Skin care

Medically reviewed by

Dr Arco Verhoog: BIG: 19065378617Last checked: 01/02/2024 | Still valid

The skin is our body's largest organ, playing a vital role in protection and regulation. This role can be disrupted by various factors, including weather, hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, bacteria, and skin conditions. Good skin care is crucial for maintaining healthy skin or restoring it, especially when dealing with conditions like acne and eczema that require extra attention.

Think that you might have a skin condition? Let us help you find the cause of your problem.

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What is acne, what is eczema, and what is skin care?

Acne is a non-contagious skin condition where the sebaceous gland becomes inflamed. It commonly appears on the face (especially the T-zone), back, neck, and shoulders, typically during puberty in individuals aged 12 to 24. In adulthood, acne tends to be more prevalent in women.
Eczema is a chronic, non-contagious condition resulting from an inflammatory reaction in the skin. It leads to red, flaky patches, bumps, swelling, and sometimes even fluid-filled blisters. Eczema is often accompanied by intense itching.
Skin care involves cleaning and caring for the skin with products like lotion, oil, cream, or ointment. While many skin care products support general skin health, they may not be suitable for acne or eczema, as some ingredients can aggravate these conditions.

What are the causes of acne and eczema?

Common triggers for acne include:

Excess sebum production due to hormones, especially androgen
Hormonal changes, often during puberty
Heredity
Certain medications
Birth control pills
Stress
Menstruation and pregnancy
Friction from clothing or helmets
Climate changes
Some cosmetics
Over-washing

Eczema often has a genetic component, with other factors such as:

Climate
Stress and tension
Skin bacteria
Chemicals in soaps and lotions
Detergents
Sweating
Irritating fabrics like wool or nylon

What forms of acne and eczema are there?

Common types of acne:

Acne vulgaris: The most prevalent type, with blackheads, papules, and pustules.
Acne comedonica: A mild form with mainly blackheads.
Acne conglobata: Severe acne with large nodules and cysts, usually resulting in scarring. Often seen in young men.
Acne excoriée: Worsened acne due to picking or squeezing, leading to scars.

Common types of eczema:

Atopic eczema: The most common form, often hereditary, and can appear anywhere on the body.
Seborrheic eczema: More frequent in men, typically affecting the face, scalp, and areas around the ears.
Contact eczema: Can be allergic (triggered by allergens) or irritant (caused by repeated exposure to substances like water or soap).
Nummular eczema: Coin-shaped patches, mainly on the legs.
Dyshidrotic eczema: Occurs on hands and feet, often affecting women aged 20 to 30.
Tylotic eczema: A persistent form of hand eczema.

How to recognize acne and eczema

Acne typically appears on the face, back, neck, and chest, and may manifest as:
- Blackheads (open comedones) or whiteheads (closed comedones)
- Pimples or pustules (elevated spots filled with pus)
- Deep nodules and cysts, which can cause scarring

Eczema symptoms depend on the type but may include:
- Itching
- Redness, swelling, blisters, or crusts
- Dryness and flaking
- Aggravation by stress, cold, or dry weather

Can you manage acne and eczema yourself?

You can take measures to reduce or control acne and eczema:

Clean your skin with lukewarm water
Avoid harsh soaps; for acne, a pH-neutral soap may help
Gently pat your skin dry
Wear breathable cotton clothing and avoid rough fabrics
Use neutral laundry detergents
Choose mineral or water-based makeup
Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
Limit alcohol consumption and stay hydrated
Avoid smoking
Get enough rest and exercise

Specific tips for acne:

Refrain from squeezing pimples, as it can worsen the condition and cause scars.

Specific tips for eczema:

Avoid scratching and keep nails trimmed
Use moisturizing creams to keep skin supple
Keep showers brief and avoid hot water

What are the treatments for acne and eczema?

Treatments vary based on severity:

For acne:

Mild cases may benefit from topical treatments to unclog pores.
If necessary, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.
Women may find relief from acne by using certain contraceptive pills.
Severe cases may require stronger medication or microdermabrasion to remove the top skin layer.

For eczema:

Non-medicated creams can keep the skin moisturized.
If needed, hydrocortisone creams or stronger corticosteroids may be used.
For persistent cases, calcineurin inhibitors may be prescribed.

Alternative treatments

For acne:

Chemical peels and laser treatments can reduce scarring.

