Papular Eczema: A Comprehensive Guide to Living with More Than Just an Itch

Updated on January 4, 2024

Overview

Papular Eczema or Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, red, and scaly. It is a painful chronic condition and is often associated with asthma or hay fever. Eczema is more common in children but in some cases, it continues into adulthood as well. If you want to learn more about Eczema and its potential treatment options, visit Clinical Research Organization in Michigan. There is no known cure for Eczema but prevention can help minimize the symptoms to a great extent.

This blog will answer questions such as is eczema an autoimmune disease, what are its causes, and what its triggers are.

What is Papular Eczema?

Papular Eczema is a type of Eczema that presents as a rash with itchy bumps on the skin. These bumps are called papules. Around 31 million people are affected by Eczema. Papular eczema can occur at any age. There is no known cure but the condition can be managed by proper care.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema is related to a gene variation that disrupts the skin’s protective layer. This gives allergens, bacteria, and other microorganisms a way to enter the skin and affect it. Factors like environmental triggers, irritants, and allergens are mainly responsible for causing Eczema.

What are the Symptoms of Papular Eczema?

The symptom varies from person to person. A lot of it depends on one’s ability to cope with diseases. The symptoms of this type of Eczema include:

• Itchy skin
• Dry, scaly patches
• Small bumps
• Swollen, sensitive skin
• Crusting skin
• Bumps on the skin
• Red rashes

Where does Eczema Commonly Occur? 

About 10.1% of people in the US have some form of eczema. The patches of Eczema are reddish-brown and are mainly located on the neck, hands, feet, ankle, eyes, and elbows.

What are the Triggers and How Can You Avoid Them?

Papular eczema triggers include certain irritants, environmental factors, food allergies, hormonal changes (during menstruation eczema flareup can be severe), skin allergies, stress, etc. Once you identify your eczema triggers, it is important to adopt ways to avoid those triggers.

Who is at Risk?

Eczema mostly occurs in childhood but as previously discussed it can continue into adulthood. There are certain risk factors associated with Eczema including:

• Being a female,
• Being previously diagnosed with Hay Fever or Asthma, and
• Having a family history of hay fever, allergic skin conditions like dermatitis, or asthma.

What are the Types of Eczema?

There are different types of Eczema depending on the location, causative factors, etc. They differ from Psoriasis in many ways. The types include:

Atopic Dermatitis:

It is one of the most prevalent types of Eczema. It usually starts in childhood and gets more temperate by adulthood. Atopic dermatitis is commonly known as Triad because it is associated with two other diseases named, hay fever and asthma.

Contact Dermatitis:

As the name suggests, this type is developed when you come into contact with substances that cause redness and scaly skin. This category entails two types, allergic contact dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis is when the immune system reacts to certain irritants. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes in contact with a chemical or a substance that irritates the skin.

Dyshidrotic Eczema:

It is more common in women. In this type, fluid-filled small blisters develop on the hands and feet.

Hand Eczema:

It affects the hands only. This is common when you work in an environment where your hands are in constant contact with chemicals that can irritate your skin. Itching due to eczema is common in this type since the hands are invariably in contact with chemicals if an individual is working in high-exposure environment.

Neurodermatitis:

The exact cause of neurodermatitis is not known but it is more common in people with other types of eczema or psoriasis. The patches are itchy and can bleed if scratched.

Nummular Dermatitis:

Coin-like spots are common in this type. Such lesions itch a lot. They differ from their counterparts. read more about Nummular Eczema.

Stasis Dermatitis:

This is common when fluid leaks out of delicate veins causing infection-like symptoms, bleeding, redness, itching, pus, etc.

Papular Eczema:

It is the type in which small itchy rashes appear on the body in the form of bumps called Papules.

Is Papular Eczema Contagious?

Most people think that Papular eczema is a contagious condition because it runs in the family. However, the reality is quite different. Eczema is not contagious. Nonetheless, you are at high risk if you have certain allergies like asthma.

Is Eczema an Autoimmune Disease?

Eczema is not an autoimmune disease, however many other autoimmune diseases are associated with it like alopecia areata, vitiligo, chronic urticaria, celiac disease, etc. The immune system may be sensitive to certain allergens but Eczema is not an autoimmune disease primarily.

Psoriasis vs. Eczema

The major difference between Psoriasis and Eczema is that Eczema causes intense itching whereas in Psoriasis the itching is less intense and feels more like a burn. Both conditions can occur on any part of the body but the major sites are different for both.

What is the Difference Between Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis?

Eczema is an umbrella term for rash-like skin conditions. Whereas, Atopic Dermatitis is the most common type of Eczema. The skin becomes red, scaly, and itchy in Atopic Dermatitis. The term Atopic means the tendency to inherit eczema, hay fever, or asthma. Dermatitis means the skin is red and inflamed. This type starts in childhood and continues into adulthood.

Diagnosis of eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis:

Both the conditions are diagnosed by clinical examination. It is important to inform the physician about family history if any, and allergies that you have. It will help the physician to give an accurate diagnosis. Another factor that can help in diagnosis is excessive itching due to eczema.

To differentiate between Psoriasis vs. Eczema, the physician checks for the site where the patches appear on the body.

The Psychological Impact of Papular Eczema

Since Eczema is a painful skin condition, it can influence one’s physical and mental health to a great extent.

