Eczema refers to a range of related skin conditions. When eczema looks like small lumps rather than a rash, doctors may refer to the condition as papular eczema.
This article will explain what papular eczema is, who is most likely to experience it, and how people can treat it.
What is papular eczema?
Eczema is a group of skin conditions that affect more than 30 million people in the United States. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Some people may have both atopic dermatitis and papular eczema.
Like other types of eczema, its symptoms are linked to inflammation and faulty immune system responses.
There is currently no cure for papular eczema, but people can use treatments and home remedies to manage their symptoms and reduce flares. In some cases, a doctor may recommend systemic, or body-wide, treatments such as tablets.
However, papular eczema may not respond to treatments as well as other forms of the condition.
While there is no cure for eczema, people can use a range of treatments and remedies to ease their symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the condition.
- Over-the-counter treatments. These include creams that can ease itching and prevent infection. They are available without a prescription.
- Prescription products. A doctor may recommend a prescription cream or ointment, such as steroids, PDE4 inhibitors, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and skin barrier creams.
- Phototherapy. Doctors may recommend phototherapy if a person has more severe eczema. They use a machine to emit ultraviolet B light onto the skin. This helps reduce itching and inflammation, increases vitamin D production, and helps the skin fight bacteria.
- Biological medications. Often called biologics, a doctor will give these medicines as an infusion. They work by targeting parts of the immune system that cause inflammation.
Home remedies
Many people with eczema have dry skin, which can lead to eczema flare-ups. Use a moisturizer after every bath or shower to prevent dry skin and flare-ups.
Try applying a generous layer of fragrance-free product over the skin within 3 minutes of bathing or showering. Apply creams using downward strokes of the palms of the hands.
Some people find that using complementary or natural remedies can help them manage flare-ups. These remedies include:
Coconut oil
Many people use coconut oil for eczema. Coconut oil can moisturize the skin and reduce the symptoms of dry skin conditions.
Applying virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil to damp skin may also reduce the amount of Staphylococcus bacteria on the skin. This can reduce the chances of developing an infection.
Aloe vera gel
People can also try aloe vera gel for eczema. Its antibacterial properties may help reduce skin infections.
Apple cider vinegar
Diluted apple cider vinegar could also help with eczema by balancing the skin’s acidity levels and killing bacteria.
Sunflower oil
In adults, applying sunflower oil to the skin can help the skin’s barrier retain moisture. People can use it twice per day on damp skin. People who are allergic to sunflower seeds should avoid this remedy.
Cardiospermum
Using ointments containing extracts of the tropical cardiospermum vine may reduce inflammation and itching and kill bacteria on the skin.
Prevention
People cannot prevent papular eczema, but they can prevent flare-ups from occurring or becoming worse.
Ways to prevent eczema flares include regularly moisturizing after baths and showers and wearing soft cotton clothing that is loose-fitting.
People can also prevent eczema flares by identifying and avoiding exposure to triggers. These are different for everyone but may include allergens such as:
- pollen
- dust mites
- pet hair
- mold
- dandruff
Other irritants that can trigger eczema flares include:
- some metals, particularly nickel
- cigarette smoke
- some soaps and detergents
- certain fabrics, such as wool and polyester
- antibacterial ointments and personal care products
- disinfectants that contain formaldehyde
- some shampoos
- dyes and temporary tattoos
Stress and hot or cold weather can also trigger eczema for some people.
Outlook
Papular eczema is less common than other forms of eczema. People with darker skin are more likely to experience eczema papules.
Eczema in general is most common in children. Some sources say that over half of all children who have eczema will outgrow the condition by the time they reach their teenage years.
In general, eczema tends to clear up within 10 years in over 80 percent of children who have it, and within 20 years in up to 95 percent of children who have it. Eczema is more likely to persist if a child develops the condition between the ages of 2 and 5.
Eczema can return in some adults, most frequently on the hands.
Some of the treatments in this article are available for purchase online.
- Shop for eczema creams.
- Shop for coconut oil.
- Shop for aloe vera gel.
- Shop for apple cider vinegar.
- Shop for sunflower oil.
- Shop for Cardiospermum cream.
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