Category Archives: Eczema

Dr.APARNA.S. BHMS, Thiruvananthapuram INTRODUCTION Dermatology is one of the most important disciplines of medicine, where a disease apprises itself over the skin .The diseases affecting the skin always create mental stress to the patients because of external appearance. So its study, have an important place in the practice of medicine. Eczema is one of the most common skin diseases affecting humanity from time immemorial. Eczema can very well be called the first illness man could have suffered. We find its descriptions even in the most ancient writings. Perhaps the primitive men feared skin diseases more or less the way we do nowadays with regards to Cancer or AIDS. Eczema or dermatitis is a reaction pattern that presents with variable clinical and histological findings and is the final common expression for a number of disorders including atopic dermatitis, allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, dyshydrotic eczema, nummular eczema etc. Primary lesions may include papules, erythematous macules and vesicles which can coalesce to form patches and plaques. In severe eczema, secondary lesions from infection or excoriation, marked by weeping and crusting may predominate. Long standing dermatitis is often dry and is characterized by thickened, scaling skin (lichenification). According to Homoeopathy, it is the … Continue reading →

Most types of eczema require a combination of treatments and medications. Your dermatologist will choose the ones that will work the best to control your condition. The three main steps of eczema management involve: Antihistamines that cause sedation may be prescribed in those whose symptoms are interfering with sleep. Moisturizers and emollients decrease dryness and scaling, leaving the skin feeling more comfortable. Barrier repair moisturizers also known as physiologic moisturizers, contain some of the essential oils that are missing from eczematous skin, most commonly ceramide. Coal tar is an old remedy but still effective. It soothes inflamed skin and helps reduce itching, flaking and redness. It is available in bath oils, shampoos, gels, creams, ointments and in combination with corticosteroids. Bleach baths in a solution of bleach and clear, warm water for 5-10 minutes twice weekly can be effective in those susceptible to frequent infections which can worsen eczema. Cool compresses relieve inflammation and itching. Antibiotics are used to treat secondary skin infection, which is a common complication of any type of eczema. The skin barrier is broken both by scratching and the inflammation allowing bacteria to penetrate the skin. Corticosteroids are the most effective anti-inflammatory agents. They come in … Continue reading →

Atopic Eczema, otherwise known as Atopic Dermatitis or Infantile Eczema is a chronic relapsing itchy skin disease. Atopic Eczema is usually the first clinical manifestation of allergy in atopic families.By Dr Adrian Morris It usually commences about the third month of life as a weepy rash on the face and outer surfaces of arms and legs and then progresses in later childhood as a dry scaly and itchy rash commonly of the inner creases of the elbows and knees. Some children may not outgrow their eczema and the condition can persist or recurs in adulthood. General allergy prevention measures will help in high allergy-risk newborns. These include avoidance of parental smoking during pregnancy and after birth, breast feeding until at least 4 to 6 months of age if possible. Common allergy-provoking foods such as cows milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, wheat and soya may be avoided in the breast-feeding mothers daily diet (but proof that this helps is lacking). Avoidance of solid foods in babies up to 6 months of age followed by the careful introduction of the potential allergy-provoking foods one at a time over a period of weeks. These allergy risk foods include cows milk, wheat and egg, nuts … Continue reading →

Overview Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It's common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever. No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. But treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks. For example, it helps to avoid harsh soaps, moisturize your skin regularly, and apply medicated creams or ointments. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) signs and symptoms vary widely from person to person and include: Atopic dermatitis most often begins before age 5 and may persist into adolescence and adulthood. For some people, it flares periodically and then clears up for a time, even for several years. See a doctor if you or your child: Seek immediate medical attention for your child if the rash looks infected and he or she has a fever. Healthy skin helps retain moisture and protects you from bacteria, irritants and allergens. Eczema is related to a gene variation that affects the skin's ability to provide this protection. This allows your skin to be affected by environmental factors, irritants and allergens. In some children, … Continue reading →

What is Eczema? Eczema (Atopic dermatitis, or AD for short) is a common chronic skin disease. It is also called atopic eczema. Atopic is a term used to describe allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. Both dermatitis and eczema mean inflammation of the skin. People with eczema tend to have dry, itchy and easily irritated skin. They may have times when their skin is clear and other times when they have a rash. Atopic dermatitis usually begins and ends during childhood, but some people continue to have the disease into adulthood. If you ever had atopic dermatitis, you may have trouble with one or more of these: Eczema can have a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals and their families. The itching can interfere with daily activities and make it hard to sleep. Scratching the rash can irritate the skin, making it itch even more, which, in turn, increases the tendency to scratch. This itch-scratch cycle can leave the skin open to infections. If you answer yes to any of these questions, talk with your health care provider about eczema (atopic dermatitis.) You will be asked questions about your health and your skin. Be sure … Continue reading →

