Menopauseis a time of significant change, and skin changes are common.
You may have noticed that your skin has become drier and more sensitive over time.
This may be due to menopause, aging, or both.
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Eczemais a common inflammatory skin condition that causes the skin to become red, irritated, and itchy.
Eczema may be related to menopause because the skin is affected by hormonal changes.
Its estimated that more than 31 million Americans have been diagnosed witheczema.
It is common in babies and children.
In adults, the condition is most commonly diagnosed either in a persons 20s or after age 50.
This article will provide an overview of the relationship between eczema and menopause and how to treat it.
This drop in estrogen is responsible for many physical changes associated with menopause, including to the skin.
People going through menopause may notice that their skin seems more sensitive, drier, and less resilient.
These changes can then lead to eczema.
There are a high number of estrogen receptors in the skin.
That is why the skin is so sensitive to hormonal changes.
What Is Menopause?
Menopauseis defined as going 12 months without a menstrual period.
The transition to menopause usually begins around the ages of 45 to 55.
Eczema Symptoms
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes patches of itchy skin.
In people with light-colored skin, it can appear red.
In people with darker skin tones, the color change may be less obvious, from gray to purple-brown.
The amount ofcollagenin the skin also changes with menopause.
Collagen is a protein that gives skin elasticity and resilience.
It helps your skin spring back into place rather than sagging.
Skin changes associated with menopause include:
At menopause, the ovaries stop functioning and stop producing estrogen.
During this time, the body is transitioning into menopause when the ovaries stop functioning.
Managing Eczema With Menopausal Symptoms
The skin changes that accompany menopause can feel quite burdensome.
Fortunately, there are treatments available to offer some relief.
To get started, find a stress management technique that works for you.
Any skin care product with strong scents or chemicals can irritate the skin.
Look for products that are gentle and fragrance-free.
Choose skin care products that contain emollients and avoid any ones with lanolin or fragrances.
After your short shower, dry off with a 100% cotton towel and apply a gentle moisturizer.
Dry skin can worsen when youre dehydrated.
Aim to keep a water bottle with you at all times.
Topical corticosteroids are available as both OTC creams and prescription-strength options.
Opzelura (ruxolitinib) is approved to treat mild to moderate eczema in people over age 12.
Do You Need a Gynecologist, Dermatologist, or Both?
Because menopause and eczema are linked, which provider to consult for the issues can feel confusing.
HRT works by replacing estrogen and progesterone in the body.It has been proven to improve skin thinning and dryness.
Talk with a healthcare provider to determine if HRT is a good fit for you.
Summary
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, red, inflamed skin.
During menopause, the ovaries stop functioning and producing estrogen.
There are several treatment options for eczema related to menopause.
Talk with your healthcare provider about prescription medications if needed.
Work on managing your stress and consider making lifestyle changes to benefit your skin.
The skin changes with age, and dryness and irritation are common.
Menopause may trigger eczema because of low levels of estrogen.
Estrogen levels stay low after menopause, so you will likely not experience an improvement on its own.
Its important to work with your healthcare provider to get the help you need.
Eczema is an inflammatory condition, so avoiding inflammatory foods may be helpful in reducing your symptoms.
venture to avoid red meat, gluten, shellfish, citrus fruits, cows milk, and dairy products.
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