Home
Eczema at Different Ages: How 4 People Found Relief
Eczema can happen to anyone, at any age. But that doesn’t mean this inflammatory skin condition affects everyone in the same way. Instead, its consequences can vary depending on where someone is in life, whether looking to start a career or focusing on grandchildren.
Here’s how eczema impacted four people at different ages, and how they benefited from lifestyle changes and treatments that helped better manage the condition.
Lisa, 22, recent college grad
As Lisa searched for that first job to give her a foothold in her dream career, she struggled with the itchy, visible rash caused by her atopic dermatitis (AD), a type of eczema. She was also concerned that it undermined her ability to project self-confidence in interviews and networking opportunities.
After several months trying to manage her symptoms on her own, Lisa got a referral to a dermatologist. Her doctor assessed her condition and discussed treatment options. Together, they settled on a treatment Lisa could apply directly to her skin. As her symptoms subsided, Lisa felt more confident about her job hunt — and optimistic about her future.
Amir, 38, stretched too thin
Amir had experienced mild AD since childhood that only flared up on rare occasions. That changed in adulthood as he struggled to manage his workload in a demanding job and care for his two kids. His symptoms became more frequent and intense. The discomfort only added to his stress, and the flare-ups only increased.
His healthcare provider pointed out that stress can aggravate AD, and told him he needed to find a way to break out of this cycle. Amir began to take stress management seriously, making a point to practice mindfulness and find time to relax. A new medication prescribed by his doctor helped, too, and over time his flare-ups became less frequent and less severe.
Elizabeth, 51, new to AD
Elizabeth didn’t know what AD was until an itchy rash appeared on the inside of her elbows and on her chest. It didn’t seem like much at first, but then the rashes became more irritated and uncomfortable during her runs and workouts. Various creams from the drug store did nothing. Mystified, she went to see her healthcare provider.
Her provider told her she had AD — cases of adult-onset AD are most common among people in their 50s. Together, they figured out that the synthetic fabric of her running shirt was aggravating her symptoms. By changing her clothes and identifying a more effective medication, Elizabeth was able to calm her symptoms and resume running.
Frank, 67, grandfather
Frank’s childhood AD went away as he grew up, only to return in his early 30s. Working with a dermatologist, he was able to manage it quite well for decades afterward. However, after his 65th birthday, he noticed that his rashes were gradually becoming more bothersome.
As his symptoms intensified, the itching made it difficult to concentrate on anything — including reading to his 6-year-old grandson. Frustrated, he reached out to his healthcare provider to ask about better treatment options. His provider recommended a new topical cream, which helped him get control of his symptoms and focus on what really mattered.
No matter how old you are or what you do, AD doesn’t have to stand in your way. There are effective treatments, including topical medications, that can help you manage this condition. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn more.
