Category Archives: Eczema

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.

Most people with atopic dermatitis also have Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin. The staph bacteria multiply rapidly when the skin barrier is broken and fluid is present on the skin. This in turn may worsen symptoms, particularly in young children.

Factors that can worsen atopic dermatitis signs and symptoms include:

Atopic dermatitis is related to allergies. But eliminating allergens is rarely helpful in clearing the condition. Occasionally, items that trap dust such as feather pillows, down comforters, mattresses, carpeting and drapes can worsen the condition.

See your doctor if:

Take your child to the doctor if you notice these signs and symptoms in your child or if you suspect your child has atopic dermatitis.

Seek immediate medical attention for your child if the rash looks infected and he or she has a fever.

.

Continued here:
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) Symptoms - Mayo Clinic

Our Approach

The skin inflammation is a sign of toxins inside your body. You see it on the skin because your skin is the largest and only visible organ of your body. Therefore, in the case of serious or chronic skin problems, treating from the outside with cream is not sufficient.

Our natural approach is to detoxify your body by expelling the toxins from inside; preventing the problems from coming back.*

For people who live in the San Francisco Bay area, please call 650-588-8335 to make appointment with Dr. Li.

Otherwise, you can take advantage of our free Online Eczema Treatment Consultation

I was itching all over my body and I have been using the medication from the doctor give me the medication for about two to three years, but I look up online for a certain medication which is called Ecdermaid. I have been using since 4 days and have not been feeling to itching or scratching at all. I feel like this product really works. **

Kusumo, from Norwalk, CA, Oct 2010

more testimonials

EcDermaid Capsule is an herbal formula for eczema. It is specially designed by Dr. Li for moderate to severe eczema. It works for all types of Eczema. This formula contains sixteen different natural herbs. They act together to

Skin-Detox Supplement helps strengthen the skin immunity to fight against allergens and pollution, and deliver necessary nutrients to support your skin health. *

If your children have Eczema, please click on children's Eczema for more information.

Originally posted here:
Herbal Eczema Treatment - Merry Clinic

I get quite a few questions about skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. Im not a dermatologist by any means, but I have had some personal experience with eczema (in myself and family) and have found some natural remedies that are helpful so I wanted to share.

I feel it is important to note that all of the topical remedies in the world didnt help us until we addressed the underlying problem, specifically: diet and lifestyle factors that were causing/contributing to the eczema to begin with.

Just as you cant out supplement a bad diet in other areas, topical remedies dont address the underlying problem that is causing the eczema to begin with.

Certainly, eczema and other skin issues are complex conditions with a potential variety of causes, but there do seem to be some common things that help (both dietary and other).

In our family, our son struggled with eczema off and on for a long time before we were finally able to get rid of it. He was born via c-section (due to placenta previa) and was given antibiotics and steroids as soon as he was born. This led to problems with his gut bacteria, some learning delays and some skin/digestive problems. We started the GAPS program combined with a pretty intensive supplement and lifestyle change for him and finally started to see improvement.

If you havent heard of it, GAPS is:

The protocol inGut and Psychology Syndromeis basically an intensive nutritional program to heal the gut lining. It focuses on soothing and healing the gut lining with foods likebone brothand beneficial fats while boosting beneficial gut bacteria with probiotics and fermented foods.

Depending on the severity of the patient, one either begins with or works up to the Introduction Diet, which is the strictest part of the protocol, focused on intensive healing. There are then stages as the person begins to introduce other foods. The most difficult factor of the GAPS diet is that in order to be effective, especially in the beginning, one must be 100% compliant. This means a lot of preparing foods at home, as practically any foods prepared by someone not familiar with the protocol will have things that canaggravatethe gut.

For us, it meant a diet high in healing foods like bone broth(great for skin) and healthy fats and removing certain foods including gluten and casein (wheat and dairy). We also found that it was helpful to avoid food dyes and any processed ingredients, though this was as much from a behavior perspective as a skin one.

If you or a family member struggle with skin problems, allergies or behavior struggles, Id definitely recommend at least checking out the book Gut and Psychology Syndrome to see if the protocol would be helpful for you.

