Eczema or Atopic Dermatitis is a long term itchy inflammation of the skin. It is not contagious, meaning it CAN NOT be spread through casual contact. Eczema can affect almost any area of the body, but it most often appears on the hands, arms and behind the knees. Many people who suffer from this skin condition endure flare-ups periodically and then it subsides for a time. The cause of Eczema, is as yet unknown, but many studies indicate that it results from a malfunction in the body's immune system. The term Atopic refers to a group of diseases where it may be common to get other allergic conditions in conjunction with the primary breakout. These may be conditions such as Hay Fever and Asthma, both of which are relate to the immune system and the bodies reaction to histamines.
Eczema usually begins in early childhood, around age 5 or so, and may continue well into adulthood. The most common symptoms are dry, itchy skin and rashes on the hands, face, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and even on the feet. Itching is one of the most important symptoms of Eczema. Scratching and rubbing in response to itching irritates the skin, this in turn increases the inflammation, and the increased inflammation actually increases the itchiness so the problem compounds itself. This itching really becomes a problem when the sufferer is sleeping when conscious control over scratching is lost. The effected skin may be red and scaly, feel thick and leathery, may contain small raised bumps, or even leak fluid and become crusty and infected. This damaged skin loses moisture which allows the skin become extremely dried out thus reducing its protective abilities. It is this loss of protection combined with the abnormal immune system that may lead to infections caused by Staphylococcus and other viruses or bacteria.
There are several different factors that may effect the severity of your breakout. Irritants and Allergens can aggravate your skin increasing the itch-scratch cycle and make things worse. Examples of irritants would be things that come into contact with the skin such as dish soaps, cleaning products, perfumes, ill-fitting clothes, and even cosmetics. Soaps have a drying effect on the skin and tend to make itching worse. Ill-fitting clothes can rub against your skin, causing it to become even more irritated than it already is. Allergens are more internal factors that may have an effect on breakouts. These types of breakouts are due to an irregularity in the immune system. It is not clear if these factors are due to inhalation or direct contact, but things like dander, pollen, and mold may all be contributing factors. Over time people effected with Eczema may learn what triggers their outbreaks this knowledge can help them avoid those things and help make their lives and dealing with their disease easier. Some foods may also be triggers. Allergic reactions to certain foods may cause skin inflammation which could either trigger an outbreak or worsen the one that may already be affecting your skin.
Healing the skin and keeping it healthy are important factors to remember when dealing with Eczema. Working with your local Portland Eczema Specialist will help you to developing a treatment plan that works for your particular case. Not all people are the same, thus treatments need to be tailored to fit each individual. The dermatologist will devise a plan that is based on the patient's age, symptoms, and general health. The treatment plan developed by your Portland Dermatologist has two main goals, heal the skin and prevent future flare-ups. Treatment may include a mix of different things, topical steroid creams and ointments, oral medications and steroids, lifestyle changes and careful monitoring of what seems to have caused the last few outbreaks. While there is no cure for Eczema, the disease can be managed with proper care and a good treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Baby is 8 weeks old and has eczema on her face. Any treatment suggestions?-
ANSWER:
See pediatrician
Eczema isn't an amateur treatment
Your baby will be lots more comfy on
prescription meds
then you can ask other questions too
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QUESTION:
My teenage son has eczema and acne on his very dry, red and irritated face. Any advice on treatment please?
We are trying to avoid cortisone although have used it in the past without much success. He is very uncomfortable and his face is extremely dry and rough.-
ANSWER:
Overnight see if the system is responding to Starch. You can gently give a rice starch cover overnight.
Wash the skin gently in cool or warm water, not hot, and don’t bathe bathe too often have dry skin.
Use mild unscented soaps moisturize skin with bath oil or shower.
Keep nails short to reduce damage to the skin by scratching.
Dress lightly and wear soft, nonscratchy clothes.
Apply a cold compress for of itching.
Apply overthe-counter 1 percent hydro cortisone creams to relieve itching.
Protect the skin from contact with harsh chemicals and substances to allergic; use latex gloves and clothing,if possible.There are lots of alternative therapy for this
http://hecapedia.org/health-center/alternate-therapies/alternative-complementary-therapies/fasting-therapy.htmhttp://hecapedia.org/health-center/alternate-therapies/alternative-complementary-therapies/bath-therapy.htm
Try therapies like these, but definitely it depends on the individuals system response.
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QUESTION:
Treatment for eczema in infants. Granddaughter has it on her face and is miserable.?
Severe itching; red, fine, bumpy patches. Looked at websites but would like to know what others have tried.-
ANSWER:
1. Less is often more- resist the temptation to try endless numbers of creams, ointments and lotions which often only make it worse.2. was hit only with clear water and a cotton ball to dry- so this only once a day.
3. Use a mild hydrocortisone cream (not ointment) once daily sparingly on the face (avoid the eyes).
4. Take a careful look around at what her face contacts: bedclothes, your shoulder, mom's breast, adult's clothing, spit up nappies, her own clothes- make sure nothing is wool. Make sure there is no lanolin appplied to her or to the mom's breast.
5. Avoid all fabric softeners, dryer additives, and other chemicals and perfumes in the laundry.
6. Changing formulas or mother's diet almost never makes a significant difference- try everything else before you go that route.
7. Just be sure its eczema- intense itching is seldom seen in eczema- make sure she has not had an inadvertent exposure to poison oak or ivy oils or some other contact dermatitis.
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QUESTION:
hi,my baby is nearly 5 month old and is developing eczema in his face ,please is there effective treatment?-
ANSWER:
To begin with, you need to get prescription from your GP for an emollient to put on your baby's skin plus Oilatum (an oil to add to the bath which will mosturise the skin, and a mild steroid cream to control the flare-ups of Eczema. I recommend going to the GP for the prescription so that you won't have to pay,as children prescriptions are free and these products will get costly over the months. Also, keep your baby's skin well hydrated by adding Oilatum oil to his bath and once you have dried him, smother him with an emollient.however, if you dont get on with the emolliet you have been prescribed, you could try a different one. Many parents use 50/50 white Paraffin
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QUESTION:
What is the best treatment or prescription medicine for ECZEMA? I noticed my face skin turns scally white.?-
ANSWER:
If you live in America, you can get this at drug store:Cortaid Extra Strength Spray.
(the cream didn't work for me, but the spray is fantastic) Better yet, have some allergy tests done and relieve the misery as soon as you can. I hate eczema and suffered with it for many years. Much luck to you.
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