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If you or a loved one is living with eczema or atopic dermatitis, you probably know the importance of having a good skin care routine.

Eczema is a chronic condition that can flare when youre exposed to environmental triggers. Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema characterized by dry skin, scaly patches, itching, and sores.

Keeping the skin moisturized can help prevent eczema flares and provide some relief when flares occur. By developing a routine that works for you, you can help ensure that you keep the skin moisturized and protected against future flares.

Keeping your skin moisturized can help to prevent itching, irritation, and thickening of the skin. In fact, in mild cases, dry skin is the primary symptom of eczema, and a good skin care routine can help keep symptoms suppressed.

In other cases, managing symptoms may require additional precautions and treatments. Whether your eczema is mild or more severe, the starting point for most routines focuses on:

One of the most important steps you can take is getting into the habit of moisturizing your skin immediately following a shower or bath.

According to the National Eczema Association, if you dont immediately apply moisturizer after bathing, the water in your skin will evaporate. This will then cause it to dry out.

During a bath or shower, you should avoid hot water. Lukewarm water helps your skin absorb some of the moisture.

You should also avoid scrubbing or using harsh soaps on your skin. Then, apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of getting out of the shower to help create a barrier to lock in the moisture, per the National Eczema Association.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association doesnt fully discourage baths, especially for children. They state that bathtime can provide an opportunity for parents and children to bond and can remove bacteria and dead skin cells.

However, you should keep baths and showers short. According to a 2018 review, researchers recommend daily bathing or showering that lasts between 5 and 10 minutes.

Eczema can get worse when you come in contact with irritants or triggers. One part of a good skin care routine should be taking active steps to avoid contact with known triggers.

If you dont know what triggers you have, you may want to keep a journal to help you determine the possible cause of your flares. This way, you can potentially avoid them in the future.

Also, keep in mind that not all triggers come from chemicals or irritants.

For example, the National Eczema Association states that cold, dry air can trigger an eczema flare. During the winter, you may need to change your routine a bit to help keep your skin protected.

No two cases of eczema are exactly alike. As a result, what works for some people may not work as well for you, and vice versa.

In an article for the National Eczema Association, dermatologist Margaret Lee notes that you may find relief with products not specifically designed for eczema care. For example, you might find that vegetable shortening or petroleum jelly helps to rehydrate and relieve the pain and itchiness associated with a flare.

Once youve established a routine with one or more products that work, you should consider writing down the routine to help keep it going.

If youre caring for a child with eczema, having the routine recorded can help in case someone else needs to take over responsibility for the routine.

Moisturizers are one of the most important parts of a skin care routine. But not all moisturizers are created the same way, and some provide better benefits than others.

According to the National Eczema Association, ointments and creams are the most effective moisturizers you can use for treating eczema. The reason is that ointments and creams have a higher oil content than lotions.

Oil has two effects on the skin. The first is that it keeps moisture in. The second is it helps keep irritants out.

Several brands, like Aveeno, offer moisturizers designed specifically for eczema. When looking for moisturizers, you should avoid ones that have added fragrances, dyes, or other ingredients that may irritate your skin.

You also want to include gentle cleansers, like CeraVe, in your routine. Keeping your skin clean will help prevent dry, cracked areas of skin from getting infected.

Finally, if youre seeing a dermatologist for treatment, you should discuss which medications may be best for you and ensure that you use them according to the prescribed instructions for the best results.

Certain substances can make eczema worse. The National Eczema Association recommends avoiding skin care products with the following ingredients:

When buying skin care products, check the labels to look out for the ingredients listed above. You can also look for a product with the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance on it. This will help you avoid products that contain these known irritants.

Outside of skin care, other substances you might come in contact with may make eczema worse. The National Eczema Association recommends avoiding the following common triggers:

While it helps to avoid topical substances and chemicals, remember these arent the only triggers. You may also want to avoid:

Your routine will vary based on your triggers and what youre planning to do each day. For more specific guidance, talk with your dermatologist to see what they recommend for you.