Of course, once diet has been addressed, there are some things that can be used topically to speed healing or limit discomfort during the healing time. For us, these things were helpful:

I use coconut oil for everything. It is one of the things that would absolutely be on my list in a you-are-going-to-an-island-and-can-only-bring-five-things type situation. We use it for skin, hair, teeth, health and even soap making at our house, but it is also great for eczema (as long as the person isnt allergic/intolerant to coconut!).

Ive found that for us, a thin layer of coconut oil or a coconut oil lotion bar helps cool eczema itching and pain. For those sensitive to coconut oil, these hypoallergenic lotion bars work really well too.

For eczema that is wet/oozing, Ive found that drying it works better than trying to moisturize it and offers relief. For this, we use a homemade salt and magnesium spray. Ive often heard people with skin problems say that they felt better at the beach, and it makes sense. Between the Vitamin D, the magnesium and the minerals in the water, the beach is great for skin health!

For those who dont live near the ocean, this homemade spraycan help achieve some of the same benefits at home.

Sounds nasty (doesnt taste so great either) but fermented cod liver oil is one of the supplements we take daily. From a past post:

Fermented Cod Liver Oil (FCLO) is recommended by the Weston A. Price Foundation and is a great source of healthy fats for the body. This supplement is also an integral part of thetooth remineralization processas detailed by Dr. Price and by Rami Nagel inCure Tooth Decay. These two help reduce inflammation in the body and lead to healthy cell, hormone and brain development. They are especially important during pregnancy and for children while their brains are developing.

Cod Liver Oil/High Vitamin Butter Oil are a great source of the fat-soluble vitamins A,D, E and K and as such are supportive of hundreds or processes in the body. The supplements are rather pricey, but weve seen a big difference from adding this to our regimen (including skin health!)

We takeFermented Cod Liver Oil in CapsulesorFermented Cod Liver Oil/High Vitamin Butter Oil blendin Gel Form.

Yes, the taste is terrible and yes, my kids do have to take it anyway. You can sneak the chocolate flavored gel into smoothies though.

For some people with eczema, soaking in water makes it worse. For those who tolerate it, magnesium baths and other types of detox baths can be helpful in skin healing.

I regularly add a cup of epsom salts ormagnesium flakesand a few tablespoons of Himalayan salt to my kids baths. When I have the time, I take relaxing baths in this mixture also.

When I cant take the time for a bath,magnesium oilalso helps. Amazingly, I notice the benefits oftransdermal magnesium(baths ormagnesium oil) much more quickly than when I take internal forms of magnesium.

My favorite magnesium bath recipe is:

These three detox bath recipes are also all great if the person can handle warm water.

Just as with the Fermented Cod Liver Oil, probiotics are one supplement that seems to make a noticeable difference with skin health (if the problem is diet/gut related). For us, high quality probiotics were vital when we were intensively doing GAPS.

Probiotics and probiotic-rich foods are another element that is often missing from the modern diet. Im constantly seeing more research on the many ways that gut bacteria influences our health. In the past, people often preserved food by fermenting it, which also was a good source of probiotics for them. Now, most foods are dead, and we rarely ferment them in thetraditionalways, so we dont consume probiotic rich foods without a specific effort to do so.

We also make an effort to wash our hands and our food (a good thing with the chemicals on them these days) which also wash off the beneficial soil-borne micro-organisms that provide friendly-bacteria to the gut.

Since gut bacteria is so important, probiotics are one supplement I always make sure to take. You can get someprobiotics in fermented food and drinkssuch as:

We takeBio-Kult Probiotics(developed by the founder of the GAPS diet it doesnt have to be refrigerated) and Ive seen digestive improvements from this brand (Ive often see no result from other probiotics). We all take these as a dailymaintenance, but at the first sign of digestive troubles or illness, we double or triple the dose until we are better. I also took these to heal after I got food poisoning, and was back to normal in a couple of days.

I sneak them into the kids smoothies and drinks, and my older ones will even swallow or chew the capsule (they are small).

Ive mentioned that bone broth was an important part of a healing diet for us, and this was partially because of its high gelatin content. Gelatin is very soothing to the gut and is also great for hair, skin and nail health.

Homemade, nutrient dense bone broth is incredibly easy and inexpensive to make. There is no comparison to the store-bought versions which often contain MSG or other chemicals and which lack gelatin and some of the other health-boosting properties of homemade broth.

In selecting the bones for broth, look for high quality bones from grass fed cattle or bison, pastured poultry or wild caught fish. Since youll be extracting the minerals and drinking them in concentrated form, you want to make sure that the animal was as healthy as possible.

