2023-07-05 09:17:00
Although it is very difficult to know the exact prevalence of atopic dermatitise, it is estimated that this disease affects approximately 4% of the adult population a Europe1.
Can sweating cause eczema?
It is not uncommon to observe a skin reaction to sweating in some people. And for good reason, what is qualified – wrongly – assweat allergyis actuallyatopic eczema or atomic dermatitis. A chronic skin disease causing itching. In most cases, this type of disease is observed in infants and children – which is why it is also called ‘infant eczema – and this improves in the vast majority of cases with age. However, it happens that one suffers from atopic dermatitis beyond childhood.
What are the symptoms of atomic dermatitis?
Severe itching Chronic skin rashes Skin lesions: redness, irregular skin texture, minimal edema, scabs, etc. Dry skin.
Atomic eczema: what are the causes?
“According to studies, 50 to 70% of children with atopic eczema have a first-degree relative”, specifies the Health Insurance website. But eczema does not only affect children and it is not only linked to heredity. In adults who suffer from this disease, lesions are generally observed at the level of:
skin folds: neck, fold under the ears, eyelids, elbows, knees, buttocks, neck… hands, wrists, ankles.
If it is most often linked to genetics, atomic eczema can also be linked to friction, beauty products, allergens… as well as perspiration! The problem? It’s a bit of a vicious circle because, by flowing over the lesions, perspiration further accentuates the discomfort by causing tingling and burning sensations…
In question ? Physical activity but also climatic conditions which, as we know, stimulate perspiration. But stress can also cause sweating…just like clothes that are too hot, or too tight. And for good reason: when we are too hot, our body secretes perspiration in order to cool the body. High heat ? Intense physical exertion? Stress ? In response to any increase in body temperature, our body begins to sweat to bring our body temperature down to 37°C. In short, the hotter you are, the more you sweat. The good news ? For each cause, there is a solution (or almost) to limit perspiration. Good reflexes when you have eczema?
Provide something to cool off in the event of high temperatures, Adapt to climatic conditions by choosing your clothes, Opt for layering – which consists of putting on several layers of clothing rather than a single large warm top – in order to be able to remove a layer of clothing if necessary, Avoid underwear that is too tight, Avoid underwear made of synthetic fibers and favor natural fibers ,
The problem with synthetic fiber underwear? These promote perspiration by preventing the skin from breathing… In hot weather or if they are too tight, bras, panties, strings and even sheaths can be responsible for the development of atopic eczema.
On the other hand, when it comes to sweating related to stress or sport, limiting it is more complicated. In the second case, the choice of breathable clothing and good hydration can still greatly contribute to improving the situation.
In the event of a skin reaction to sweat, it is best to consult a health professional to ensure that there is no mistake. In the event of proven atomic eczema, the doctor or dermatologist can prescribe a treatment which will make it possible to:
fight skin dryness, restore the barrier function of the skin, reduce inflammation and itching during flare-ups.
Emollient creams, and possibly antihistamines, are most often prescribed.
1. “Atopic dermatitis” by Professor Delphine Staumont on Dermato-info.
Read also:
Psoriasis, eczema: how to distinguish them? Eczema and the sun: everything you need to know!
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