Eczema
Eczema medically known as atopic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin caused by atopy/ allergy.
It is commonly found in children and can be long lasting.
Eczema is common in children, affecting 10-15% of them. They often get eczema during their first year of life.
No matter where it appears, eczema is typically very itchy. Infants may rub their skin against bedding or carpeting to relieve the itch.
Dry and scaly patches often appear on the scalp, forehead, and face.
These patches are also very common on the cheeks.
It is commonly found in children and can be long lasting.
Eczema is common in children, affecting 10-15% of them. They often get eczema during their first year of life.
No matter where it appears, eczema is typically very itchy. Infants may rub their skin against bedding or carpeting to relieve the itch.
Dry and scaly patches often appear on the scalp, forehead, and face.
These patches are also very common on the cheeks.
Causes of Eczema
It commonly runs in family and typically patient’s parents will suffer from other atopy, such as allergic rhinitis, eczema or asthma. It is the interaction of genetic predisposition with environmental factors that trigger the disease. Thus, it is important to avoid these environmental triggers to minimize the disease severity and frequency of attacks.
The followings are common environmental triggers that you can avoid:
• weather changes and humidity changes from summer to autumn
• Hot and dry environment
• Irritants such as soap, detergent and chlorine in swimming pool
• Clothes made of wool
• Skin infection
Skincare in Eczema
It is important that patients with eczema that extra care of their skin.
These include, bathing/ shower with body wash of pH 5.5-7. Avoid excessively hot water, limit the time to less than 10 minutes.
After bath, don’t rub the skin with towel, instead pat dry the skin. Use copious amount of moisturizer which should not contain fragrance nor irritants.
This would help to repair the skin barrier and strengthen its defense against environmental triggers.
These include, bathing/ shower with body wash of pH 5.5-7. Avoid excessively hot water, limit the time to less than 10 minutes.
After bath, don’t rub the skin with towel, instead pat dry the skin. Use copious amount of moisturizer which should not contain fragrance nor irritants.
This would help to repair the skin barrier and strengthen its defense against environmental triggers.
Medical treatment in Eczema
Topical Steroids
Use different strengths of steroid in different affected areas, based on the site and the severity of the disease.
While many patients have concerns about the potential side effects of steroid, the likelihood of a side effect occurring is rare
when corticosteroids are used as prescribed. Side effects, such as thinning skin, dilated blood vessels, stretch marks, and loss of effectiveness,
tend to occur when high-potency corticosteroids are used over long periods of time.
Topical Immunomodulators
They are a newer class of topical treatment for eczema. They inhibit the activity of white blood cells called T lymphocytes
which produce a cascade of chemicals that increase inflammation. They are used for those who fail to respond adequately to conventional therapy.
It should be noted that they are used for short term as well. Patient should avoid sunlight and UV exposure while taking these medications.
Woman who are pregnant, breast-feeding, or may become pregnant should discuss its safety with their dermatologist.
Oral Anti-Histamines
They are used to relieve the itchiness and helps patients get their sleep.
Oral Antibiotics
They are used when there is sign of infection.
*It is important to note that before any of the above treatment to consult your dermatologist, understand the disease,
the treatment and its side effects. Medical treatment only forms part of the regimen.
Skin care and avoidance of environment triggers plays an equally important part in combating the disease.
Use different strengths of steroid in different affected areas, based on the site and the severity of the disease.
While many patients have concerns about the potential side effects of steroid, the likelihood of a side effect occurring is rare
when corticosteroids are used as prescribed. Side effects, such as thinning skin, dilated blood vessels, stretch marks, and loss of effectiveness,
tend to occur when high-potency corticosteroids are used over long periods of time.
Topical Immunomodulators
They are a newer class of topical treatment for eczema. They inhibit the activity of white blood cells called T lymphocytes
which produce a cascade of chemicals that increase inflammation. They are used for those who fail to respond adequately to conventional therapy.
It should be noted that they are used for short term as well. Patient should avoid sunlight and UV exposure while taking these medications.
Woman who are pregnant, breast-feeding, or may become pregnant should discuss its safety with their dermatologist.
Oral Anti-Histamines
They are used to relieve the itchiness and helps patients get their sleep.
Oral Antibiotics
They are used when there is sign of infection.
*It is important to note that before any of the above treatment to consult your dermatologist, understand the disease,
the treatment and its side effects. Medical treatment only forms part of the regimen.
Skin care and avoidance of environment triggers plays an equally important part in combating the disease.
For Daily Skincare :: Derml is suitable for eczema skin and all ages