There are several places to find good bones for stock:

This recipe for broth is my favorite and is an adaption of the recipe inNourishing Traditions.

For those who arent ready to jump in to having a pot of boiling bones on the stove, some of the same benefits can be obtained from taking Gelatin as a supplement instead.We useGreat Lakes Koshersince I was able to verify with the company that it is sourced from grass-fed, humanely raised cows, and as such is higher in nutrients.

I also use Gelatin in recipes like:

For scars or blisters from eczema that take longer to heal, a homemade healing salve was helpful for us. Our son would get eczema on his face before we were able to heal his gut and we are still working on reversing the scars from that. One thing that is helping is this homemade healing salve.

My homemade healing salve (or boo-boo lotion, according to the kids) is helpful on eczema as well as: cuts, bruises, stings, poison ivy and skin irritations. It also helps diaper rash and baby skin irritations- just dont use with cloth diapers or line them first!

Here is the recipe.

I vividly remember how terrible it was to watch my son suffer through his eczema and I know the pain of not being able totake away the pain/itching a child experiences. The book The Eczema Cureis a very thorough resource and provides answers when it feels like youve tried everything else. Use the code WMAMA20 at this link for 20% off.

Have you ever struggled with eczema or skin problems? What helped you? Share below!

Read more:
7 Natural Remedies for Eczema | Wellness Mama

This person has atopic dermatitis on the arms. Red, scaly plaques can be seen on the inside of the elbows. In adults, atopic dermatitis usually involves the body creases, or flexural areas. adam.about.net

Updated December 29, 2014.

It is important to note that atopic dermatitis is not a rash that itches. Rather, it is an itch, that when scratched, results in a rash. Therefore, if the itching can be controlled, and there is no scratching, there will be no rash (eczema).

Atopic dermatitis is very common in childhood, affecting up to 20% of kids, usually before the age of 5. The disease is less common in adults, affecting only 1 to 3% of the population, although can start at any age. It is rare to see atopic dermatitis in adults over 50 years of age.

In general, when atopic dermatitis occurs in infants, it usually is more severe, although many cases resolve or improve in later childhood.

Children with atopic dermatitis are much more likely to have other allergic diseases, including allergic rhinitis and asthma.

There are three criteria that must be present in order to diagnose atopic dermatitis:

In older children and adults, the location of the rash changes to classically involve the skin in front of the elbows and behind the knees. Eczema can also involve the face (especially the eyelids), and may be limited to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet in certain people.

People with atopic dermatitis are more susceptible to skin infections by various bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Many are have large amounts of a common skin bacterium, called Staphylococcus aureus, which can worsen the itching and eczema. Herpes infections (similar to the kind that causes cold sores) and the virus responsible for chicken pox and shingles can cause severe skin infections in people with atopic dermatitis.

Allergies can be a significant trigger for itching in people with atopic dermatitis. Usually allergens that come in direct contact with the skin, such as animal dander and dust mites, cause the most problems, although pollens and mold spores in the air can also worsen the condition.

Food allergies can also be a major trigger for people with atopic dermatitis, particularly in children. Egg and milk allergy are the most common food allergies in children worsening eczema, although other food allergies are also common.

Allergy testing is an important part of the evaluation of patients with atopic dermatitis, and avoidance of these triggers, both environmental and food allergens, can significantly improve the disease.

Find out more about the prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Sources:

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.

