How do I know if my eczema is getting worse?

Eczema is a skin condition that can present in different ways from person to person. Some people may only have a few dry, itchy skin patches, while others may experience widespread inflammation and redness. For some people, eczema is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. While there is no single answer to this question, some signs and symptoms may suggest your eczema is worsening. If you experience any following, it may be time to see your dermatologist in Mumbai. Here we will discuss eczema and know if it is getting worse.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a very common inflammatory skin disorder. It causes dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin on the face, neck, arms, legs, and other parts of your body. One may develop it around or inside the eyes and mouth too. There may be redness and swelling around these areas as well. The scaly skin usually gets worse at night and improves during the day, leading to disturbed sleep. Eczema is less common in infants under one year old but more so in toddlers. Generally, children grow out of this condition by their teenage years, although some will have it throughout life even into their senior years, especially if severe eczema persists. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. People with eczema often find their skin worse with contact allergies, irritants, sweating, and emotional stress.

What causes eczema?
Multiple triggers can cause flare-ups. Some things that may exacerbate your eczema include:

1. Soaps, detergents, perfumes, cosmetics, and other skincare products
2. Dust mites and their feces
3. Animal dander
4. Pollen
5. Mold spores
6. Certain foods such as eggs, nuts, soy, and cow’s milk
7. Changes in weather conditions, such as humidity and temperature
8. Stress
9. Infections, such as a cold or the flu
10. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause

If you are unsure about what is triggering your eczema flare-ups, keep a diary of your symptoms to share with your dermatologist in Mumbai. This will help them to better tailor your treatment plan.
What are the symptoms of eczema?
Many patients who suffer from eczema visits dermatologists or skin doctors in Mumbai with the following symptoms:

1. Itching:Dry, scaly, and red patches can be itchy. The itchiness tends to get worse at night.
2. Burning: A burning sensation may occur with specific triggers such as soaps or cosmetics that contact your skin. Patients often feel like their skin is on fire, especially after a hot shower.
3. Swelling:Redness of the affected area and swelling are common in eczema flares. Fluid-filled bumps may also appear on top of or surrounding the lesions, known as blisters. These are commonly seen around the eyes and inside the mouth in addition to other areas of the body
4. Crusting, cracking, and thickening of the skin:As blisters form, they dry out and flake off. This can cause the affected area to feel thick, scaly, and cracked.
5. Loss of skin color:Your skin may become scaly and discolored due to scratching or rubbing. The skin may appear lighter in color than its normal tone or show other signs of discoloration (i.e., redness). If you scratch too much or irritate your skin further, it can lead to blood vessels showing through the skin, making it look red, purple, or brown. Patients often complain that eczema affects their sleep as itching worsens at night due to heat and humidity changes. Eczema severity depends on the type of rash present, how long it’s been present, and what has triggered it.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist or skin doctor in Mumbai to discuss your treatment options. Keep in mind that each person’s eczema is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing it. Your skin doctor in Mumbai will work with you to develop a plan that best suits your needs.

How do I know if my eczema is getting worse?

A few signs and symptoms may suggest your eczema is worsening. If you experience any of the following, it may be time to see your dermatologist or skin doctor in Mumbai:

• Increased itchiness and scratching, especially at night
• If you are experiencing increased itchiness and find yourself scratching more than usual, this may be a sign that your eczema is worsening. Scratching can further irritate the skin and lead to inflammation, exacerbating your symptoms.
• New areas of inflammation or redness
• Eczema can present in different ways from person to person. If you notice new areas of inflammation or redness, this may signify that your condition is progressing. Inflammation and redness can be pretty symptomatic and often cause a great deal of discomfort.
• Increased dryness, scaling, and cracking of the skin
• As your eczema worsens, you may start to notice an increase in dryness, scaling, and cracking of the skin. This can be pretty frustrating and uncomfortable, often causing a great deal of itchiness.
• Development of blisters
• In severe cases, eczema can lead to the development of blisters. If you develop fluid-filled bumps on top of or around your lesions, this may be a sign that your condition is worsening. Blisters can often be quite symptomatic and painful.
• Widespread redness, inflammation, and swelling
• If you experience widespread redness, inflammation, and swelling, this may be a sign that your eczema is becoming more severe. This can be quite uncomfortable and often cause a great deal of distress.
• Disrupted sleep as a result of the itchiness and irritation
• If you are experiencing disrupted sleep due to the itchiness and irritation associated with your eczema, this can be quite frustrating. Eczema is often at its worst at night due to the heat and humidity changes. This can lead to increased discomfort and itchy, irritated skin, which may cause you to scratch more than usual.
• Increased sensitivity to allergens, irritants, or other triggers
• If you find that your eczema is becoming increasingly sensitive to allergens, irritants, or other triggers, this may be a sign that your condition is progressing. Increased sensitivity can often lead to more severe flare-ups.
• Frequent infections
• If you are experiencing frequent infections, skin ulcers, or other complications that require medical attention, this may be a sign that your condition is worsening. These can be quite serious and often lead to additional discomfort and disruption beyond the initial eczema symptoms.
• Increased stress levels or decreased coping abilities
• If you find yourself increasingly stressed out due to your condition, this may be a sign that your eczema is worsening. Eczema has been shown to cause significant stress, leading to flare-ups in some cases. Symptoms of stress include feelings of nervousness, frustration, anxiety, and becoming easily irritated by others. In turn, these feelings may exacerbate the severity of your eczema.

