups.
Myth 3: People with eczema aren’t clean.
Fact: A big misconception is that people with eczema aren’t clean or simply put, not worthy of being touched. This is extremely false. Eczema has nothing to do with personal grooming or hygiene habits. Meticulous daily skin care is key to keeping the condition under wraps. The National Eczema Association recommends that you use warm water and avoid scrubbing your skin with a washcloth while bathing. The use of mild, non-soap, fragrance-free cleansers is essential to avoiding skin flare ups from eczema. Lastly, they suggest applying any topical medication prescribed and a moisturizer to your skin while it’s still wet. This regimen will seal in the water and make the skin less dry, which will decrease itching.
Myth 4: Eczema can be cured.
Fact: Unfortunately, the skin condition can’t be cured. The method of treatment for each person varies, but proper skin care has been shown to help control the common skin problem. A regimen of daily moisturizing, wearing soft or cotton fabrics, and using mild, non-soap cleansers are steps towards living a better life with eczema. A few types of eczema are: Atopic, Contact (contact dermatitis), Adult Seborrhoeic, Infantile Seborrhoeic, Discoid, Pompholyx, Asteatotic and Varicose.
Myth 5: All eczema is the same.
Fact: All eczema is different. In fact, eczema is a general term for dermatitis. All forms of eczema come with some form of itching and inflamed skin. However, there are more severe forms of the disease that will cause blistering, weeping or peeling. Eczema is typically found on the backs of the knees, inside of the elbows and face, but some forms of eczema can cover the entire body.
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Myth 6: Eczema is caused by stress.
Fact: Eczema is not caused by stress. Stress can be a trigger that makes the symptoms of eczema worse, but it hasn’t been shown to be the causation of the condition. Studies are still being done to point out the exact relationship between stress and eczema.
