She Strengthens

The Lowdown on Eczema and Acne: What You Need to Know

Are you tired of dealing with bumpy, red skin? Do you struggle to tell the difference between eczema and acne? You’re not alone! Both conditions can cause inflamed, red, pimple-like bumps, making it tough to identify which one you’re dealing with. But fear not – we’re here to help you understand the unique symptoms, causes, and treatments of each condition.

Eczema vs. Acne: What’s the Difference?

Eczema is a chronic condition characterized by dry, itchy, inflamed patches of skin. There’s no cure, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Acne, on the other hand, causes zits, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and clogged pores. Unlike eczema, acne thrives in oily areas, not dry ones. While it’s possible to have both conditions at once, they usually appear in different spots.

What is Eczema?

Nearly 31 million people in the U.S. live with some form of eczema. Common symptoms include:

• Dry patches
• Itching (so much itching!)
• Swelling
• Redness
• Rough or scaly texture
• Soreness
• Blisters
• Bumps that look like zits

Eczema can appear anywhere on your body, but it often occurs on areas that rub together, like the back of the knees or inner elbows.

What Causes Eczema?

Researchers think eczema may be caused by genetics, immune system issues, or allergens and environmental triggers. Stress, dry skin, and certain ingredients in soaps or beauty products can also contribute to eczema. While there’s no cure, there are ways to treat and manage symptoms.

What is Acne?

Let’s talk about zits! Nearly 50 million Americans deal with acne each year, usually starting around puberty. There are two main types of acne: inflammatory and noninflammatory. Acne can show up in many forms, including:

• Pimples
• Cysts (ouch!)
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Nodules

Acne often pops up on your face, neck, chest, back, or shoulders, but it can appear anywhere.

Acne Causes

Acne is often caused by an excess of sebum, which clogs pores and results in breakouts. Other common triggers include:

• Stress (ugh)
• Hormones
• Certain foods
• Sensitivity to ingredients in skin care or beauty products
• Sweating
• Dead skin buildup
• Bacteria
• Genetics

Eczema vs. Acne: Photos

To help you better understand how acne and eczema may show up differently on your skin, we’ve got some visual aids to share.

Eczema Treatment Options

While eczema can’t be cured, symptoms can be managed with doctor-prescribed options, at-home remedies, or a mix of both. Treatment can involve:

• Corticosteroids (oral or topical)
• Nonsteroidal creams
• Antihistamines
• Moisturizers (unscented is best!)
• Light therapy
• Reducing stress (meditation, anyone?)
• Aloe
• Oatmeal baths
• Gentle exfoliation (emphasis on “gentle”!)
• Dietary changes
• Using less harsh products
• Avoiding triggers

Acne Treatment Options

Every person’s acne is unique, and the approach you take to treating it may be different. Some cases of acne are treated with developing a skin care routine that helps combat oily skin, while others may require prescription problem-solving. You can treat acne at home by:

• Following a regular skin care routine
• Using the right products for you
• Reducing stress
• Avoiding acne-triggering foods
• Using spot treatments, like acne patches

Products or ingredients commonly used to treat acne include:

• Retinoids
• Salicylic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Zinc
• Tea tree oil
• Witch hazel
• Vitamin D
• Lysine

Can I Have Both Eczema and Acne?

Yes, it’s possible to have both conditions at the same time. However, they’ll typically occur on different parts of your body because each shows up under very different skin conditions. Eczema loves dryness, while acne thrives in oily areas.

Prevention

To prevent both eczema and acne, identify your triggers. According to the National Eczema Association, this is your golden ticket to prevention. Other steps you can take to prevent both conditions include:

• Getting plenty of H2O
• Keeping your skin moisturized (whether it’s dry or oily!)
• Developing regular skin care routines
• Avoiding common triggers
• Using gentle or allergen-free soaps and detergents
• Showering right after workouts
• Avoiding hot water (lukewarm is best!)
• Using unscented products
• Taking probiotics or eating probiotic-rich foods
• Eating foods rich in omega-3s (this works best for acne, but might also help eczema!)

If you’re having a hard time preventing either eczema or acne, talk with your doctor or dermatologist. They’ll look at your specific diagnosis and work with you to develop strategies for positive prevention.