See original here:
What Causes Eczema

Eczema linked to obesity, higher rates of smoking and drinking 5/27/2015 - Those living with eczema are well aware of the frustrations brought about by the skin condition. The chronic condition, also known as "atopic dermatitis," causes skin to become red and extremely itchy, a bothersome and often embarrassing situation for many people. While common in babies, who may develop... Had eczema for first 7 years of her life, now healed by raw food diet 12/14/2014 - When she was just a baby, Ulla Kaczmarek's daughter Maya had eczema flare-ups that covered her body from head to toe.(1) The patchy spots were undone by pediatrician-recommended steroids and the advice to replace cow's milk with goat's milk. Everyone was elated when her scaly skin started... Antibiotic usage causes eczema in children: Research 10/8/2013 - Children who receive treatment with antibiotics during their first year of life may have a 40 percent higher risk of developing eczema, according to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology. The researchers conducted a review of 20 prior studies into a potential connection between... Eczema linked to food allergies: Study 8/12/2013 - Although it's been well established that eczema and allergic skin disorders involve food allergies, a UK research team from King's College London did some research to determine the role of the skin's immunity. They determined that skin barrier defects, such as eczema itself, determine and even cause... Junk food linked to asthma, eczema in children 2/9/2013 - Scientists have discovered yet another serious health condition associated with fast food consumption, and it might not be one you would expect. According to a new study published in the journal Thorax, children who eat fast food three or more times per week are significantly more likely than other... Beat eczema naturally 10/26/2012 - Eczema is known as a chronic dermatological condition that is characterized by skin rashes, dryness, crusting and flaking skin. Research indicates that eczema is caused by chronic inflammation that affects the skin cells and causes scarring. Natural lifestyle strategies allow the body to de-inflame... Cure eczema the natural way 10/21/2012 - A painful and often debilitating disease, eczema is a skin disorder that is suffered by millions. Frequently treated with steroids, the immune system is further compromised -- inflaming the dermis and creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. Toxic vaccinations also aggravate this distressing... Why does conventional medical treatment lead to chronic illness? 9/18/2012 - Most doctors and patients have some awareness of the concept of suppression as it applies to medicine - but what is it really and what impact does it have upon health? The average person tends to describe suppression in immunologic terms; in other words, it is believed to be a type of weakening of... The best home remedies for eczema 6/26/2012 - Eczema is an irritating skin disease that ranges from chronic, itchy minor rashes to raging acute eczema flare-ups with open, oozing sores that require bandaging. Eczema is often attributed to some sort of food or airborne allergy and can be minimized by determining the allergens and adjusting accordingly.... Discover a common hidden cause of eczema 4/11/2012 - If you or a loved one have been affected by eczema, you understand the frustration and discomfort associated with this annoying irritation of the skin. There are numerous types and classifications of eczema, with the most common being referred to as atopic dermatitis. Eczema affects people on a wide... Antioxidants in chickweed may help with eczema, hemorrhoids, and cancer 2/14/2012 - There is probably not one gardener in North America or Europe who would have difficulty identifying chickweed and thus, have pulled it out of their lawn or garden. While scorned by gardeners, chickweed's straggly green stems with tiny white star-shaped flowers are favored by both chefs and herbalists.... Natural remedies help eczema sufferers (Opinion) 8/12/2011 - Eczema is a chronic skin condition also known as atopic eczema. It is a common problem among children and babies, but it can also affect adults. Contrary to popular belief, keeping a dog may actually be a natural remedy for childhood eczema. Essential oils can also help to combat this skin condition. Eczema... Moms can reduce risk of eczema in their babies by taking probiotics 7/29/2010 - About 20 percent of babies and toddlers have the condition known as eczema which causes red, swollen and intensely itchy skin. It usually develops on the forehead, cheeks, and scalp, but it can spread to the arms, legs, chest and other parts of the body. According to the National Institutes of Health... Probiotics found to reduce eczema and skin allergies 11/11/2009 - (Natural News) Most health conscious people know of the positive effects on digestion from using probiotic supplements. Many take probiotic supplements after using antibiotics to replace the good intestinal flora bacteria indiscriminately killed during antibiotic use. This practice is so well known... Heal Eczema by Making Lifestyle Changes 9/18/2009 - Eczema can be a distressing condition which is characterized by inflamed, itchy skin that sometimes develops into open bleeding sores. It can appear at any age and affects approximately two to seven percent of the population. Currently, research indicates that food allergies can be the root cause of... Natural Skin Care Provides Breakthrough in Treatment for Eczema 5/2/2009 - Eczema is a problem that up to one third of Americans suffer from on a daily basis. Annually it is estimated that over 28 billion dollars is spent on health care for eczema and other skin disorders. However, a new study has shown that utilizing a shielding lotion can help minimize the pain and difficulties... Hydrolyzed milk proteins found to actually decrease eczema in infants 6/2/2007 - Infant formulas containing proteins that have been hydrolyzed have been found to decrease a child's risk of developing eczema by at least 33 percent compared with formulas containing unprocessed milk proteins, according to a 3-year German study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Jump... Eczema Cured by Addressing Toxemia (press release) 7/11/2006 - A 36-year-old man documented and photographed his journey in getting well from his eczema. Edwin Casimero is proud of his achievement and thankful to the doctors and people who have helped him with correct scientific information to overcome his debilitating condition. "At the height of my eczema... Asthma explained by common allergy to milk and dairy products 8/4/2005 - The link between asthma and cows' milk is familiar to many young asthma sufferers and their parents. I first became aware of the connection through my cousin's experiences with his four-year-old son. Since infancy, my cousin's son has experienced severe asthma attacks and has been hospitalized twice... Pregnancy: Vitamin C: Diet: Children: Research: WHO: Fruit: Life: Study: Connection: Nutrition: Cancer: Alzheimer's: Arthritis: Depression: Health: Most Popular Stories TED aligns with Monsanto, halting any talks about GMOs, 'food as medicine' or natural healing 10 other companies that use the same Subway yoga mat chemical in their buns Warning: Enrolling in Obamacare allows government to link your IP address with your name, social security number, bank accounts and web surfing habits High-dose vitamin C injections shown to annihilate cancer USDA to allow U.S. to be overrun with contaminated chicken from China Vaccine fraud exposed: Measles and mumps making a huge comeback because vaccines are designed to fail, say Merck virologists New USDA rule allows hidden feces, pus, bacteria and bleach in conventional poultry Battle for humanity nearly lost: global food supply deliberately engineered to end life, not nourish it Harvard research links fluoridated water to ADHD, mental disorders 10 outrageous (but true) facts about vaccines the CDC and the vaccine industry don't want you to know EBT card food stamp recipients ransack Wal-Mart stores, stealing carts full of food during federal computer glitch Cannabis kicks Lyme disease to the curb TV.NaturalNews.com is a free video website featuring thousands of videos on holistic health, nutrition, fitness, recipes, natural remedies and much more.