You should aim to moisturize your skin 2 to 3 times per day.

One of the most important parts of eczema care is keeping your skin moist. You should also take steps to avoid triggers, which can help you prevent flares.

Your skin care routine should consist of plans for when youll moisturize your skin as well as ways to help protect it. Your routine will likely differ from that of other people, depending on your current needs.

If you have trouble developing an effective routine, you should work with your doctor. They can provide you with more specific recommendations that may help your individual situation.

Read more:
How to Build an Eczema Skin Care Routine: Tips and More - Healthline

A WOMAN has revealed she was forced to quit her job because of extreme pain - after ditching her eczema steroids.

Andrea Cisneros, from the US, used topical steroid creams to treat her eczema but was left in agony when she came off them 18 months ago.

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She eventually had to leave her job as a dental hygienist and lost her flat, all due to topical steroid withdrawal.

At her worst, she was bed-ridden for months, with her skin oozing, her sheets covered in blood and showers making her cry from the pain.

She says: "I wished I would die because the pain and discomfort were unbearable, especially at night; when I would scream from pain."

I wished I would die because the pain and discomfort were unbearable, especially at night; when I would scream from pain

Topical steroids are commonly prescribed on the NHS and remain one of the most effective ways to treat eczema.

But they should be a short-term solution and if over-used, they can lead to horrible TSW reactions like Andrea experienced.

Now a holistic health coach, Andrea shared her story on Facebook earlier this month.

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She wrote: "For the past 18 months Ive been suffering from Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), a condition that is 100% iatrogenic (meaning caused by medication; in this case topical steroids).

"I went into TSW when I stopped using steroids. TSW is not a choice; the steroids stopped working and worsened my initial condition (eczema).

"Steroids cause nerve and blood vessel damage I eventually had to stop working and move out of my apartment.

"Working with TSW was tough; it was so difficult to open my eyes in the mornings, I was weak, napping during my breaks, had swollen ankles, my clothes were sticking to my skin and showers would cause me to cry from excruciating pain I spent about 9 months limping/hunched over because the wounds on the back on my legs/body were so bad.

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"I spent several months bed ridden (not being able to sit) & oozing out of control, only getting up to use bathroom and wishing I would die because the pain and discomfort were unbearable, especially at night; when I would scream from pain.

"My mom would change my sheets and do laundry on a daily basis because my sheets would get wet from blood and ooze.

"I had to wake up to change my clothes every 2 hours; this was awful because it was difficult to move, my skin was extremely sensitive to air and I had intense chills. (During the summer I couldnt wear any clothes).

What is topical steroid withdrawal?

Topical steroid creams have been used to treat eczema for more than 50 years and, according to the National Eczema Association, remain among the most effective and widely used drugs in dermatology.

They tend to be prescribed to patients whose eczema has stopped responding to other treatments and management methods.

You're not supposed to use them continuously for more than two to four weeks, after which, patients are told to use them no more than twice a week.

TSW happens when you've used topical steroids too much and the skin then starts flaring up worse than ever the moment you stop using them.

Overuse of topical steroids can also lead to the thinning of skin.

Symptoms include:

Signs appear within days of stopping treatment

"The bed and the the floor would be covered with a disturbing amount of skin flakes everyday.

"Other symptoms included bone-deep itch, muscle twitching and hair loss.

"After 1 year of not working, I started working from home (minimum wage job - which was upsetting after having worked hard to obtain my DH degree).

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"Its been a year a half since I last worked as a dental hygienist and I miss it!

Thank you to those who have reached out for work opportunities, but Im still healing and not ready to return...

"During this process I obtained my health coaching certification and I cannot wait to work with more of you and be a part of your healing journeys".

More:
I had to quit my job after ditching eczema steroids my sheets were covered with blood & showers made me c... - The Irish Sun

Skin fissures are cracks in the skin that form due to intense dryness and thickened skin. Fissures can be shallow or deep, and they may bleed or be painful.

