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Eczema in Adults
It's more common than you think
Eczema is a condition that affects about 10% of adults in Australia, with 45% experiencing it moderately to severely. It can start in childhood or develop later in life.
What causes adult eczema? The cause can be linked to genetics, environmental factors, hormonal changes (such as menopause), drier skin as we age, or stressful events.
There are many types of eczema, the most common being ‘atopic’. Adults are also prone to developing other forms of eczema, making it a diverse and complex condition to manage.
Help for adults with eczema
To live well with eczema, effective management is essential as there is currently no cure. Working with your medical specialist can help you identify the triggers and create a personalised eczema treatment plan to improve your quality of life.
Triggers for eczema in adults vary from person- to-person, and one single trigger is rarely responsible. This can make it challenging and frustrating when trying to identify the cause of each flare-up.
Avoiding triggers and controlling flare-ups, such as eczema treatments for adults like moisturisers and flare control creams, can improve condition management and reduce discomfort.
We have more information through our Eczema Care Online Toolkit.
Managing adult eczema
The Australasian College of Dermatologists recommends three key ways to manage eczema, including skin care, inflammation reduction and infection control.
For skincare, it’s recommended to use soap substitutes and non-perfumed bath oils. Depending on the outside temperature, apply as greasy a moisturiser as possible all over, soon after coming out of the shower or bath.
For severe inflammation, wet bandages and cool compresses can help. Minimising hand washing and wearing gloves in wet environments can also protect your skin. Cool compresses may provide immediate relief for very itchy areas.
Topicalcortisone ointments until the dermatitis clears completely can be used to reduce inflammation and treatments such as antibiotic ointments for the nostrils or diluted bleach baths can be helpful for recurrent bacterial infections. It’s recommended to seek help from a dermatologist if infections persist.
New treatment for eczema in adults
Living with eczema can be challenging. Many people hope to find a single solution to fix their eczema and prevent flare-ups, however, it’s a chronic condition that is different for every person. Finding one solution for eczema is rare.
Medical researchers are constantly looking for new treatments for eczema in adults, helping them overcome the obstacles that come with this condition. Staying in touch with your dermatologist and seeking information from organisations such as Eczema Support Australia can help you stay informed about new treatment options available. See our resource library for more information on new and emerging treatments.
Eczema Support Australia supports adults with eczema, connecting people through our social media providing advocacy, support services, factsheets and toolkits to empower individuals. Connect with us to find out more.
FAQ's
Eczema is a chronic and complex itchy skin condition. However, it is more than just a skin condition. For adults living with eczema, it can vary from a mild to moderate itch to an extremely itchy, painful and debilitating condition, which greatly impacts a person’s quality of life. There are different types of eczema, the most common is atopic eczema.
