Skin is your body’s largest organ, yet it is often overlooked until something goes wrong. The skin is subject to harsh external irritants like pollution and extreme climatic changes as well as internal
factors like stress and harsh skincare routines resulting in dryness, irritation, flare-ups, and persistent itching, as well as seasonal or lifestyle problems. We assume these conditions are temporary reactions or regular flare-ups but often miss chronic underlying conditions, which have long-lasting consequences.
We speak to Dr Abhiraj Thakur, Founder and Director, Ojasvi Skin Solution, who says that in India, around 30%-40% of people are prone to skin conditions due to extreme skin sensitivity. He goes on to share how eczema is a major issue for many Indian people that are majorly ignored and how to spot signs that it needs to be taken more seriously.
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin disorder that continues to be misunderstood and misdiagnosed. This lack of awareness prevents people from recognising early warning signs of eczema and seeking prompt medical guidance. This can have adverse outcomes and lead to worsening of the condition. To prevent such a scenario, it is necessary to gain a clear understanding of what eczema actually is and how it can affect the skin.
Recognising early signs and why they matter
Sensitive skin conditions like eczema or atopic dermatitis (AD), due to unhealthy functioning of the skin barrier and genetics, experience dry, irritable skin with persistent flare-ups and redness.
Early signs often include rough, dry patches due to a lack of moisture retention in the skin as a result of a compromised skin barrier. This leads to the development of rashes, scaly skin, and even small lesions or papules. These conditions not only the physically well-being but also disrupts sleep patterns and consequent problems in their daily lives due to the stress and tension that come with eczema.
Almost 41.80% patients with chronic skin disorders have said to experience psychological distress due to their skin condition. It is also known to impact overall mental being including their confidence.
Early identification can help decrease the severity of flare-ups caused by eczema and help lower the chances of long-term skin damage. An unhealthy skin barrier is one of the reasons for skin conditions, and persistent itching and scratching can result in secondary infections. Getting proper treatment for eczema can help a person lead a happier, healthier life with minimal complications. Assessing early signs helps lessen the need for extensive treatments that may be necessary if proper diagnosis is delayed.
Importance of timely treatment
Eczema is a condition that benefits from early intervention; therefore, it is essential to seek medical guidance as symptoms develop as early as possible. It is recommended to see a dermatologist when they experience the following symptoms”
- Persistent itching does not improve with gentle skincare routines
- Worsening of the skin condition with excessive redness and inflammation
- Constant disruption of sleep
- Severe discomfort or pain that increases over time
- Hindrance in daily activities
A medical professional will seek a detailed medical history of the patient and conducts a physical examination of the skin based on the appearance and frequency of the symptoms, this helps understand the underlying causes affecting the skin barrier and create a treatment plan.
Science-backed skincare regime
Importance of using colloidal oat-based moisturisers: Studies have proven that, along with glycerin, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, there is one ingredient that is often essential in aiding eczema-prone skin – colloidal oatmeal. This hidden gem has all the power of soothing inflammation, reducing irritation restoring the skin barrier and preventing sensitivity of the skin.
Additionally, it is recommended to follow a simple skincare routine prioritising moisturization and gentle cleansing. It is extremely important to lock in moisture and aid the skin cells in repairing the compromised skin barrier to better manage eczema. There are many clinical studies which highlight the critical role of using oat-based moisturisers in providing relief from itching, repairing the skin barrier to prevent flare-ups and redness and sooth the skin.
Using the “soak and smear” method is one such way of locking in moisture right after getting out of the bath. It is important to choose a hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested and recommended moisturizer that can add an extra layer of hydration to the skin.
Along with daily moisturisation, it is important to keep up a hygienic lifestyle and avoid skincare products that may worsen eczema due to their ingredients and fragrances. Lastly, one must understand that Eczema is a manageable skin condition that can be treated with prompt action and special care. It is just a matter of early diagnosis that can go a long way in eczema care and help people lead a calm and soothing life with proper treatment.
