How I Nipped My Adult Eczema in the Bud With the Help of a Dermatologist

It started a few months ago. At first, I didn't think much of it. Yes, my lips were as dry and flaky as a stale croissant, but that happens every winter, so I persevered, layering on the same lip balm that usually gets me out of this mess—La Mer The Lip Balm ($75). But something about this bout of dryness was different. No matter what I did, it wasn't going away.

I became increasingly self-conscious of the situation. My lips were physically flaking off as I spoke, and I could have sworn it was all people could look at. And it got worse. The dryness spread quickly to my chin, covering an area the size of a plum around the outer corner of my mouth.

I soon realized I wasn't just dealing with a bit of dry skin. This was eczema, a condition I hadn't experienced since its signature pinot noir tone and maddening itch plagued my inner arms and the backs of my knees when I was in primary school. I thought I had left it behind.

My knee-jerk reaction to this realization was to do what any self-respecting beauty editor never, ever would—I went in on that dry patch with the harshest exfoliator I could find, swiping AHAs over it like I was watering a flowerbed in a drought.

Of course, my skin didn't like this, and the eczema around my mouth got angry—very angry—turning a deeper shade of red and ferociously more itchy. The only thing I found comfort in was Skinowl's Lavender Beauty Drops ($48) but while this oil took the sting away, eczema remained.

Thankfully, I got to chat with several dermatologists to help me understand what was going on with this sudden eczema onset and how to fend it off.

Keep reading to learn how I got rid of my eczema once it recurred.

What is Eczema?

"Eczema is a hypersensitivity of the skin, and a lot of times it's hereditary," revealed Granite, which makes sense—my dad has it too. "It tends to be grouped with hay fever and asthma, and they're all atopic conditions. Asthma is a hypersensitivity of the airways, hay fever is the sinuses, eczema is the skin."

In my case, Granite states that what I'm dealing with seems to be a "combination of both genetics and atopic eczema that you had as a child flaring up, which could have been worsened by stress." She certainly sized me up correctly. Don't forget to add in all the products I test out for work, which could've contained an ingredient that I was allergic to. Garshick states, "Common triggers include fragrances, certain metals, and harsh soaps."

But I can't rule out a food allergy either. "In the past, we thought food allergies made eczema worse, but now the thinking is that your skin becomes almost 'leaky' and allows allergens to come in which you can then develop food allergies to," she explained. Oh man.

What Are the Different Types of Eczema?

There are seven different types of eczema, and it's possible to be dealing with more than one at a time. According to the National Eczema Association, they all come with their own set of triggers and treatments.

• Atopic dermatitis: This is the most common form of eczema (and the one I have). It tends to show up in childhood and can come and go throughout adulthood. Common symptoms include itchy rashes, dry and discolored skin, and painful skin.
• Contact dermatitis: This form of eczema occurs when you come into contact with an irritating substance, like scratchy wool, detergents, or nickel-containing jewelry. Sometimes a rash may show up right away, or be delayed, but could cause burning or blistering of the skin.
• Neurodermatitis: Excessive itching and scratching can cause this type of eczema. Rather than being widespread, it usually shows up on certain parts of the skin, especially feet, ankles, hands, wrists, and elbows.
• Dyshidrotic eczema: You're experiencing this type of eczema if you get small, itchy blisters along your hands and feet.
• Nummular eczema: The name "nummular" means coin, which is the shape of the itchy lesions that show up on the skin. They may also be oozing or crusted over.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: This is a chronic form of eczema and shows up on the body where lots of oils are produced, including the scalp and nose.
• Stasis dermatitis: Also referred to as venous eczema, this form happens when there's poor circulation in the legs. The skin around the feet and lower legs can get itchy, scaly, and dry.
  

How Long Until Eczema Goes Away?

The course of action I took really worked, and I felt overjoyed. The eczema all but disappeared by the end of the next day, and having kept up the cream application recommended to me for a further week, it doesn't show any signs of rearing its ugly head again. I'm going to stick with my pared-back skin routine, only switching in products I know I've never had an issue with.

This isn't always the case, though. It could take several weeks for eczema to clear, or maybe not at all until you have pinpointed and removed every single trigger that you're exposed to.

Can You Get Rid of Eczema?

While you can get rid of the rashes or patches that occur during a flare-up, you will never be able to cure yourself of eczema because it's a chronic condition. On a positive note, the available treatments are effective in keeping the flare-ups from showing up on the regular.