Eczema in Teenagers: A Guide to Cause, Origin, Symptoms and Treatment

Eczema, a common skin disorder among teenagers, impacts social and self esteem in the most difficult period in a child’s life. Considered a disease and, if untreated, the complications and symptoms can result in more than emotional complications in your teen. With treatment, more than 60 percent of teens will be cured of the symptoms by the time they reach their mid-teens years. Understanding the cause and origin, symptoms and treatment options will assist your teen in tackling what could become a health issue filled with stress and anxiety.

The cause and origin of eczema can range from heredity, resulting from a gene which causes hypersensitivity to specific allergens or it could be related to a condition linked to a blood circulatory disorder. Some researchers also believe it is the body’s natural immune response to stress. Whatever the origin, it is known that individuals with very dry or more sensitive skin are at a higher risk for development of this skin condition. Unfortunately, there is no cure for eczema but there are treatment options to reduce the inflammation and various other symptoms of the condition.

Eczema symptoms will appear on the skin, initially, as a dry, hot, itchy patch and may progress into a more raw irritation of skin. Bleeding, at a progressed stage, is not unusual nor is the presence of a wet blister affect.. Although it may appear unpleasant, it is not contagious. Eczema symptoms are most prominent on the face, ears, hands, inside the elbows and behind the knees but may appear in any location on the body.

If diagnosed with eczema, there are a variety of treatment options available to improve symptoms but, unfortunately, there is no cure at the present time. Home remedy treatments involving emollients may help and can either be used in the shower, in lieu of soap, or placed onto the skin in lieu of a moisturizer. Emollients work to reduce water dehydration from the skin thereby preventing further dryness related symptoms. Emollients can be purchased over the counter and several variations are available. For more severe cases of eczema, a physician may prescribe a topical steroid and the use of an antihistamine to control itching in the treatment plan. Topical steroid treatments work to reduce inflammation and symptoms and are available in a variety of strengths so as to avoid the side effects attributed to steroid use in teens. As with any teen, controlling the use of the topical steroid is important as the prescription should not be shared with other individuals. Side effects are very rare when the treatment plan is followed appropriately.

Whatever the treatment option of choice, at least one treatment regimin should be included in the daily routine of every teenager when the first sign of eczema symptoms are present. Because eczema affects bodily appearance, the impact to a teenager’s self esteem and hygiene is significant if the condition and symptoms are left untreated. Understanding the sign of eczema symptoms is the first line of defense in reducing future emotional and physical complications associated with the disease. For more information, consult your teen’s physician regarding prevention and treatment options.