What is the Difference Between Adult Eczema and Childhood Eczema?
Were you even aware of the fact that there is a difference between adult eczema and childhood eczema? Many people believe that these cases are just rashes and that they’re all pretty much the same, but this is a rather shortsighted view.
While in some cases eczema can start in childhood and continue throughout a person’s entire life, in other cases there are things that a person is actually doing to cause their adult eczema. They may also develop the problem over a period of time from being exposed to certain elements, because of dietary choices, or other habits and practices. There are actually many reasons why adult eczema is different from childhood eczema.
Many cases of adult eczema are brought on by prolonged exposure to things like detergents, cleansers, pollutants, dust, dirt, pet dander, and cigarette smoke. While a small amount of exposure to these things doesn’t typically cause skin irritation, prolonged exposure can compromise the skin’s integrity so that eventually rashes do develop.
These elements also continue to strip the skin of its natural oils which help to protect it against outside irritants. This type of problem can develop over time which is one reason that many cases of adult eczema are different than childhood eczema.
Someone that works in the construction industry or in a manufacturing environment may develop eczema over time, as may someone that works in a salon or as a janitor where they’re exposed to chemicals consistently. Diaper rash in babies is a form of childhood eczema as this is the result of the skin being closed up in a wet diaper for long periods of time.
For some, adult eczema can happen if their skin is consistently wet throughout the day. Washing the hands over and over again or having wet skin under one’s clothes can bring about different forms of dermatitis because the water actually makes skin’s oils evaporate.
Allergic reactions are also common causes of adult eczema. Many allergies develop over time or don’t set in until after a person reaches a certain age. While many people can have food allergies their entire lives, other allergies don’t begin until after puberty. These allergies can cause sinus problems but they can also manifest themselves as adult eczema as well.
Many skin problems are the result of allergies as well as stress; these problems include acne, blackheads, shingles, and either very dry or very oily skin. An allergist can typically perform a skin patch test to see if a surface allergy is causing your adult eczema. You might also consider common allergens that may be the cause, such as pet dander or pollen.
Addressing adult eczema is not always difficult. You can use lotions and creams designed specifically for dermatitis and keep your skin from being exposed to irritating elements. Sunlight also seems to help contain flare-ups, so spend some time outdoors – not in direct, harsh sunlight but just enough to get some sun on your skin.