Eczema Explained

The first misconception about eczema, is how it is pronounced, says Dermatologist Lyra Yamat. The stress is on the first syllable, not the second one. It is also termed as Atopic Dermatitis or Skin Asthma. But more than the name, there are still other things that Filipinos should know about the skin condition. There are many other skin diseases that are often mistaken for eczema because of their appearance, such as psoriasis (red rashes covered with scales), ringworm, and fungal infections such as tinea. In the Philippines, eczema is often just considered as a simple rash and the simple solution often given is cosmetic lotions or creams, which do practically nothing to help.

Eczema is actually an umbrella term for a host of skin conditions, which are characterized by dry, red, scaly and itchy rashes either on the neck, elbows, back of the knees, scalp, wrists, and ankles. These can ooze fluid or form a crust -- as in the case of discoid eczema, a coin-shaped lesion usually found in adults that can "weep" from scratching; or the common cradle cap condition in babies, which has a grownup version called adult seborrhoeic eczema, which is often confused with dandruff.

But Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan knows how serious the condition is, as her daughter Hannah has been living with the itch and rashes for most of her life. "It's alarming how even the smallest everyday things, such as dust or sweat and the food that they eat can cause flare-ups," she shares. Since it affects primarily children, it can limit their extra-curricular activities, and they get teased by their peers, leading to self-esteem problems. If untreated, it can lead to intensely itchy rashes that make it difficult for them to sleep at night and can even become infected and cause scarring. The aftermath of eczema, as it usually goes away after childhood is equally unpleasant - thinning of the skin, and whitish, pimple-like lesions. There are a smaller percentage of adult sufferers, who also need to be cautious about their activities, as the intense itching and changes in skin appearance can get in the way of a productive life.

Those suffering from eczema usually inherits it, but the triggers can be multifaceted. Aside from dust and sweat, an attack can come from the food additive Yellow #5 (found in snack food), to chicken, caffeine, and citrus fruits. Since it affects kids, five years old and below, it can set boundaries on how they go out and discover the world. The condition improves with age, but adults who have outgrown it continue to have dry, sensitive skin, or have more localized episodes of eczema. One of these is an allergic reaction that produces coin-shaped patches with redness, itchiness and burning that is localized to the area of allergen contact. Emotional stress is a top trigger for adult eczema, along with fragrances, soaps, and laundry aids.

The sad fact is, according to Dr. Yamat, only 41% of sufferers are brought in for diagnosis. Those who feel that the rashes and itching do not warrant a doctor's visit often treat these with preparations that are not formulated particularly to manage eczema symptoms and, ultimately, prevent infection. Healthcare company MSD recently launched an educational campaign featuring Marical Laxa-Pangilinan and OTC medication Elica, to spread the good news that eczema sufferers no longer have to itch in silence.

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Eczema Explained