Can eczema kill you Potential risks of other conditions

Can eczema kill you Potential risks of other conditions

Can eczema kill you Potential risks of other conditions Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Can eczema kill you Medically reviewed by Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD — By Mathieu Rees on September 15, 2022Eczema is not a fatal condition. However, there is an increased risk of infections that could be life threatening without medical supervision. People with eczema may also experience cardiovascular issues. However, with the right treatment, individuals can manage symptoms and flare-ups. Share on PinterestMats Silvan/Getty ImagesThis article looks at the outlook for people with eczema and the risk of other conditions. We will also discuss the management and prevention of severe eczema flare-ups. Risk of other conditions Eczema generally causes a range of symptoms, including:a rashskin redness on lighter skindarker brown, purple, or gray patches on darker skinitchy skinraised skin However, eczema may also lead to other health conditions. A person should discuss any other symptoms or concerns with a doctor. Eczema and cardiovascular health A 2019 meta-analysis suggests that atopic eczema may correlate with an increased risk of:myocardial infarction, or heart attackstrokeanginaheart failure However, the only study to report an effect of atopic eczema on cardiovascular death provided no evidence of an association. That said, the authors recognize that they need to undertake more research for more conclusive evidence. A 2022 study found no causal link between eczema, heart attacks, and strokes. The researchers reported that eczema might contribute to heart failure, as some people might be genetically predisposed to both conditions. Additionally, 2019 research proposed an alternative theory for the possible correlation between eczema and cardiovascular health. Eczema may predispose people to known risk factors for cardiovascular health problems. These include:a history of high blood pressurea high body mass indexdiabetesemotional factors such as stresssmoking and alcohol consumption A person should consult a doctor to diagnose and treat any potential risk factors that may arise with eczema. Eczema and infections According to a 2021 review, people with eczema are more likely to develop viral, bacteria, and fungal infections. As the condition damages a person’s skin, it is easier for these pathogens to enter the body. The same review notes that Staphylococcus aureus (staph) bacteria colonize over 90% of people with eczema. This same bacterium colonizes only around 10% of those without the condition. Skin symptoms of a staph infection include the following:abscessesimpetigocellulitis Depending on the type of infection, a doctor will usually prescribe:oral antibioticstopical creams or ointmentsIV antibiotics, which they administer directly into a person’s bloodstream Eczema herpeticum Other infections are potentially more serious. For instance, when the herpes simplex virus causes a person’s eczema to contract an infection, it can cause a condition called eczema herpeticum. Skin symptoms of this condition include blisters, which:are itchy or painfulare red, purple, or blackooze pus when broken Other symptoms of eczema herpeticum include:fever and chillsswollen lymph glandsgenerally feeling unwell Eczema herpeticum is a serious medical emergency. If symptoms worsen, people must seek immediate medical attention. Early treatment can help prevent complications and stop them from spreading. Possible complications may include:keratoconjunctivitis, an inflammatory condition that affects the eyesmeningitis, the inflammation of the brain’s protective membraneencephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain itselfsepsis, an extreme response to a pathogen causing organ damage A doctor will prescribe an oral antiviral medication to treat eczema herpeticum. They will recommend a person continues with any treatment for eczema and antibiotics if other infections develop. Treating and preventing severe flares of eczema According to a 2022 review, there are several main components to treating and preventing severe eczema flares. Skin care A skin care routine helps keep a person’s skin as hydrated as possible. It will involve a daily bath or shower in lukewarm water. The individual should then apply a neutral moisturizer to their skin within 3 minutes of the shower or bath. Read more about following a skin care routine. Avoiding triggers Trigger avoidance is another important aspect of preventing eczema flare-ups. Several things can cause someone’s eczema to suddenly worsen, and these will vary among individuals. The following are all possible eczema triggers:dust mitesanimal danderpollenclimate and extreme temperaturessoaps, fragrances, or chemicalssynthetic fabrics, such as polyestercertain metals Learn more about possible eczema triggers. Anti-inflammatory therapy Topical steroid ointments are very effective at treating eczema flare-ups and help reduce skin inflammation and irritation. Find out more about steroid creams for eczema. Other pharmaceuticals that doctors can inject into a person, including calcineurin inhibitors and dupilumab, are nonsteroidal. They can also help people manage severe eczema flare-ups by preventing skin discoloration and itching relating to the condition. Other treatments There are some additional management strategies for eczema. Research suggests taking probiotics could benefit people with the condition. However, researchers found that current probiotics made little or no difference in reducing eczema symptoms, such as itching and sleep loss. However, they may slightly reduce the reported severity of eczema according to combined scores from patients and their doctors, although it is uncertain if such a change is so significant. Learn more about other possible remedies for eczema. Summary Experts do not consider eczema a life threatening condition. However, people with eczema could develop skin infections that could prove fatal without suitable treatment. Potential complications can also develop from untreated infections. There is also some evidence that eczema could be a risk factor for cardiovascular health problems. However, more research is necessary to explore the possible associations. People with eczema should discuss possible links and risk factors for other health issues relating to eczema. This ensures they can receive prompt diagnosis and treatment for both conditions. Last medically reviewed on September 15, 2022Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema 10 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Ascott, A., et al. (2019). Atopic eczema and major cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6497108/Chen, H., et al. (2022). Assessing causal associations of atopic dermatitis with heart failure and other cardiovascular outcomes: A Mendelian randomization study.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2022.868850/fullEczema herpeticum. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/related-conditions/eczema-herpeticum/Fujiyoshi, A. (2019). Eczema and risk of cardiovascular disease: Heightened awareness needed.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6753240/Kolb, L., et al. (2022). Atopic dermatitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448071/Makrgeorgou, A., et al. (2018). Probiotics for treating eczema.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6517242/Moisturizer and lotion for eczema: Everything you need to know. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/moisturizing/Nemeth, V., et al. (2021). Eczema.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538209/Prescription topicals. (n.d.).https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/treatment/topicals/What is sepsis? (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/what-is-sepsis.htmlFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD — By Mathieu Rees on September 15, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageIs eczema an autoimmune disease? There is some evidence that one type of eczema, atopic dermatitis, may be autoimmune in nature. However, more research is necessary.READ MOREWhat are the best soaps for eczema?Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP Soaps with harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances can irritate a person's eczema, so finding the right cleanser can be tricky. Learn more.READ MOREEczema: New drug reduces symptoms by 75% in infants and young children In a recent clinical trial, researchers said the new drug dupilumab was effective in reducing eczema symptoms in young childrenREAD MOREWhat to know about sunscreen for eczemaMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI Sunscreens help to protect a person's skin against ultraviolet light from the sun. People with eczema may find that some sunscreens irritate their…READ MORECan zinc oxide creams and supplements help eczema? Zinc deficiency has links to eczema, and people can use zinc oxide creams to treat eczema patches. Learn more.READ MORE
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