Eczema
Treatment
Eczema (or dermatitis as
it is sometimes called) is a type of inflammatory
skin condition which can occur in all ages and
can vary in its severity. Eczema affects up to
10% of the population. Eczema is sometimes mistaken
asshingles.
Eczema symptoms
Eczema is the term used
for the group of skin conditions having the same
symptoms and so these eczema symptoms are dryness;
itching; inflammation; thickening of the skin;
and recurrence.
In eczema’s mild
form, the skin becomes dry, hot and itchy but
in eczema’s more severe form, the skin can
become broken, raw and bleeding. Eczema is not
contagious even though the eczema symptoms can
sometimes look unpleasant.
The different types
of Eczema are:
Atopic Eczema which is
common in children with allergies or asthma. In
some cases, the condition can last into childhood.
Contact Eczema
which is when the skin is sensitive to particular
substances such as soaps and detergents.
Hand Eczema which
is usually caused by irritants.
Seborrhoeic Eczema
which is more common in young adults and affects
oily areas of the body like the scalp, face, groin
and chest.
Discoid Eczema
which appears as inflamed circular patches, usually
on the back of the hands or legs.
Even normal dry, chapped
skin is a type of eczema. Dryness of the skin
is the main problem associated with eczema and
this dryness is aggravated by hot, dry conditions
or extreme cold.
Eczema treatment
When treating eczema it
is very important to establish a skin care routine:
Bathing – a daily
bath helps to moisturize the skin by using moisturizing
aqueous creams rather than ordinary soaps for
cleansing. The temperature should be cool or warm
and it is good to soak for 15 to 20 minutes so
that the skin’s outer layer can absorb moisture.
Avoid any scrubbing. The skin should be dried
by gently patting with a towel to remove excess
water. While keeping the skin dry apply…
Moisturizers or
emollients – emollient creams are an important
part of eczema treatment and are used for adding
moisture every day to clean skin. Use one that
has no extra ingredients, no fragrances and is
more greasy than creamy. Vaseline will work well.
These emollients are especially important for
use after showering and bathing and if you are
working or living in an air conditioned or heated
workplace or home. Use twice a day and more often
on the hands.
Avoiding scratching the
skin is another important element of eczema
treatment – keeping busy with activities
that involve the use of your hands may help when
you feel the need to scratch. In the case of children,
their nails should be kept cut short and covered
in cotton mittens at night time. Scratching can
actually trigger eczema rashes. The initial mild
itching makes you want to scratch but scratching
damages the skin, worsens the inflammation, irritates
surface nerves and leads to even more intense
itching than ever. This cycle aggravates and prolongs
rashes. Some eczema rashes completely disappear
without any treatment if you can just stop scratching!
Other eczema treatments
include:
Natural healing eczema
treatment products – these are made from
pure essential oils and topically applied to relieve
eczema symptoms and to begin the healing process
of repairing the skin.
Oral antihistamines
– histamine is responsible for many of the
eczema symptoms but particularly the itching.
Taking antihistamine just before bedtime can help
to ensure a good night’s sleep.
Corticosteroids
– this is a topical steroid but only available
on prescription from your doctor. It is best to
use the lowest effective strength as topical steroids
can cause side effects such as thinning of the
skin. The cream is applied to the reddened areas
after bathing.
Coal Tar –
this should be used under the supervision of a
doctor as it can irritate some people’s
skin. Coal tar has a strong smell and can stain
clothing.
Cyclosporin oral
medication – this medication is sometimes
used in severe eczema. It reduces the immune system
activity which in turn reduces inflammation. However,
there can be very serious side effects and its
use has to be monitored very strictly.
Evening Primrose
Oil – this is either applied topically or
taken in capsule form. The oil contains gamma
linolenic acid which is thought to be lacking
in some of those who have eczema.
Phototherapy –
this is another treatment for those with chronic
eczema where the patient is exposed to up to 30
sessions of ultraviolet radiation. Expert supervision
is required because the risks are the same as
for sunbathing – namely accelerated ageing
of the skin and the increased risk of skin cancer.
Remember that too much
heat and sweat can make your skin more irritated
and itchy so try to avoid activities that make
you hot and sweaty. When the body sweats, valuable
water and moisture are lost from the skin. For
the same reason, it is important not to wear synthetic
fabrics or woolen clothing nor to use bedding
of similar materials. Cotton clothing and bedding
will keep the skin cool and allow it to breathe.
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