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One day it’s itchy red patches, the next it’s stubborn breakouts, and your skin feels like it’s fighting a battle on two fronts. Could it be possible to have both acne and eczema at the same time? While these conditions may seem worlds apart, they can overlap in ways that leave you confused and frustrated.
Understanding the difference between these skin struggles is the first step toward soothing them both. Let’s clear up the mystery behind acne and eczema, and what it means for your skincare routine.
According to the Balmonds publication, eczema is an inflammatory condition where the skin overreacts to triggers, leading to redness, inflammation, and dryness. Acne, on the other hand, is said to be characterised by spotty skin due to the overproduction of natural oils.
The publication explains that both conditions can occur simultaneously due to their different skin characteristics and reactions to triggers. However, the mentioned source warns that “Many acne treatments, which are designed to dry out the skin and reduce sebum production, are not great for eczema-prone skin, which is thirsty for moisture and needs its oils replenishing. And some prescribed eczema treatments, such as powerful steroids, can cause outbreaks of acne.”
Advanced Dermatology discusses the causes of the two conditions even further, stating that acne can cause emotional distress and manifest as blackheads, pimples, red bumps, lumps, and whiteheads. It’s said to be caused by blocked pores, oil, bacteria, and dead skin, affecting hair follicles and oil glands.
“Eczema flare-ups can be caused by dry skin, stress, irritants (including smoke, metals, fragrances, antibacterial ointments, as well as certain common ingredients like formaldehyde, Cocamidopropyl, isothiazolinone, or paraphenylenediamine), fabrics, temperature, harsh soaps, and pet dander.”
Eczema and acne can be treated individually or combined, claims Gladskin. According to the publication, acne treatments include retinoids, antibiotics, and isotretinoin, while eczema is often treated with moisturisers, topical prescription creams, phototherapy, and avoiding triggers.
It is stated that both conditions may indicate underlying skin microbiome imbalances and weakened skin barrier, therefore to restore the protective barrier, one must moisturise, use gentle skincare products, and balance the skin microbiome.
