What Happens If Eczema Goes Untreated

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes itchy, red, and inflamed patches on the affected skin. It can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and even painful. While it is not contagious, atopic eczema can have a serious impact on quality of life if left untreated. But just what happens if you don’t treat your eczema? Let’s take a look at the potential complications associated with ignoring this condition.

What Is Eczema And What Are Its Symptoms

Eczema is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, environmental irritants, hormones, and immune system deficiencies. It typically affects people who have allergies or asthma but can also occur in those with no known allergies or health problems. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis.

Eczema symptoms vary from person to person and include dryness of the skin, itching, redness,  and inflammation. It can get worse and result in the thickening of the skin over time (known as lichenification), cracking and oozing of the skin in severe cases, scaling of the skin due to scratching or rubbing it too hard or too often (known as excoriation), and discoloration of the affected areas due to long-term exposure to irritants.

How To Treat Eczema At Home

Fig. 1. Moisturizing regularly is one way to manage the symptoms of eczema

The best way to prevent complications associated with eczema is by taking steps to manage the condition at home. Here are some simple steps that don’t require the use of medication:

Moisturize Regularly 

The key to managing eczema is keeping your skin moisturized. Choose an ointment or cream specifically designed for eczema, as it will be more effective in soothing and healing dry, irritated, and broken skin. Apply it all over your body (including the skin folds) immediately after taking a shower or bath while your skin is still damp. This will help lock in moisture so that your skin doesn’t become too dry and itchy. It’s also important to use a moisturizer throughout the day if needed, especially when you feel like an eczema flare-up is coming on. 

Choose Gentle Detergents 

Choose detergents that are specifically designed for sensitive skin so that they won’t irritate your already-inflamed skin or make existing symptoms worse. Look for products that are free of harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances, as these can often cause further irritation or inflammation. When possible, opt for fragrance-free products or ones with natural essential oils instead. Also, make sure to wash any new clothes before wearing them to avoid irritating your delicate skin with any residue from fabric softeners or detergent dyes. 

Take Cool Showers/Baths 

Hot water can strip away the natural oils from your skin which can worsen symptoms of eczema and leave you feeling even more uncomfortable than before! Try taking cool showers/baths instead since they can help provide relief from itching without drying out your skin too much. Avoid using soap directly on areas affected by eczema; instead, apply a gentle cleanser with lukewarm water and then rinse off thoroughly with cool water afterward. This will help keep moisture locked into the affected areas rather than washing away essential oils from the surface of the skin which would otherwise lead to further discomfort and irritation later on down the line!

When To See A Doctor About Your Eczema

If you have been dealing with chronic eczema for some time but have not seen a doctor yet, then now is the time to do so! A doctor will be able to diagnose your condition and recommend the proper eczema treatment that may help alleviate some of your symptoms. Additionally, they may also be able to suggest lifestyle changes that will help reduce or even prevent flare-ups in the future. It’s always best to seek medical advice sooner rather than later as prompt treatment is key for preventing further complications down the line.

The Long-term Effects Of Untreated Eczema

Fig. 2. Untreated eczema can impair your quality of life

Untreated eczema can lead to serious complications such as infection due to bacteria entering through open wounds caused by scratching, secondary infections from staphylococcus (staph) bacteria, and more. So, what happens if eczema goes untreated? Here are more scenarios that may occur:

Skin Damage 

When eczema isn’t properly managed, it can cause significant damage to the skin. Scratching the itchiness caused by eczema can lead to inflamed skin that is susceptible to infection and scarring. In addition, long-term exposure to environmental irritants like pollen or animal dander can exacerbate symptoms and make them even harder to manage. 

Impaired Quality of Life 

Eczema can also make daily life quite difficult for those who suffer from it. Constant itching and discomfort caused by eczema can impede sleep quality, interfere with concentration during the day, and affect overall energy levels. In extreme cases, those with severe eczema may struggle with social interaction due to embarrassment about their appearance or lack of confidence in their ability to keep their symptoms under control in public settings. 

Low Self Esteem 

Untreated eczema can have a significant impact on your mental health as well. Because eczema often causes visible redness and dryness on the face, neck, or other visible parts of the body, many people with this condition suffer from low self-esteem and a lack of confidence in their appearance. In extreme cases, this can lead to depression or anxiety because people feel like their appearance is constantly being judged by others.  

Dry Skin 

One of the biggest risks associated with untreated eczema is extremely dry skin which can be very difficult to treat once it occurs. The skin barrier gets damaged when scratched excessively and then becomes less effective at locking moisture in, leading to extremely dry skin that requires heavy moisturizers to keep hydrated and healthy-looking. Dryness can make your symptoms worse if not treated properly so it’s important to invest in good moisturizers that are formulated specifically for sensitive skin like yours.  

Risk of Infection 

Fig. 3. Skin damaged by eczema is at higher risk of infection

Eczema can make skin more vulnerable to infection because it breaks down the protective barrier on the surface of your skin. This makes it easier for viruses, bacteria, and fungi to enter your body, leading to serious skin infections. If left untreated, these infections can become severe and evolve into something worse like eczema herpeticum which requires medical attention. To reduce your risk of infection, be sure to keep your skin moisturized and avoid scratching or picking at scabs or blisters. 

Scarring 

Another potential complication of untreated eczema is scarring. When the skin becomes severely inflamed due to eczema, it can cause permanent damage and scarring of the affected area. This is especially common in cases where the itchiness has not been managed properly—when people scratch their skin in order to relieve the itchiness, they may inadvertently damage their skin further and cause scarring as a result. In extreme cases, extensive scarring may require surgery or laser treatments in order to reduce its appearance.  

Psychological Stress 

Living with a chronic condition like eczema takes its toll on both physical and mental health. People who have severe eczema may experience depression or anxiety due to the discomfort they feel in their own skin. In addition, people with eczema are often ostracized because of their visible symptoms, which can lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation. To help manage these feelings, seek out support from friends, family members, or an online support group for eczema sufferers where you can find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone in dealing with this condition.

Medovie –  The Best Way To Soothe Irritated Skin Caused By Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that requires ongoing management in order to keep symptoms under control. Left untreated, eczema can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications down the line. That’s why it’s important for all eczema sufferers to have a product that they can trust for managing its symptoms. And for that, we recommend using Medovie products.

At Medovie, we believe in results! Our natural skin care products consist of our 3HX formula and are designed to soothe and protect irritated complexions with conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. We’re here to help you reclaim your confidence by taking control of your skin health. Our products are designed for sensitive skin suffering from chronic skin problems.

Many over-the-counter medications for eczema tend to be ineffective only after a few weeks. But that’s not the case with Medovie products because they’re designed for lasting relief.

Try Medovie products today and see the difference in your skin. You can schedule a consultation with our skin experts if you’re not sure which product is best for your condition.