Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions in the UK, with 1 in 10 adults thought to suffer from it, but despite its prevalence many eczema myths still persist. This can prevent sufferers from getting the right information, or seeking effective treatment.
So, we spoke to Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, to get to the bottom of what exactly eczema is, and the myths that need correcting.
What is eczema?
Eczema, also known as “atopic dermatitis” is a common non-contagious skin condition that can cause painful, itchy, dry skin. “It’s a chronic condition affecting millions around the UK,” says Dr Grant, and “it affects both children and adults,” he adds. While there is no known cure for eczema, it can be treated to make it more comfortable.
What are some eczema myths that need debunking?
According to Dr Grant, “for sufferers, it’s essential to understand the truth behind the condition to ensure they get the correct help, treatments and advice,” so below he busts some common misconceptions.
1. Eczema only affects children
“As mentioned previously, eczema is a chronic condition affecting both children and adults,” explains Dr Grant. “While it’s common for the condition to be diagnosed during childhood, eczema can be brought on at any age. Adult-onset eczema is fairly common and can be caused by exposure to different irritants or hormonal changes,” he adds.
2. Eczema is caused by poor hygiene
“Contrary to popular belief, eczema is not caused by poor hygiene. Instead, various other factors can trigger the condition, including stress, genetics or any irritants that can react badly with the skin. A lack of washing may increase the risk of catching diseases or infections, but it won’t raise the likelihood of developing a chronic condition, such as eczema,” says Dr Grant.
In fact, excess hygiene led to a surge of eczema cases during lockdown, when hand-washing and using anti-bac became much more frequent. According to the Skin Life Sciences Foundation, almost four out of five (78%) adults reported a flare-up or worsening of their skin conditions as a result of increased hand hygiene.
Even so, in general, “it is vital to maintain healthy hygiene levels to avoid worsening the condition. Regular washing can keep skin hydrated, protecting against dry skin and other eczema symptoms,” says Dr Grant.
3. Eczema will go away on its own
“Like any health concern, eczema should never just be ignored. The condition can become a lot worse without treatment or lifestyle adjustments,” warns Dr Grant. “Firstly, with the skin’s natural barrier broken, bacteria could quickly lead to infections. Additionally, ignoring eczema can dramatically impact people’s quality of life – itchiness can impact sleep quality, leading to fatigue and raised stress levels,” he says.
