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We all dream of having smooth, blemish-free skin. But the reality for many of us is often quite different! We’re not all equal when it comes to the health of our skin. Indeed, it can be subject to a variety of problems that upset its natural balance.
Among the most common concerns, dry skin and eczema are often confused. Although these are two distinct conditions, they can both lead to feelings of discomfort, roughness and irritation. Are you wondering whether you suffer from eczema, but aren’t quite sure? Perhaps you’re looking for advice on how to relieve your dry skin?
To help you, today I’d like to explain how to tell the difference between the two, so you can better understand what your skin is telling you, and how to take care of it on a daily basis!
What is dry skin?
Having dry skin is unfortunately a fairly common problem, even more so during the winter months or for people who have to endure dry climates. Ultimately, skin dryness is due to the fact that the skin lacks sufficient moisture. This can lead to feelings of tightness, redness and sometimes even cracking. Intense itching, however, is extremely rare, as are visible lesions. In extreme cases, scaling may nevertheless occur. Dry skin is most often the result of environmental factors such as exposure to wind, cold or aggressive cleansing products. One of the main characteristics of this inconvenience is that it is often temporary, and is easily treated with moisturizers. When moisturized regularly with a suitable cream, the skin usually regains its soft, supple appearance in no time.
What is eczema?
Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. It’s a chronic skin condition that causes intense itching, redness and inflammation. Unlike dry skin, eczema is frequently linked to genetic predisposition, but also to allergies. It can appear at any age, but is more common in children. Eczema can cause thickened, reddish or brownish patches of skin.
In some people, these patches may even ooze or form scabs. Itching is usually intense and can lead to scratching, making the situation worse. One of the main characteristics of eczema is that it is recurrent, meaning that flare-ups may subside and then reappear. The latter are often triggered by factors such as stress, allergens or certain irritants.
Dry skin versus eczema
In order to best adapt your skin care routine, it’s important to recognize the differences between simply dry skin and eczema. Here are a few distinguishing factors to take into account.
Duration and frequency
As you now know, dry skin is mostly temporary, especially when caused by external factors such as a dry environment. It can, therefore, be rapidly improved by adopting simple measures such as regular moisturizing and gentle skin care. Eczema, on the other hand, is a chronic condition. It may disappear for a time, but frequently returns in the form of flare-ups. Sufferers need more targeted, long-term treatments.
Itching
The intensity of itching can also be an important indicator. While dry skin may cause mild irritation, eczema is characterized by very intense, but above all persistent, itching. If you feel a constant need to scratch, and this leads to lesions, it’s highly likely that you’re dealing with eczema, not just dry skin.
Appearance
Visually, eczema is more obvious, but also more severe than the side effects of dry skin. Affected individuals present well-defined, sometimes thick, scaly or oozing patches. Dry skin, on the other hand, manifests itself as a rough texture and possibly redness.
If you notice any significant changes in the appearance of your skin, such as thickened areas or scabs, I urge you to consult a dermatologist or your doctor. Unfortunately, this could be a sign of an eczema flare-up.
The triggers
The causes of dry skin and eczema differ, too. Most dry skin is caused by environmental factors:
- exposure to cold ;
- showers that are too hot;
- excessive use of harsh soaps.
Eczema, on the other hand, is often triggered by internal factors such as allergies or stress. It can, moreover, be exacerbated by irritants such as :
- certain fabrics ;
- unsuitable skin care products
- hormonal changes.
Dry skin and eczema: how to manage them?
Your first reflex in the event of dry skin should be to moisturize your skin regularly. You can do this by using a rich, gentle cream. I also advise you to avoid aggressive products, such as certain soaps or perfumes. In addition, use lukewarm rather than hot showers, and protect yourself from the wind and cold. I can assure you, it will make a big difference.
Managing eczema is much more complex. It’s very rare that this skin condition doesn’t require specific treatments. Although moisturizing is just as important, it’s essential to consult a health professional for personalized advice. In most cases, cortisone-based creams or other medications are prescribed to calm flare-ups and reduce itching. As you can imagine, avoiding identified triggers is also crucial to prevent recurrences.