These are just some signs that may suggest your eczema is becoming worse. Remember, everyone’s experience will vary depending on their diagnosis. If you notice any changes in your condition, speak with your dermatologist or skin doctor in Mumbai for guidance on treatment options that may help manage your symptoms successfully.

How do dermatologists in Mumbai diagnose eczema? 

1. The dermatologist or skin doctor in Mumbai will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and details of any possible triggers you have noticed. Your dermatologist may also carry out a skin exam to check the severity of eczema and look for signs that trigger factors may be present.
2. If a person has chronic eczema, they should be examined by a dermatologist or skin doctor in Mumbai every three months.
3. The skin doctor in Mumbai may perform allergy tests on your skin to identify any substances you are allergic to or consider having an allergy test done. It is helpful to know what kind of things make your condition worse so that this information can be shared with the doctor. Sometimes patches of dry, scaly skin, blisters, or raw areas of skin can also signify that a person is suffering from a food allergy. If your dermatologist or skin doctor in Mumbai believes you may have an allergy, they may further test to identify the allergen.

In some cases, it can be helpful to keep a diary for several weeks after visiting the dermatologist in Mumbai, as this will help you identify any triggers and give them more information on your condition. This will allow them to provide better treatment options based on their assessment of your situation.

4. Your skin doctor in Mumbai may conduct additional tests if they suspect another medical condition is causing your eczema. For example, if you are also suffering from eye irritation, severe scarring, joint pain, or a fever, your doctor may perform additional tests to rule out other potential causes.
5. The skin doctor in Mumbai may also biopsy the affected skin if it does not respond to treatment or concerns that another medical condition may be responsible for eczema.

These are some diagnostic approaches for chronic eczema. Frequent visit to your dermatologist in Mumbai to check for flare-ups is very important. Skin clinics provide an individualized approach to addressing your condition based on its severity, affected area, and triggers.

How do dermatologists treat eczema in Mumbai?

1. The dermatologist in Mumbai can prescribe a topical corticosteroid cream or ointment to help reduce itching, redness, and inflammation. Be sure to use these as directed by your doctor.
2. You may also be given an oral antihistamine if your skin is very itchy, as these can make you feel more comfortable. However, they will also make you tired, so this may not be suitable for some people. Your dermatologist in Mumbai will recommend the best option for you to assess your condition and what you find most compelling.
3. If eczema affects susceptible areas such as the face, a mild steroid cream may be recommended to limit its effects. Alternatively, moisturizing cream or oil may be used.
4. If you cannot manage your symptoms with topical treatments, your doctor may prescribe a more potent steroid medication or immunosuppressant. However, this will only be defined if they feel necessary for your condition.
5. Sometimes, the dermatologist in Mumbai may suggest you visit a homeopathy skin doctor. Homeopathic treatments for eczema are also very effective.

Homeopathic treatment for eczema:

1. Homeopathic remedies are very effective in treating eczema and improving the immune system while also soothing and healing the skin.
2. A homeopathy doctor will take a detailed medical history of your condition before prescribing a remedy.
3. It is essential to follow the instructions of your homeopathy doctor as closely as possible to ensure you get the best results from treatment.
4. Some people need to continue with homeopathic treatment for some time, even after their eczema has cleared to prevent it from returning.
5. Homeopathic treatment for eczema is one option that treats your eczema from the root cause and prevents it from coming back.

Knowing what triggers a flare-up can be helpful as this will allow you to take steps to limit the effects of these potential risk factors on your condition. Your dermatologist or homeopathy doctor in Mumbai may recommend avoiding some specific irritants. Here are the things you should avoid when you have eczema:

1. Clothing, your child should wear loose, soft clothing and avoid tight-fitting clothes, which may irritate the skin.
2. Avoid using soap or detergents on your skin, as these can dry out the skin and exacerbate symptoms. Instead, use a gentle cleanser and moisturize regularly after bathing.
3. Limit exposure to potential sources of infection, such as animals with fur, especially cats and dogs, as they can produce saliva that causes allergies (allergic dander).
4. Do not scratch excessively when it itches as that can damage the skin and lead to infections
5. Keep your nails short as long nails can cause damage to the surrounding damaged tissues.
6. Avoid hot water as it can dry out your skin leading to itchiness, redness, and rashes. Lukewarm water is ideal for bathing.
   The best way to manage eczema is by following the advice of your dermatologist in Mumbai and taking steps to avoid potential triggers. If you find that your eczema worsens or does not improve with treatment, be sure to consult your homeopathy doctor as they may need to adjust your treatment plan. Eczema can be a complex condition to live with, but with the help of qualified homeopathy in Mumbai, it is possible to manage symptoms and keep flares under control. Remember to stick to your eczema treatment plan and avoid any known triggers where possible for the best results. If you are looking for the best homeopathy doctor in Mumbai, you can book an appointment through OHO Homeopathy now!