CounterThink Cartoons are free to view and download. They cover topics like health, environment and freedom.

The Consumer Wellness Center is a non-profit organization offering nutrition education grants to programs that help children and expectant mothers around the world.

Food Investigations is a series of mini-documentaries exposing the truth about dangerous ingredients in the food supply.

Webseed.com offers alternative health programs, documentaries and more.

The Honest Food Guide is a free, downloadable public health and nutrition chart that dares to tell the truth about what foods we should really be eating.

HealingFoodReference.com offers a free online reference database of healing foods, phytonutrients and plant-based medicines that prevent or treat diseases and health conditions.

HerbReference.com is a free, online reference library that lists medicinal herbs and their health benefits.

NutrientReference.com is a free online reference database of phytonutrients (natural medicines found in foods) and their health benefits. Lists diseases, foods, herbs and more.

Read the original post:
Eczema news, articles and information:

History: The most common complaint of eczema is itchiness (pruritus), redness, and tiny bumps or blisters. If untreated, the skin can become thick, scaly, and dry, with areas of hair loss and color changes. The individual may relate a history of work or recreational activities in which the skin is exposed to water, moisture, sun, or new personal care products.

Physical exam: In general, eczema presents with redness, warmth, swelling (edema), tenderness, weeping, crusting, scratches and cracks (excoriations), and thickened and scaling skin with a diffuse border.

Skin changes associated with atopic dermatitis are variable and include excoriations; wet, raised bumps (papules); thickened, red, gray, or scaly skin (lichenification); red, fluid-filled bumps (vesicles); and crusted lesions.

Contact dermatitis presents as areas of reddened (erythematous) and swollen (edematous) skin that later develop small and large blisters (vesicles and bullae, respectively). The pattern, shape, and location of the contact dermatitis rash help identify the causative substance. Hand eczema may present with dryness and cracking of the skin, with some redness and swelling. A variation of this condition, dyshidrotic eczema, has small, very itchy bumps along the fleshy parts of the palms and sides of the fingers. Nummular eczema has round scaly patches that look similar to ringworm and are found on the trunk, the back of the arms and hands, and the shins. Stasis dermatitis often exhibits dark red discoloration and swelling of the skin on the lower leg, ankle, and top of the foot. Stasis dermatitis lesions can become irritated and inflamed and in many cases can result in skin ulcers.

