As parents, few things are as distressing as seeing our little ones struggle with uncomfortable, itchy skin. The urge to help them find relief is overwhelming, but to do that, we first need to understand the root cause of their skin troubles.
It is a common dilemma: is it merely dry skin, or could it be eczema? Dry skin and eczema can both make the skin scaly, itchy, and red. Dry skin can even trigger eczema, and on the flip side, eczema can also lead to dry skin. Because these conditions have similar symptoms, it can be tricky to tell them apart.
Dry Skin vs. Eczema: What’s the Difference?
Dry skin and eczema (or atopic dermatitis), are both skin conditions that can cause itching, redness, and discomfort. However, they have distinct characteristics:
Dry Skin:
Dry skin occurs when the skin lacks moisture and natural oils, leading to tightness, flakiness, and roughness.
Anyone can experience dry skin, from infants to adults, although the skin does become drier as you get older.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis):
Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterised by inflamed, itchy patches of skin. These patches can become red, swollen, and even ooze in severe cases.
Eczema frequently begins in childhood and may persist into adulthood.
Common Causes of Eczema
Eczema is a complex skin condition with no single known cause. Instead, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors such as:
- Family history: Eczema often runs in families. If parents or siblings have eczema, children are more likely to develop it.
- Immune system dysfunction: In individuals with eczema, the immune system tends to overreact to triggers, leading to inflammation and skin irritation.
- Defective skin barrier: Some people with eczema have a compromised skin barrier. This means their skin has difficulty retaining moisture and keeping irritants out. As a result, the skin becomes dry, prone to infection, and susceptible to allergens.
Research has also revealed that up to 30% of patients with eczema have a gene mutation responsible for creating filaggrin1 – a special protein whose primary role is to help your body maintain a healthy and protective barrier on the top layer of your skin.
When the body fails to produce sufficient filaggrin to establish this protective layer, it leads to substantial moisture loss and facilitates the entry of bacteria and other viruses, eventually resulting in chronic inflammation. This is the primary factor contributing to the dry, infection-prone skin frequently experienced by individuals with eczema2.
Managing Dry Skin and Eczema
Simple adjustments at home can often address dry skin, and many of these tips can also provide relief for dryness associated with eczema:
1. Daily Bathing
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot water.
- Limit bath time to 10-15 minutes.
- Choose mild, fragrance-free cleansers and avoid harsh soaps.
2. Moisturising
Keeping the skin well-hydrated is essential. Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturisers daily to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier on the skin. Apply moisturiser immediately after bathing to seal in moisture.
For those dealing with eczema-prone skin, finding the right skincare products is essential. The Cetaphil® PRO AD Derma range offers a solution with its dermatologist recommended Wash and Moisturizer.
These products are formulated with Filaggrin Technology™, which helps restore the compromised skin barrier in eczema-prone skin, reducing itchiness. Filaggrin is a protein lacking in eczema sufferers and responsible for skin hydration.
Additionally, Cetaphil Pro AD products contain ceramides to further restore and repair the skin’s natural barrier, and lock in moisture.
The Cetaphil® PRO AD Derma range is suitable for both adults and children aged 3 months and above. These products have been clinically tested and are fragrance-free and paraben-free, making them a family-friendly choice for managing eczema-prone skin.
Mums and dads, if you’re interested in trying Cetaphil Pro AD, you can learn more here or sign up for a sample here.
3. Avoiding Irritants and Triggers
- Identify and avoid triggers that aggravate eczema. Common triggers include certain allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), irritants (harsh soaps, detergents, fragrances), and environmental factors (extreme temperatures, low humidity). Take steps to minimise exposure to these triggers.
- Choose clothing made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. Avoid rough or scratchy materials that can irritate the skin.
When to See a Doctor
While mild cases of dry skin or eczema can often be managed with proper skincare, there are instances where consulting a healthcare professional is necessary:
- If your child’s symptoms worsen or do not improve with at-home care.
- If eczema patches become infected (signs may include increased redness, warmth, or discharge).
- If your child is experiencing extreme discomfort, loss of sleep, or difficulty in daily activities due to skin issues.
Understanding the difference between dry skin and eczema is the first step in providing the right care for your child’s skin. With proper skincare habits and the right products, you can help alleviate discomfort and maintain healthy skin.
If you’re unsure about your child’s skin condition or if symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Your child’s skin health is worth the effort, and by taking the right steps, you can help them be itch-free and comfortable.
References:
- MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated Jun 24; cited 2020 Jul 1] Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/flg/#references
- Skin Barrier Basics for People With Eczema: https://nationaleczema.org/blog/what-is-my-skin-barrier/