In addition to being uncomfortable, fissures can be a precursor to skin ulcers. For this reason, treating skin fissures before they worsen is important.

This article explores what causes skin fissures, how doctors can treat them, and how people can aid the healing process at home.

Skin fissures are cracked areas of skin. They can occur anywhere on the body but most commonly occur:

The visible signs of skin fissures include:

Skin fissures can cause pain because of the cut in the skin. Additionally, irritants can enter the fissure, causing more discomfort.

Skin fissures can be either superficial or deep. Superficial fissures are small cracks that do not penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, while deep fissures do penetrate the deeper layers.

Skin fissures develop as part of a progression of symptoms:

A variety of underlying conditions can contribute to this, which include the below.

The body relies on nutrients to maintain healthy skin. Inadequate food intake or nutrient levels can lead to skin disorders, including fissures.

Examples of nutrients that the body needs to maintain healthy skin include:

If a person has nutritional deficiencies, the skin may lose moisture or take longer to heal from wounds.

Skin conditions that cause inflammation, itching, and dryness can also make fissures more likely. These conditions include:

Treating or managing skin conditions can help reduce the risk of fissures. How doctors and patients approach this depends on the type and cause of the condition.

For example, if a person has eczema due to an allergen, avoiding the allergen or taking antihistamines may help. By contrast, treatment for psoriasis may involve medications or phototherapy.

Learn about the different types of eczema.

Fungal infections on the skin, such as athletes foot, can cause a dry, flaky, or itchy rash. This may increase the risk for skin cracking and fissures.

Those with diabetes are at greater risk for skin fissures on the feet, according to a 2017 study.

People with diabetes are vulnerable to nerve damage in the feet, which is known as autonomic neuropathy. This damage means the nerves are less likely to sense the need for the feet to sweat. The lack of sweating creates a very dry environment that can allow skin fissures to form.

Another potential cause of skin fissures is angiopathy, which refers to damage to blood vessels, including veins and arteries.

Doctors do not know why angiopathy increases the risk for skin fissures. However, if blood cannot reach certain parts of the skin, it may affect skin health and slow wound healing.

In addition to specific medical causes, factors in a persons lifestyle or daily routine may exacerbate dry skin, leading to fissures. These include:

Treatment for skin fissures can depend on how deep they are.

For superficial skin fissures, doctors may recommend a self-care regimen that encourages fissures to heal and prevents new fissures from forming.

This may involve:

People with athletes foot or other fungal infection may also require an antifungal cream, which they can buy over the counter.

While there are open fissures, people should use a suitable moisturizer 23 times per day.

A good moisturizer for areas of dry and cracked skin may include a number of active ingredients, such as:

For deeper skin fissures, doctors may use:

If a person has fissures on their heels, supportive insoles or heel pads may be necessary to reduce pressure on the skin.

If fissures are frequent, recurring, or do not heal on their own, a doctor may investigate whether an underlying health condition could be the cause.

Do not forcibly attempt to remove dry or thick skin at home only a qualified professional should do this. However, there are several things people can do at home to help fissures heal. These include:

In general, people can also follow these measures:

A person should seek help from a doctor if their skin fissures worsen or do not respond to home treatments. Early treatment can prevent fissures from turning into a skin ulcer, which is significantly harder to treat.

People should also speak with a doctor if they experience:

Skin fissures are cracks in the skin that typically occur in areas that get dry, thick, or calloused, such as the heels. Many factors can cause them.

It is important to treat skin fissures promptly. Deep fissures can develop infections or lead to ulcers. A doctor can provide dressings, ointments, and moisturizers to help fissures heal.

Go here to see the original:
Skin fissure: Causes, treatments, and how to heal - Medical News Today

People living with a chronic condition may feel as if it controls their lives. The discomfort, misery and pain some patients may feel both physical and psychological can keep them from living life to the fullest. Monitoring symptoms, taking medications and attending regular appointments can make managing a condition feel like a full-time job.