• Bullying: Children with eczema face bullying in schools as a result of which their confidence is diminished. Adults also become victims of bullying at work or in life. Seeking therapy is a helpful option. Furthermore, mental health seminars and open dialogue in workplaces and schools allow individuals to express concerns, encouraging a sense of belonging.
• Sleep-related issues: Due to severe itching in Eczema, anyone with this condition has difficulty sleeping sound. This negatively impacts one’s physical and mental health. It severely impacts the concentration levels which reduces the quality of work done.
• Self-Image Issues: People with Eczema often find themselves fretting about their self-image, how they look, etc. All this makes them conscious of themselves and they are lost in their thoughts. This can also affect their personal and professional life.

Can I have Papular Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis at the Same Time?

It is not uncommon to have Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis or Papular Eczema at the same time. However, the triggers are different for both, and the severity of the condition can vary. It is important to consult your physician to get a better understanding of your condition and ways to manage it.

Also read: What is a Maculopapular Rash?

Eczema and Children: How to Tackle it?

Atopic Dermatitis can be very painful and uncomfortable for kids. Parents need to have a sound understanding of the condition to manage it smoothly. Certain tips can help the parents including:

• Loose and soft clothing that may help to alleviate itching caused by eczema,
• Keep your child’s fingernails short to avoid scratching,
• Kids should avoid becoming overheated as it can lead to flareups,
• To add moisture to the skin, kids should drink more water,
• Identify the triggers and remove them from your household to avoid flareups,
• Kids should take bath with lukewarm water, and
• Stress is a strong trigger of eczema. Help your child with ways to manage the stress. This may include different exercises, deep breathing, or talking to a therapist.

What does Research Suggest for Treating Eczema in Children?

Research suggests that wet therapy combined with educating the child about daily hygiene and ways to take care of their body is one of the best therapy options. Wet therapy includes baths thrice a day. Each time a topical cream or moisturizer is applied to the body to keep it moisturized and prevent it from drying and cracking.

Some Myths About Eczema

1. Eczema is contagious: As previously explained, eczema is not contagious, instead, it is a genetic condition. People usually assume that the itching caused by eczema may be contagious, meaning they can get eczema if they touch someone with the condition.
2. Family history means your baby will certainly have eczema: This is not true. Having a family history of Eczema may increase the risk of having it in childhood or adulthood but babies don’t need to be born with eczema or have it in early childhood.
3. Eczema is caused by stress: There is an indirect link between stress with eczema. It triggers the flare-up and does not actually cause it.
4. Eczema will clear up on its own: Eczema is a condition characterized by excessive itching which may lead to scratching of the lesion and consequently causing further infection. Certain medications, lifestyle modifications, use of moisturizers all can help in alleviating the symptoms.
5. Eczema is a superficial condition: It is believed that eczema only affects the skin but it has more severe effects on one’s personality and mental health.

What are the Available Treatment Options?

Eczema is one of those conditions that can be managed but not cured. Certain medications prescribed by the physician can help relieve the symptoms, especially the itching caused by eczema.

Medications:

• Creams: Corticosteroid creams or ointments are of help in mild cases.
• Drugs: This may include antibiotic drugs to relieve the bacterial infection if you have sores or cracks to treat the infection.
• Oral drugs: Oral corticosteroids may be of help if you have severe symptoms.

Therapies:

• • Wet therapy: Includes wrapping the body with topical medicines or wet bandages to soothe itching due to eczema and also the redness of the skin.
  • Light therapy: This best suits people who do not get better from other conventional treatment options. It includes exposure to natural sunlight and sometimes UVA and UVB rays either alone or with some medication.
  • Counseling: Talking to a therapist may help.
  • Exercise and meditation: These can help to relieve stress which can reduce Eczema flare-ups.

How To Cure Eczema At Home?

Some of the best ways to cure eczema naturally at home include:

• Pampering Your Skin: Sometimes it is essential to take extra care of your eczema-prone skin. You can use lotions and creams that are designed specifically for sensitive skin. Besides, try to moisturize at least twice a day, regardless of the outbreak. Additionally, you may opt for options consisting of mild soaps and hypoallergenic makeup to reduce the risk of reaction. Moreover, consider consulting your dermatologist to choose the best options for yourself when it comes to products.
• Using A Humidifier: Using a humidifier can help you feel more comfortable since it can add moisture to the air. If you can keep one where you spend most of your time, like your living room or bedroom. You can readily avoid dry indoor air to a greater extent.
• Wearing Skin-Friendly Clothes: There are soft materials like linen, cotton, or Tencel that can feel gentle on sensitive eczema-prone skin. You must avoid everything rough, tight, or scratchy. Pinching and tugging can also become completely unbearable if you are already in an unpleasant situation. Hence, skin-friendly clothes can be a good way to soothe your symptoms.
• Slathering on Coconut Oil: The lauric acid present in coconut oil does wonders. It helps to keep fungi, bacteria, and viruses from penetrating your skin and causing an infection. Make sure to utilize virgin or cold-pressed coconut oils that are without chemicals and help your skin potentially safe from irritation or reaction.

Numerous other practices exist for curing eczema at home, beyond these mentioned.

Also read: A comprehensive guide to manage papular urticaria

The Outlook

Needless to say, Eczema is a debilitating condition that has a severe impact on one’s personality. It is essential to take care of your mental health because it is an equally important component of one’s overall health. Eczema can take a toll on mental health as it can lead to self-image concerns, and all of this can have a huge impact on one’s physical health.

As much as the field of medicine is progressing, there is still a long way to go, to find a permanent treatment solution to this condition. Nonetheless, the research organizations in the US are striving to find potential treatment choices by running Eczema Paid Clinical Trials in Michigan and to test the effectiveness of those investigational drugs on humans.