Treatment The goals when treating eczema are to heal the skin, reduce symptoms, prevent skin damage, and prevent flares. Developing skin care routines, identifying what triggers flares, and avoiding triggers are a large part of any treatment plan. Dry skin often makes the condition worse. Remember to: Parents can help their children by: Phototherapy and Photochemotherapy Treatment with ultraviolet light may help mild-to-moderate cases of eczema in children over age 12 and adults. Phototherapy or light therapy may be combined with a type of drug called psoralen. It is then called photochemotherapy. People who have eczema often have food allergies, so eating a healthy diet may help reduce inflammation and allergic reactions. Check with your doctor before giving a supplement to a child. Avoid exposure to environmental or food allergens. Common foods that cause allergic reactions are dairy, soy, citrus, peanuts, wheat (sometimes all gluten-containing grains), fish, eggs, corn, and tomatoes. There is much controversy regarding the most effective way to test for food allergies or sensitivities. Eat fewer refined foods and sugar. These foods contribute to inflammation in the body. Eat more fresh vegetables, whole grains, and essential fatty acids (cold-water fish, nuts, and seeds). Herbs are one way … Continue reading →

Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a chronic skin disorder categorized by scaly and itching rashes. People with eczema often have a family history of allergic conditions like asthma, hayfever or eczema. Eczema is most common in infants (where it is known as infantile eczema) and at least half of those cases clear by age 3. In adults, it is generally a chronic or recurring condition. A hypersensitivity reaction (similar to an allergy) occurs in the skin, causing chronic inflammation. The inflammation causes the skin to become itchy and scaly. Chronic irritation and scratching can cause the skin to thicken and have a texture like leather. Exposure to environmental irritants can worsen symptoms, as can dryness of the skin, exposure to water, temperature changes, and stress. Studies have shown that children who are breast-fed are less likely to get eczema. This is also true when the nursing mother has avoided cow's milk in her diet. Other dietary restrictions may include eggs, fish, peanuts, and soy. Eczema tends to run in families. Control of stress, nervousness, anxiety, and depression can be beneficial in treating/avoiding eczema in some cases. Diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin and … Continue reading →

Find out what eczema is as well as the types, treatments and resources to read and download. Eczema (also known as dermatitis) is a dry skin condition which is highly individual in its nature. Information and advice on the different types of eczema from atopic to varicose. Keeping skin moisturised using emollients (medical moisturisers) is key to managing all types of eczema with topical steroids commonly used to bring flare ups under control. Our factsheets on managing and treating eczema can be downloaded as PDF below. If you can afford it, we would be grateful if you purchased them for download for 1 in our online Shop, which would go towards the cost of keeping ... Articles that have been published in recent past editions of Exchange, our quarterly magazine for Society members, which can be downloaded as PDF. introductory guides aimed at different age groups, along with specialist booklets on contact dermatitis, itching and scratching and the psychological effects of eczema. Answers to common questions on eczema from infections to the impact of the weather. More here: About Eczema : National Eczema Society … Continue reading →

For some people with eczema, the regular use of emollients is all that is needed to keep the condition under control.However, for many people there will be a time when a steroid preparation is required as part of their treatment in order to bring an eczema flare under control. Topical steroids are the most common treatment for eczema flares. This is when eczema becomes red, sore and very itchy.Topical steroids are used in short treatment bursts and should be used in conjunction with emollients. Emollients for washing, cleansing and moisturising are essential to a good skin care routine for treating and preventing dry and itchy skin.Emollients need to be used all the time. For more information on emollients click here.What are topical steroids? Topical means something that is applied to the skin. Steroids are a group of natural hormones, produced in the body by a variety of different glands. They are also produced synthetically as medicines. The topical steroids used for treating eczema are totally different from steroids used in contraceptive pills or for bodybuilding. Topical steroids are a valuable tool in the management of eczema. They reduce redness and soreness (inflammation) and can be very effective in controlling flare-ups, … Continue reading →

How do dermatologists diagnose atopic dermatitis? To diagnose atopic dermatitis (AD), a dermatologist begins by looking at the childs skin. The dermatologist will look for a rash. The dermatologist also will ask questions. It is important for the dermatologist to know whether the child has itchy skin. The dermatologist also needs to know whether blood relatives have had AD, asthma, or hay fever. Sometimes a dermatologist will perform a patch test. This medical test is used to find allergies. It involves placing tiny amounts of allergens (substances that cause allergies for some people) on the childs skin. The dermatologist will check the skin for reactions. Checks are often done after a few hours, 24 hours, and 72 hours. Studies suggest that some allergens can make AD worse. A treatment plan often includes medicine, skin care, and lifestyle changes. Skin care and lifestyle changes can help prevent flare-ups. Many patients receive tips for coping. Doing all of this may seem bothersome, but sticking to the plan can make a big difference. A dermatologist will create a treatment plan tailored to the patients needs. Medicine and other therapies will be prescribed as needed to: Studies have found that when AD develops in … Continue reading →