Asteatotic eczema (winter itch) presents with fine cracks over the front surface of the thighs and shins and possibly a dry, shiny appearance. Scabies presents with the classic eczematous lesions found primarily on the ankles, webs of fingers and toes, scalp, wrists, bellybutton (umbilicus), genitals, or the nipples. Seborrheic dermatitis presents as red, itchy, scaly areas, primarily on the face, scalp, groin, anogenital region, and/or below the breasts. Lichen simplex chronicus is a late stage of eczema and consists of thickened, scaly skin due to chronic rubbing or scratching. Common areas for lichen simplex chronicus are the back of the neck, tops of the feet, and ankles.

Tests: Though most eczemas are diagnosed through the history and physical exam, a scraping of the lesion should be examined under the microscope to rule out certain other skin disorders. Skin biopsy is done when persistent eczema does not respond to treatment. Skin patch tests, provocative challenges, and some immunological testing may be required. Elevated total IgE denotes an underlying allergy.

Read more:
Eczema - Medical Disability Guidelines

What is Eczema? Eczema (pronounced as 'EK-zeh-ma') comes from two Greek words, 'ek' meaning out and 'zema' meaning boils. Basically eczema, which is also called dermatitis, is a medical condition wherein the skin swells. The discomfort and pain arising from the small blisters of the skin makes it feel as if it is boiling. Both children and adults may contract eczema, but it usually occurs in infants. The cause of eczema is not yet known, but it often affects those having a family history of allergies. A lot of people suffering from eczema have asthma or allergic rhinitis, or have relatives who do. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 15 million people have eczema in the United States alone. Around 10 to 20 percent of babies have eczema, but the condition will greatly improve by the time they are 5 and 15 years old in nearly have of them. Others will continue to have the said condition for the rest of their lives. Common Types of Eczema There are many types of eczema, each having different symptoms and causes. The most common are the following:

Go here to see the original:
Eczema / Exzema - Information and treatment

Eczema is a common skin problem in individuals with brown skin including those of Asian, Latino and African descent. It is felt to be the second most common skin disease in African-Americans. Although it is unknown if the incidence of eczema is increased in Latinos, one study found a significantly higher percent of Mexican American adolescents with eczema than white and African American adolescents. A study of Chinese, Vietnamese and white infants found a higher incidence in the Chinese and Vietnamese infants. Eczema can be a difficult and embarrassing challenge for anyone, but for a person of color with eczema, there are multiple concerns including disfiguring discoloration of the skin (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation). Also, in brown skin, eczema may appear differently than in white skin thus making the correct diagnosis more difficult.

In cases in which eczema is inherited along with the conditions, asthma and hay fever, it is termed, atopic dermatitis. Eczema usually appears in childhood or adolescence and frequently continues throughout adulthood. The course of eczema varies with intermittent flares which are precipitated by the following factors:

Eczema is a diverse disease that can range from mild skin irritation to severe rashes. In skin of color, eczema may not have the typical appearance of red, flaky patches. Instead, it may appear as dry ashen, brown or gray patches. In addition, in black skin, eczema may appear as rough, brown papules (bumps) near follicles which is termed, follicular papules.

There are three stages of eczema: acute, subacute and chronic. An individual with eczema may have only one stage or the stages may progress from one to another.

Acute Eczema

A major symptom of eczema is very intense itching. Scratching is a natural response to the itching. However, melanin in brown skin makes it more reactive to itching, irritation and inflammation. When scratched or rubbed, the inflamed skin can become hyperpigmented, thickened and crusted. It is important to break the itch-scratch cycle to prevent further hyperpigmentation.

Treatment Once eczema flares in brown skin, treating it promptly is key to not only eliminating the itch, but also avoiding hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. While there is no cure for eczema, the condition can be kept under control by modifying certain daily routines and receiving prompt treatment.

Prevention of eczema is as important as prescription medication. Understanding the causes of eczema, trigger factors and proper skin care techniques are the first step to treating eczema. Some individuals with eczema will need to avoid certain foods, allergens or medicines.

Avoiding skin irritants, including chemicals and clothing, is an important preventative measure for individuals with eczema.

All individuals with eczema will need to modify bathing habits, skin care products and other chemicals that come into contact with the skin. The following patient education tips are commonly recommended by dermatologists.