Many of the technologies we quickly adopted as a society to continue working and socializing during COVID-19 can make it easier for people with chronic conditions to access care and manage symptoms long-term.

The pandemic has contributed to flare-ups or a worsening in condition for many people living with chronic inflammatory conditions such as the 65 million1 around the world suffering from atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema), the 10 million2 living with an inflammatory bowel disease, and others. For this and other reasons, telehealth use in general has increased by as much as 4,000%3 in the U.S. alone since the onset of the pandemic.

Through our relationships with the patient community, we believe that many patients could find telehealth visits significantly reduce the time and disruption regular doctor appointments may cause in turn reducing the burden of managing their disease. Moving forward, we must advocate for policies that ensure continuity of care for patients that includes equal support for virtual and in-person options.

Read the rest here:
Technology has driven patient-centric innovationwe must keep it going if we hope to improve outcomes and quality of life - Modern Healthcare

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 1, 2021 /CNW/ - Sanofi Canada is very pleased to announce that Quebec has extended its listing of DUPIXENT (dupilumab injection) under the Rgie de l'assurance maladie du Qubec (RAMQ) to include public reimbursement for Canadians aged 12 years and older whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. The specific criteria for reimbursement are available on the RAMQ website.

"I would like to thank the Rgie de l'assurance maladie du Qubec for their partnership to extend its provincial listing of DUPIXENTto younger Quebec residents living with atopic dermatitis," says Marissa Poole, Country Lead, Sanofi Canada and General Manager, Sanofi Genzyme Canada. "In its moderate-to-severe form, atopic dermatitis can be a devastating condition to live with, and particularly impactful for adolescents. We support the extension of coverage and timely access to reach a younger age demographic to help them control and provide relief for this life-altering, often severely debilitating, chronic disease."

AD, the most common form of eczema, is an inflammatory disease classified by dry, itchy skin. In its moderate-to-severe form, it is characterized by rashes that can cover much of the body, and can include intense, persistent itching, skin lesions and skin dryness, cracking, redness or darkness, crusting and oozing.iInadequately controlled AD can have a physical, emotional and psychosocial impact, causing sleep disturbance, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and feelings of isolation.ii

"The signs and symptoms affecting young patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis have a strong impact on their quality of life and that of their families, which is often more difficult to bear in this age group," explains Dr. Danielle Marcoux, clinical professor at the Universit de Montral and the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Dermatology. "Access to a treatment that specifically addresses the underlying cause of this disease is a positive step in helping young Quebecers affected by moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis."

About DUPIXENT

DUPIXENT is a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the signaling of the interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) proteins and is not an immunosuppressant. Data from DUPIXENT clinical trials have shown that IL-4 and IL-13 are key and central drivers of the type 2 inflammation that plays a major role in AD.iii

Since its initial approval in 2017, DUPIXENT remains the only biologic medicine approved by Health Canada for the treatment of patients six years and older with moderate-to-severe AD whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. DUPIXENT is also approved in Canada for the treatment of adult patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and for the treatment of severe asthma in patients 12 years and older.iv

DUPIXENT is jointly developed by Sanofi and Regeneron under a global collaboration agreement.

About Sanofi

Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. We prevent illness with vaccines, provide innovative treatments to fight pain and ease suffering. We stand by the few who suffer from rare diseases and the millions with long-term chronic conditions.

With more than 100,000 people in 100 countries, Sanofi is transforming scientific innovation into healthcare solutions around the globe.

Sanofi entities in Canada employ approximately 2,000 people. In 2018, we invested more than $127 million in R&D in Canada, creating jobs, business and opportunity throughout the country.

Follow us on Twitter @SanofiCanada and on YouTube.

Sanofi, Empowering Life

References

SOURCE Sanofi Canada

For further information: Media Relations Contact: Marissa Smith, Tel: +1 (416) 892-2158, [emailprotected]

More here:
Quebec extends public reimbursement of DUPIXENT (dupilumab injection) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis to include adolescents...