It’s standard knowledge that eczema can cause red, scratchy patches on the skin. But if you’re one of the more than 31 million Americans who live with eczema, you may find it useful to have more in-depth knowledge about the condition. Being well-informed can empower you to take an energetic role in addressing your health. In turn, you may find it easier to control painful flare-ups.
So, how well do you know your eczema? Take the following self-assessment to find out.
1. Eczema is an umbrella term for several different skin conditions
- True
- False
A: True
The name eczema refers to related skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. While all these kinds of eczema cause redness and itchiness, some also cause blistering and peeling. Talk to your physician about which type of eczema you have and whether there are any explicit triggers you can avoid.
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2. With the proper medication, eczema can be cured in most patients
- True
- False
A: False
There’s presently no cure for eczema, but it’s possible to manage your symptoms and minimize flare-ups. Many treatment options are available, both over-the-counter and with a prescription, to help you manage the condition. These treatments include moisturizers, topical ointments, systemic medications, and biologic drugs. Talk to your physician about which eczema treatment path might be right.
3. If someone in your family has eczema, you are more likely to develop the condition.
- True
- False
A: True
Although the precise causes of eczema still aren’t known, genetics plays a role. Kids of one parent with eczema, asthma, or hay fever have a 25 percent chance of developing the condition, while kids whose parents both have eczema, asthma, or hay fever have a 50 percent chance.
4. Eczema is more contagious during flare-ups
- True
- False
A: False
Eczema is NOT transferable, and it is impossible to “catch” eczema from someone with the condition.
5. Eczema can be caused by stress
- True
- False
A: False
Although heightened stress levels can sometimes contribute to flare-ups, stress itself can’t cause a person to