Corticosteroids topical, oral and injected are the mainstay of treatment of eczema. The selection of the formulation depends upon the severity of the eczema. For mild to moderate eczema, topical corticosteroids, formulated as creams, ointments, lotions, foams or oils are commonly prescribed. These agents, which come in many different strengths from class 1 (superpotent) to class 7 (low potency), are usually prescribed twice daily for a two to three week period. Low potentcy corticosteroids are commonly used to treat the face, body folds (groin, axillary) and in the diaper area. More potent steroids are applied on other parts of the body. For lichenified plaques and regions such as the palms and soles superpotent steroids are often prescribed. Although topical steroids treat the inflammation that is characteristic of eczema, serious complications can develop from overuse or prolonged use, especially those that are superpotent.

Complications of topical steroidsThinning of the skin

For severe eczema, oral steroids (Prednisone) or injected steroids (Kenalog, Aristocort) may be necessary. They are prescribed for a limited period of time only and are reserved for the most severe cases.

TIMS or Topical Immunomodulators are topical agents (calcineurin inhibitors) that are used for the treatment of eczema. They do not contain steroids and therefore do not carry the risks associated with that medications. There are two types of immunomodulator creams: Tacrolimus (0.03% and 0.1% Protopic) and pimecrolimus (1% Elidel). Immunomodulators are applied twice daily until the eczema clears. Itching, burning and irritation are possible side effects. There has been concern raised regarding cancers in laboratory animals fed immunomodulators orally. Further long-term human studies are needed to completely understand the side effects with topical immunomodulator therapy.

Non-TIMS are non-steroid, non-tims topical creams that have been recently developed for the treatment of eczema. One of the most recently approved is Mimyx. It is not only a good emollient, but treats eczema and can be used for chronic cases or eczema.

Phototherapy or light treatment is an effective treatment for eczema. With phototherapy, various wavelengths of sunlight (UVB, UVA, combined UVA/UVB, UVA1, or narrow-band) are administered in a unit that is similar to a telephone booth but which is lined by fluorescent appearing light bulbs. The type of phototherapy that you will receive will be determined by your dermatologist. It is usually administered twice weekly. Possible side effects of phototherapy are redness, sunburn, or dryness. Long-term side effects, which are more likely with white skin, are possible skin cancers and enhanced aging.

Antihistamine pills relieve itching associated with eczema. There are three classes of antihistamines (H1, H2, H3). Type H1 antihistamines (e.g. hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine) are helpful in breaking the itch-scratch cycle. Since they may cause drowsiness, they should be given at bedtime. Type H2 and H3 antihistamines are generally non-sedating and are also helpful in treating eczema. Your doctor will select the antihistamine that is most appropriate for your eczema.

See the rest here:
Eczema - Skin Problems

Facts about the skin from DermNet New Zealand Trust. Topic index: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Dermatitis affects about one in every five people at some time in their lives. It results from a variety of different causes and has various patterns.

The terms dermatitis and eczema are often used interchangeably. In some cases the term eczematous dermatitis is used. Dermatitis can be acute or chronic or both.

An in-between state is known as subacute eczema.

Psychological stresses can provoke or aggravate dermatitis, presumably by suppressing normal immune mechanisms.

An important aspect of treatment is to identify and tackle any contributing factors (see above).

Dermatitis is often a long-term problem. When you notice your skin getting dry, moisturise your skin again and carefully avoid the use of soap. If the itchy rash returns, use both the moisturiser and the steroid cream or ointment. If it fails to improve within two weeks, see your doctor for further advice.

See original here:
Dermatitis (eczema). DermNet NZ

If you had atopic eczema as a child, you may find it improves as you get older. However, certain triggers may still cause it to flare up. There are many different ways of keeping your eczema under control, depending on how severe your symptoms are.

Keeping a diary about your eczema symptoms may help you spot any triggers that make your eczema worse. Common triggers include stress, pets and temperature changes.

If your eczema becomes itchy, try not to scratch it. Scratching can make your eczema worse and may cause your skin to thicken. Anti-scratch mittens for babies and young children can be helpful. If you need to relieve an itch, gently rub your skin with your fingertips instead of using your nails. Keep your nails short.

If your eczema isnt getting better, its especially important to avoid skin irritants such as soaps, shower gels and bubble baths.

