Appointments for “Asteatotic Eczema” are available only at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of IC Clinic Shinjuku.
“What are the symptoms of asteatotic eczema?”
“What should I do if I develop asteatotic eczema?”
If you have been wondering about these questions, you are not alone.
Asteatotic eczema (xerotic eczema) is a type of eczema that tends to occur more frequently during the dry winter months.
This article covers the causes and symptoms of asteatotic eczema, as well as available treatment options.
By reading this article, you will gain a better understanding of the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures for asteatotic eczema.
The latter half of the article also explains medications that may help with asteatotic eczema, so please read through to the end.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Asteatotic Eczema?
- 2 Why Does Asteatotic Eczema Occur? Causes of Asteatotic Eczema
- 3 What Are the Symptoms of Asteatotic Eczema?
- 4 How Can Asteatotic Eczema Be Prevented?
- 4.1 Prevention Method (1): Moisturize with Cream or Gel
- 4.2 Prevention Method (2): Take Short, Lukewarm Baths
- 4.3 Prevention Method (3): Pay Attention to Indoor Humidity
- 5 How Is Asteatotic Eczema Treated?
- 6 What Medications Help with Asteatotic Eczema?
- 6.1 How to Choose Over-the-Counter Medications for Asteatotic Eczema
- 6.2 How to Apply Medication for Asteatotic Eczema
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions about Asteatotic Eczema
- 7.1 Q: Why Does Asteatotic Eczema Cause Itching?
- 7.2 Q: Is Asteatotic Eczema More Likely to Develop During Menopause?
- 8 For Asteatotic Eczema Treatment in Tokyo, Consult IC Clinic
What Is Asteatotic Eczema?
Asteatotic eczema is a type of eczema with itching that occurs when the skin’s protective film is damaged by dryness and similar factors, making the skin more susceptible to external irritants.
While it can develop at any time of year, the incidence tends to increase during the dry winter months.
Although asteatotic eczema can affect people of all ages, children whose sebaceous glands are not yet fully developed and older adults tend to experience higher rates of occurrence.
Scratching can worsen symptoms, so it is important to avoid touching the affected area after onset.
Why Does Asteatotic Eczema Occur? Causes of Asteatotic Eczema
Asteatotic eczema is caused by dry, rough skin.
There are many causes of dryness, but a common one is reduced sebum secretion as a result of aging, which leads to dry skin.
In addition, decreased synthesis of lipids such as ceramide—which fill the gaps in the stratum corneum—and amino acids, the main components of natural moisturizing factors, can also contribute to skin dryness.
In particular, the outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum, plays a key role in retaining moisture and protecting the skin from external stimuli through its barrier function.
However, when dryness prevents the stratum corneum from retaining adequate moisture, this barrier function is weakened, making the skin more prone to itching even from minor irritation.
Asteatotic eczema can also be triggered by lifestyle and environmental factors, such as over-washing the body, reduced indoor humidity due to air conditioning use, and conditions such as atopic dermatitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Asteatotic Eczema?
Asteatotic eczema may present with the following symptoms:
- Dry skin
- Cracking
- Itching
- Flaking
Itching tends to intensify in the evening and at night, or when blood circulation improves.
As a result, itching is often more pronounced when in a heated room, during bathing, or while in bed under a futon.
Scratching the skin in response to itching can cause inflammation, leading to redness or the appearance of a rash—so be careful not to scratch even when it feels itchy.
Additionally, when asteatotic eczema worsens, it is not uncommon for it to progress to nummular eczema, which presents as coin-shaped, reddish rashes.
Nummular eczema tends to cause more intense itching than asteatotic eczema.
Vigorous scratching can create wounds that allow bacteria to grow and cause infection, so it is advisable to seek treatment as early as possible.
How Can Asteatotic Eczema Be Prevented?
There are three key preventive measures for asteatotic eczema:
- Moisturize with cream or gel
- Take short, lukewarm baths
- Pay attention to indoor humidity
Each of these measures is explained in detail below for your reference.
Prevention Method (1): Moisturize with Cream or Gel
The most important step in preventing asteatotic eczema is keeping the skin moisturized.
Apply a moisturizer such as cream or gel to the skin within approximately five minutes after bathing.
However, if visible symptoms such as a rash are already present, treatments such as steroid injections may be required.
It is important to understand that moisturizers such as creams and gels are intended to hydrate the skin and maintain its condition, and are not a substitute for medical treatment.
Prevention Method (2): Take Short, Lukewarm Baths
Another important preventive measure for asteatotic eczema is to bathe in lukewarm water and keep bath time short.
Water that is too hot can strip away the sebum that protects the skin’s surface.
