October is Eczema Awareness Month! Many people mistakenly believe that eczema only presents during childhood. However, this is NOT the case! Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis, can present at any age. It can also start in childhood, go dormant and then reappear during adulthood.
If you are diagnosed with eczema for the first time as an adult over the age of 18 you would be diagnosed with what is referred to as “adult-onset atopic dermatitis.”
Differences in Eczema as an Adult
Adult eczema presents differently than it does for children. For example, in adults, eczema will often appear around the eyes as darker, thickened skin. It can also appear on other parts of the body as extremely dry and scaly patches of skin. For adults, it is most likely to form in one or more of these areas:
- Backs of the knees
- Crooks of the elbows
- Back of the neck
- Face
Photo courtesy of The American Academy of Dermatology.
Side Effects of Eczema for Adults
Adults experiencing eczema will usually see similar side effects to those children experience.
Potential side effects include:
- Itching, sometimes severe
- Loss of sleep due to the itching
- Feelings of depression or anxiety
- Skin infections
- Increased risk for developing asthma, hay fever, and other allergies
- Decreased quality of life if left untreated
If you are experiencing symptoms of eczema or atopic dermatitis, the best way to treat your symptoms is to make an appointment with one of our team members. We will work with you to come up with a treatment plan for the symptoms themselves as well as if there is an underlying issues causing the eczema.
The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office or make an appointment with a medical professional. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. Our office can be reached at 706-691-7079.
