Can You Develop Eczema As An Adult?

With an unusually high number of skin irritants during the summer months—thanks a lot, mosquitoes and poison ivy—it can feel like your skin is constantly fighting off itchiness galore. And while you might assume those annoying, red bumps are just temporary, there’s a chance they could actually be something more. But how can you really tell?

After all, skin irritation can be a symptom of just about anything—just like fatigue, headaches and weight loss. So, if those mysterious bumps aren’t bug bites, what are they? As it turns out, they may actually be eczema. Now, we know what you’re thinking, isn’t eczema something you’re born with? Yes—and no. As it turns out, you can develop certain types of eczema (yes, there’s more than one kind) as an adult (but not because it’s contagious).

Here’s a quick look at 2 most common types of eczema—and more importantly, what causes them.

Atopic Dermatitis: When you think of eczema, this is likely the type that you are imagining. Not only is atopic dermatitis the most common type (with 18 million cases), it’s also one of the most uncomfortable. Symptoms can range from dry, itchy skin all over to raised, scaly patches on the cheeks, arms and legs—even behind your knee or on your scalp (which sounds a lot like psoriasis, right?) It’s important to note that atopic dermatitis is primarily genetic and usually appears early on in childhood, so you would likely know it if you had it.

Causes: While this type of eczema doesn’t have a specific cause per se, there are certain triggers that may lead to a flare-up. For instance, nickel (often in jewelry), scented soaps, fragrances, wool, stress and allergens (like pollen), can all spell trouble.

Contact Dermatitis: If you’ve ever suffered from itchy, inflamed skin (hasn’t everyone?), then chances are you’ve had contact dermatitis. Whether it’s the result of poison ivy, makeup or other common, external irritants, contact dermatitis is simply your skin’s inflammatory response to any type of allergen or irritant.  As an adult, you may experience this type of eczema for the first time; however, the good news is, those itchy, red bumps are only temporary. To avoid future flare-ups, steer clear of your triggers, which may be easier said than done.

Causes:Some of the most common triggers (especially in adults), are seasonal allergies, scented soaps and/or detergents, a food allergy and/or intolerance, stress, dry skin or an undiagnosed health condition, like cellulitis.

Is there any way to get rid of eczema?

The frustrating truth about eczemais that it can be debilitating, both mentally and physically. For those that haven’t experienced eczema, they may see it as nothing more than an annoying skin condition. But beyond the dry, patches of skin that are intensely itchy, it can also be mentally draining (after all, it isn’t exactly a confidence booster).

The good news is there are treatment options. In addition to avoiding your personal triggers and resisting the urge to itch, your primary care provider can work with you to determine the best treatment option. Whether it’s using topical steroids, medicated moisturizers and systemic medications or anti-inflammatory topical medications, you can find the best fit for you. With knowledgeable experts, an extensive range of services and helpful resources, you can count on Gwinnett Medical Group Primary Care for all of your unique health needs.

5 Ways To Nip Your Allergies In The Bud (No Medications Required)

Spring is an idyllic time of year (at least from the indoors). Flowers are blooming, trees are budding and temperatures are warming. And for those of you who love the color yellow, you may be the only ones who are excited about seeing pollen e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. For the rest of us, though, springtime poses a bit of a dilemma.

On the one hand, after being cooped up all winter long, many of us have a serious case of spring fever—can you hear that warm sunshine calling your name? On the other hand, you have the foggy, achy and itchy symptoms of allergies—yuck! So, what do you do? Try taking your go-to antihistamine—even though it’s still February?

Well, it’s worth a try. Erica Melling, PA, a provider at ChoiceOne Urgent Care, a partner of Gwinnett Medical Center, recommends that you give these 5 simple—and surprisingly effective—tips a to keep your spring tissue- and eye drop-free:

1.    Add spring cleaning to your schedule.

Although we often associate our seasonal sneeze with pollen and other outdoor allergens, spending too much time indoors may actually be the root of your problem. While there are some indoor allergens that persist all year, like pet dander and dust, they can be especially irritating when coupled with outdoor allergens. Even if your windows aren’t open, anytime you go outdoors, you’re bringing pollen back inside with you on your shoes, clothes and pets.  

So, if you weren’t in the mood to clean (is anyone ever?), hopefully this will motivate you to add it to your weekly to-do list. After all, by regularly vacuuming carpets, dusting off surfaces, washing fabrics and changing out your air filters, you’ll be doing your allergy symptoms a huge favor.

2.    Beware of mold.

As the temperatures outside continues to rise, so does the moisture in the air. Unfortunately, the two things that mold loves most are heat and moisture—so it’s essential to mold-proof your home. That means keeping your home 70 degrees or below and regulating moisture in the air with a dehumidifier (and fans in the bathroom). And don’t forget to those clean areas prone to accumulating moisture, such as showers and/or tubs, beneath sinks, around air conditioning units and under refrigerators.

3.    Arm your body’s defense system.

Eating a balanced diet high in vitamins and nutrients is always a good idea, but it’s essential this time of year. After all, your body needs all the help it can get to fight off all those allergens—right? Actually, it’s important to eat a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods (antioxidants and probiotics) to do the exact opposite. Instead of ramping up your immune system, the idea is to help to temper your body’s immune response to allergens and reduce symptoms.

Make sure to add these foods to your grocery list (if you haven’t already):

·         Coconut milk yogurt

·         Apples

·         Strawberries

·         Turmeric (the supplement of Curcumin counts)

·         Pumpkin seeds

·         Salmon

4.    Become a night showerer.

Pollen can stick to your body throughout the day – especially your hair. This is particularly true if you use hair products. If you go to bed without showering, all these allergens will transfer to your pillow and be inhaled throughout the night.

But you shouldn’t have to give up great looking hair throughout spring! If you opt to for showering before bed, you’ll be able to get rid of any stubborn allergens that are stuck to your hair or skin. Also be sure to wash your bed linens once a week to keep them free of dust mites, pollen and other allergens that build up over time.

5.    Don’t overlook your overall lifestyle.

In addition to minimizing exposure to allergens and eating a healthy diet, there may be other, everyday factors that you’re overlooking. For instance, excess weight can affect your respiratory system, putting pressure to the diaphragm, preventing you from expanding your lungs properly. In addition, too much stress can intensify allergy symptoms and make it harder for your body to bounce back.

Are your allergies holding you back?

While seasonal allergies may be unavoidable, your response to them can be the difference between enjoying the warm weather and finding yourself barricaded in your home—or anywhere away from pollen. If your allergies are holding you back, the experts at GMG Primary Careand ChoiceOne Urgent Care can provide you with all the relief you need to get back to doing what you should be this spring—having fun with friends and family.