It is also important to minimize skin irritation during bathing by avoiding vigorous scrubbing with a nylon towel and rinsing off body wash, shampoo, and other products thoroughly.
Prevention Method (3): Pay Attention to Indoor Humidity
Maintaining appropriate humidity in your living environment is also an important preventive measure for asteatotic eczema.
Dry indoor air can reduce skin moisture levels and lead to itching.
For this reason, it is important to maintain a comfortable level of humidity by being mindful of air conditioner use and using a humidifier when needed.
How Is Asteatotic Eczema Treated?
The basic approach to treating asteatotic eczema is moisturization.
However, if severe itching or a rash is present, appropriate medical treatment at a clinic or hospital will be necessary.
There are cases where people assume they simply have dry skin, only to find upon examination that they have asteatotic eczema.
For this reason, if you experience symptoms such as dryness, itching, or a rash, it is advisable to have a doctor evaluate the condition.
What Medications Help with Asteatotic Eczema?
The following medications may be used for asteatotic eczema:
| Medication Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Hirudoid Soft Ointment | ・Ointment type ・High moisturizing effect ・May also support improved circulation |
| Hirudoid Lotion | ・Milky lotion type ・High moisturizing effect ・May also support improved circulation |
| Besoften Lotion | ・Toner-like type ・High moisturizing effect ・May also support improved circulation |
| Heparin-like Substance Foam Spray | ・Foam type with a light texture ・High moisturizing effect ・May also support improved circulation |
| Keratinamin Kowa Cream | ・Contains urea ・High moisturizing effect |
| Pastaron Cream | ・Urea as main ingredient ・High moisturizing effect ・May help soften the stratum corneum |
| Vaseline / Propeto | ・High moisturizing effect ・Has a protective effect on the skin and helps prevent moisture evaporation |
Moisturization and skin coating play important roles in the treatment of asteatotic eczema.
As a result, many prescribed medications contain ingredients with high moisturizing and protective properties.
How to Choose Over-the-Counter Medications for Asteatotic Eczema
Below, we introduce how to choose over-the-counter medications for asteatotic eczema.
Once asteatotic eczema has progressed, over-the-counter medications may not be sufficient to manage it.
However, the precursor condition known as “xerosis cutis” (dry skin) may respond to over-the-counter moisturizers, potentially alleviating symptoms.
Moisturizers serve to coat the skin surface to prevent dryness and to supply the skin with moisture.
Many moisturizers commonly prescribed at clinics and hospitals contain ingredients aimed at moisturizing and protecting the skin.
Options include cream formulations and emulsion-type lotions that combine moisturizing and protective ingredients, as well as white petrolatum, which is composed purely of protective ingredients. Since these products differ in texture and feel, it is a good idea to choose based on the area of application, the season, and personal preference.
How to Apply Medication for Asteatotic Eczema
Below, we explain how to apply medication for asteatotic eczema.
Apply the medication following these two main steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly, then take out the appropriate amount of moisturizer.
- Apply gently and carefully along the skin’s natural creases.
The appropriate amount is enough for a tissue to adhere to the skin, or for the skin to have a slight sheen. When applying to children, try massaging it in gently.
Frequently Asked Questions about Asteatotic Eczema
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about asteatotic eczema.
Q Why Does Asteatotic Eczema Cause Itching?
Asteatotic eczema causes itching because dryness leads to an increase in itch receptors in the skin.
As a result, the skin can become more sensitive to even mild stimuli, making it easier to feel itchy.
Scratching the skin in response to dryness-induced itching can further aggravate inflammation, which may intensify itching in a worsening cycle.
Leaving severe itching and inflammation unaddressed can potentially lead to nummular eczema or other skin conditions, so it is advisable to consult a doctor promptly if itching or a rash appears.
Q Is Asteatotic Eczema More Likely to Develop During Menopause?
Asteatotic eczema is not necessarily more likely to develop during menopause.
Asteatotic eczema develops when the skin’s barrier function is compromised by dryness.
While age-related decline in sebum production can be a contributing factor, other causes—such as excessive use of heating or cooling systems, over-washing the body, or conditions like atopic dermatitis—are also common.
For Asteatotic Eczema Treatment in Tokyo, Consult IC Clinic
Asteatotic eczema is a condition that can affect anyone as a result of dry skin. Because it tends to progress gradually, it can become more severe before a person realizes it, which is why early intervention is considered important.
IC Clinic strives to be a welcoming clinic where patients of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable seeking help.
No matter what symptoms you are experiencing, we will work with you to suggest a treatment approach that feels right for you. If you are troubled by dryness or itching, please do not hesitate to reach out to IC Clinic.
Appointments for “Asteatotic Eczema” are available only at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of IC Clinic Shinjuku.
