Eczema
Tuesday 15 April 2008
Eczema is a common skin problem, but what is it and how do you deal with it if you do have it?
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a group of skin conditions that causes skin to become red, itchy, and sometimes develop small, fluid-filled spots. The most common type of eczema is atopic eczema.
No one knows exactly how it’s caused but doctors think it could be due to the way the immune system reacts to things, or sometimes due to skin allergies.
What are the signs?
The itchy patches of eczema usually appear where the elbow bends and also on the backs of the knees, ankles, and wrists, and on the face, neck, and upper chest. However, any part of the body can be affected.
In an eczema flare-up, skin may feel hot and itchy at first. Then, if the person scratches, the skin may become red, inflamed, or blistered.
Some people who have eczema scratch their skin so much it becomes almost leathery in texture. Others find that their skin becomes extremely dry and scaly.
Think you may have it?
If you think you may have it go to your GP as soon as you can. Your GP may send you to a dermatologist or skin doctor who will be able to diagnose you. Sometimes eczema can be mistaken for other skin conditions.
The dermatologist will try to pin point the cause of your symptoms. It may be as simple as a new product, such as shower gel or lotion that you are using on your body that does not agree with your skin.
Being stressed can also lead to eczema flaring-up, so your doctor might also ask you about any stress you're feeling at home, school, or work.
Treating it
- Your doctor may prescribe ointments that soothe the itching
- Alternatively he may give you other medications
- Ultraviolet light therapy can sometimes help.
- It will also be sensible to get an allergy test to see if food, products or airborne allergens are contributing.
Keeping it under control
Although there’s no cure as such, there are lots of steps you can take to make sure it doesn’t flare up.
- For facial eczema, wash gently with a non-drying facial cleanser or soap substitute, use a facial moisturizer that says oil-free, and apply only hypoallergenic makeup and sunscreens.
- Avoid other substances that stress your skin such as household cleaners, drying soaps, detergents and fragranced lotions
- Keep dry – water can make it worse! Take short warm baths or showers and dry thoroughly by patting your skin as soon as you get out.
- Use cotton clothes
- Moisturising is good for you but use a fragrance-free product such as petroleum jelly.
- Don't scratch! It’s hard but if you do you could get an infection.
- Keep cool and stress free! Listen to music, hang out with friends or do other activities that you know help you unwind.
- Outdoor exercise such as walking, bike riding, or other sports that keep your skin cool and dry are also very good ways to keep stress-free.
Other eczema facts
- Approximately 1 in 10 people in the world will be affected by it at some point in their lives.
- It usually clears up by the age of 25!
- It’s not contagious but it is possible that it’s passed down through genes.
