Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, can cause dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. While often beginning in childhood, some individuals manage symptoms into their teen years and adulthood. The significant physical and hormonal changes of puberty can alter skin health and potentially affect eczema symptoms.
Pubertal Changes and Skin Health
Puberty initiates physiological changes driven by hormones, primarily androgens, and to a lesser extent, estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal shifts profoundly impact skin. A notable change is the increased activity and size of sebaceous glands, leading to greater sebum (oil) production. This can result in oilier skin and hair, contributing to conditions like acne.
Alongside increased oiliness, sweat glands also become more active during puberty. These glands produce different types of sweat, which can contribute to body odor. These changes in sebum and sweat production create a different skin environment, which can influence overall skin health and its barrier function.
How Puberty Affects Eczema
The hormonal fluctuations and increased glandular activity during puberty can significantly influence eczema. While heightened sebum production might make atopic dermatitis less dry for some, increased oiliness and sweat can also irritate sensitive eczematous skin, potentially triggering or worsening flares.
Hormonal changes directly affect the skin’s immune response and barrier function. Estrogen can help strengthen the skin barrier, while androgens and progesterone might weaken it. This fluctuating balance can lead to drier, itchier, or more irritated skin, making it more susceptible to eczema flare-ups. Emotional stress associated with puberty, such as academic pressures or social challenges, can also elevate cortisol levels, a stress hormone that may worsen eczema inflammation.
The impact of puberty on eczema varies widely among individuals. While nearly half of children with eczema experience improvement or outgrow the condition by their teen years, others may find their symptoms persist or even worsen. Research suggests girls might face a higher risk of worsening eczema during adolescence, possibly due to hormonal influences. The development of new triggers, such as certain cosmetics or increased sweating, also plays a role in how eczema manifests during this time.
Managing Eczema Through Puberty
Effective management of eczema during puberty involves a consistent and tailored skincare routine. Regular moisturizing is important to support the skin’s barrier function and prevent dryness, ideally applied multiple times daily, especially after bathing. Using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and avoiding harsh soaps can help prevent irritation. Short, lukewarm showers are generally preferable to hot baths, which can strip the skin of its natural oils.
Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is also a key strategy. This includes steering clear of certain fabrics like wool, or specific makeup and skincare products with irritating ingredients. Increased sweating during physical activity can trigger flares, so wearing breathable cotton clothing and showering promptly after exercise can be beneficial. Stress management techniques, such as breathing exercises, journaling, or engaging in physical activity, can help lower cortisol levels and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
Adherence to prescribed treatments, including topical medications, is important for controlling inflammation and repairing the skin’s barrier. Working with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized management plan is helpful. This proactive approach can significantly improve skin health and quality of life during the pubertal years.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Seek medical advice for eczema when symptoms worsen despite consistent home care, or if new, severe flares develop. Indicators such as persistent redness, increased itchiness, or fluid-filled bumps that crust over warrant professional evaluation. Signs of a skin infection, including increased pain, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever, require immediate medical attention.
If eczema significantly affects a teenager’s quality of life, impacting sleep, social activities, or emotional well-being, consult a healthcare provider. If current treatments are no longer effective, or if there are concerns about the condition’s progression, a dermatologist or other medical professional can offer personalized guidance and explore alternative management strategies.