For eczema:

Menthol ointment or cold packs can soothe itching.
Keeping an itch diary or using relaxation techniques may help manage symptoms.

Lifestyle changes

Healthy living can support skin care efforts:

Use mild moisturizers for dry skin
Limit exposure to harsh weather and stressful situations
Practice relaxation techniques

Additional risks and side effects

How can you prevent acne and eczema?

Sources

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Dr. Njoo D (z.d.). Acne. Available at: https://www.huidarts.com/huidaandoeningen/acne/ (Viewed on 23 April 2019).

Ear skin therapists (z.d.). What does acne look like? What forms of acne are there? Available at: https://www.thoord.nl/aandoening/acne/ (Viewed on 23 April 2019).

huidarts.com (z.d.). seborrheic eczema. Available at: https://www.huidarts.com/huidaandoeningen/seborrhoisch-eczeem-adulte-vorm/ (Viewed on 25 April 2019).

Huidfonds.nl (z.d.). Is there anything I can do myself about eczema? Available at: https://huidfonds.nl/je-huid/huidaandoeningen/eczeem/ (Viewed on 25 April 2019)

huidinfo.nl (z.d.). Tylotic eczema. https://www.huidinfo.nl/t/tylotisch-eczeem/ (Viewed on 25 April 2019).

huidinfo.nl (z.d.). Hypostatic eczema. Available at: https://www.huidinfo.nl/h/hypostatisch-eczeem/ (Viewed on 25 April 2019).

Mekkes, J.R. (03-06-2012) Nummular eczema. Available at: https://www.huidziekten.nl/folders/nederlands/nummulair-eczeem.htm (Viewed on 25 April 2019).

Pharmacotherapeutic compass (z.d.). Treatment plan Acne. Available at: https://www.farmacotherapeutischkompas.nl/bladeren/indicatieteksten/acne_vulgaris#acne_vulgaris_ treatment plan (Viewed on 23 April 2019).

Pharmacoterapeutic compass (s.d.) Seborrhagic, Contitutional, Contact eczema/treatment plan/medicines. Available at: https://www.farmacotherapeutischkompas.nl/zoeken?domein=indications&domains_search term=eczem (Viewed on 25 April 2019).

Skin care Royale (z.d.). Acne ectopia. Available at: https://huidzorgroyale.nl/huidproblemen/acne/acne-ectopica/ (Viewed on 23 April 2019).

Skin hospital dermicis (z.d.). Contact eczema. Available at: https://www.dermicis.nl/nl/aandoeningen/eczeem/contacteczeem (Viewed on 25 April 2019).

Tartuffel (2011) Eczema craquelé. Available at: https://mens-en-gezondheid.infonu.nl/aandoeningen/79976-craquele-eczeem-asteatotisch-eczeem-symptomen-en-oorzaak.html (Viewed on 25 April 2019).

The Blaak outpatient clinic (z.d.). Acne treatment. Available at: https://www.polikliniekdeblaak.nl/huidziekten/acne-behandeling/ (Viewed on 23 April 2019).

UMC Groningen-VLK251_1201_Const eczeem.pdf. (2001). The cause of eczema. Available at: https://www.umcg.nl/SiteCollectionDocuments/UMCG/Afdelingen/Dermatologie/VLK251_1201 Const eczeem.pdf (Viewed on 25 April 2019).

UMC Groningen-VLK251_1201_Const eczeem.pdf. (2001). Reduce itching. Available at: https://www.umcg.nl/SiteCollectionDocuments/UMCG/Afdelingen/Dermatologie/VLK251_1201 Const eczeem.pdf (Viewed on 25 April 2019).

UMC Utrecht folder DIGD (2008). Dealing with itching. Available at: (consulted on 25 April 2019). https://www.umcutrecht.nl/getmedia/27b17c07-ffe1-4776-bdc5-82a76bb02cb9/DIGD-04-062-Omgaan-met-jeuk.pdf.aspx (Bekeken op 25 april 2019).

Vellinga, M. (adapted on 5 April 2019) Types of eczema. Available at: https://www.dokterdokter.nl/gezond-leven/algemeen/soorten-eczeem/item63956 (Viewed on 12 May 2019).

VMCE (z.d.). Constitutional eczema. Available at: https://www.vmce.nl/eczeem/wat-is-eczeem.html#wat-is-een-basiszalf (Viewed on 25 April 2019).

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