Nasir's book Eczema-Free For Life provides some insight on how the skin of eczema patients is different from those who do not suffer from the itch that rashes.
Your skin is made up of three layers: epidermis (this is what itches and flares), the dermis (where blood vessels, glands, and hair follicles are), and the subcutis (fat layer with blood vessels).
New cells in the epidermis push older ones out and off. This is an ongoing cycle. When the older cells are pushed to the top of the skin, they form a layer called the cornified envelope. As Nasir notes, in eczema patients, this layer does not have as many lipids as in non-eczema people. This lack of lipids leads the the epidermis to dry out and crack. Irritants can enter the skin through the cracks, causing flare-ups. Essentially, the barrier function of the skin has broken down.
This is why emollients like Vaseline are great for those with eczema. The Vaseline provides needed moisture and also acts as a barrier over the cracks to prevent irritants from entering the skin.
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Eczema has been called the itch that rashes. This blog is about how to cope. We'll cover all aspects of living with eczema from the best treatments to clear the rash to how to subdue the itching enough to get a good night's rest. We'll discuss the latest research, the physiology, book reviews, and alternative treatments. >>>>>If you are new to the blog, start with the "what is eczema" posts by clicking on the label to the right.
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- CK
- Washington, DC
- I have been living with eczema for most of my life. I have tried almost every treatment available. This blog is a place to share what I have learned and continue to learn about living with eczema.
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