Although theres no cure for eczema, theres a range of medicines available from your pharmacist or GP to help control your symptoms. Always ask your pharmacist or GP for advice and read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Emollients soothe and soften dry skin. They moisturise your skin by preventing water loss and adding water back into your skin. They can also help to repair any skin damage. Using emollients can ease itching and prevent your skin becoming infected.

Emollients are most effective at preventing flare-ups of eczema if you use them all the time, even when you dont have any eczema symptoms. Apply them as often as you need to ideally at least every four hours or up to three to four times a day. It can also really help to use emollients during and after a bath or shower.

Smooth emollients onto your skin rather than rubbing them in. Always apply them in the direction of hair growth. This will reduce your risk of developing an infection at the bottom of your hair follicles.

Emollients are available as creams, lotions, oils or washes. There are many different types of emollient. Examples are shown in the table below.

Emulsifying ointment, BP

Hydrous ointment, BP

Liquid and White soft paraffin ointment, NPF

Aveeno

E45

Hydromol Cream

Ultrabase Cream

Epaderm

Hydromol Ointment

Zeroderm Ointment

Dermamist spray application

Doublebase gel

QV lotion

Aveeno colloidal bath additive

Cetraben emollient bath additive

Oilatum emollient bath additive

Generally, most emollients will help improve the appearance of your eczema. However, if your eczema is severe, you may need to try a greasier emollient formulation, such as an ointment rather than a cream. Emollient products containing urea may be particularly helpful for severe eczema or in older people. Dont use emollients containing antibacterial ingredients unless your skin is infected or your doctor recommends it.

Different products suit different people. You may have to try several different emollients before you find the best one for you. For emollients that come in pots, use a clean spoon or spatula to get it out when youre applying the emollient to your skin. This will stop the emollient inside the pot becoming contaminated with bacteria.

Sometimes, emollients on their own aren't able to control your eczema symptoms. If this is the case, you may need to use a steroid cream for a short time. Steroid creams reduce inflammation and help to relieve itching. There are different strength steroid creams, from mild to very potent. Mild steroid creams (such as hydrocortisone) are available over the counter. Your pharmacist can offer advice about how much you can use and how often you can apply it. Use the mildest cream that works for you.

If your GP prescribes a steroid cream, always follow their advice about how much to use. You can apply a steroid cream directly to your skin, but only use it on areas with visible eczema. You will usually only need to apply the cream once a day. However, if this doesnt help to relieve your symptoms, your GP or dermatologist may recommend using the cream twice a day.

Always continue using your emollients while you are using the steroids. You can use steroid creams before or after applying your emollient, but you need to leave around half an hour between applying the two different creams. This prevents the active ingredients in your steroid cream from being diluted by your emollient.

Potent or very potent steroid creams, such as betamethasone valerate, are available on prescription. Using stronger steroid creams too often, or on delicate skin (such as on your face), can thin your skin. This can make your skin bruise more easily. Always follow your GP or dermatologists advice about using any type of steroid cream. For more information, see our FAQs.

If emollients or steroid creams dont help your eczema, your GP or dermatologist may prescribe some other medicines. These include the following.

If you have severe eczema, you may need to use medicated paste bandages to soothe and protect your skin. These contain emollients and other medicines, such as ichthammol, to help relieve itching and reduce thickening of your skin. You usually apply them to your arms or legs, and they act as a barrier to prevent scratching.

Your doctor may also recommend using wet wraps, which are cooling bandages that can help to soothe severe eczema. Once you have smoothed an emollient onto your skin, you cover the emollient with wet bandages and then a layer of dry bandages. These wet wraps help to prevent you from scratching and allow your skin to absorb as much of the emollient as possible. These are often useful when treating young children with severe eczema, particularly at night. Dont use bandages or wet wraps if your eczema is infected because this can cause the infection to spread.

Your doctor may suggest trying ultraviolet light (UV) treatment (phototherapy), to relieve your symptoms. This is usually given in hospital by a dermatologist.

Some people consider trying complementary treatments, such as herbal creams and homeopathy. But there isnt any good evidence that these therapies are effective in treating eczema. If you do try them, remember that even products marketed as natural arent necessarily harmless. Herbal remedies contain active ingredients and may interact with other medicines or cause side-effects. Always speak to your pharmacist or GP before trying complementary therapies. If you do decide to try a complementary therapy, check that your therapist belongs to a recognised professional body.

Continued here:
Atopic eczema symptoms, treatment and causes - Bupa UK