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How to Cope With Eczema at Any Age

The latest on treating a rash that strikes kids–and older adults–the hardest

ChesiireCat/iStock/Getty Images Plus Eczema — that itchy, angry red rash that plagued your childhood — is often dismissed as a children's disease. But almost 10 percent of all adults suffer from this condition, as well. And though the prevalence of eczema dips in young adulthood and middle age, it surges again in adults over 74, according to a published recently in the Annals of Internal Medicine. “People's skin gets drier as they age, so often someone who had eczema in childhood sees it disappear in adulthood, only to reappear once they hit their 60s or 70s,” explains Lawrence Eichenfield, M.D., chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. Here's everything you need to know about this disease: what it is, how to treat it and how to prevent it from driving you nuts.

At any age eczema is itchy

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Unlike kids, who tend to get the condition on places like their cheeks or scalp, adults are most likely to find it in nooks and crannies, including on the backs of their knees and elbow crooks, and even around their eyes. But the same as when you were a kid, eczema tends to be very, very itchy. “It can affect an adult's quality of life just as much as it affects a child's — causing sleep loss, depression, anxiety and even an increased risk of skin infection,” Eichenfield explains. Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by something known as the “itch-scratch cycle,” Eichenfield says. This is when itching leads to scratching, which results in the release of inflammatory chemicals that worsen eczema by drying out the skin. The vicious cycle continues unless you step in and treat the disease.

Doctors still don t know what causes it

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. . (The study also found a 20 percent higher risk of stroke.) “It may be due to a combination of different factors — people with eczema have inflammation in their bodies that may make them more susceptible to heart disease, and they may also have been given medicines such as oral steroids that raise risk of heart disease,” Eichenfield explains. Even more reason to try to bring eczema under control. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > For expert tips to help feel your best,

Following an anti-inflammatory diet can ease symptoms br

Eating foods including fish, Greek yogurt, and colorful fruits and veggies like cherries, blueberries and kale helps fight inflammation that can lead to a flare-up, says Debra Jaliman, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of Skin Rules. As tempting as they may be, avoid the drive-throughs; eating at least three weekly servings of fast food is linked to a worsening of eczema symptoms, according to a 2013 published in the respiratory journal Thorax. Not surprisingly, consuming at least three servings a week of fruit reduced symptoms. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. More on health AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS