Eczema: the facts

Eczema: the facts
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If you suffer from the dry, itchy skin and scaly red patches that are hallmarks of eczema, you’ll want to get the latest intel on preventing and treating this chronic inflammatory skin condition.

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How to tell it’s eczema

How to tell it’s eczema
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Know your symptoms. “Your skin becomes dry, itchy, and easily irritated, and there can be a rash with skin that is scaly and thickened,” explains dermatologist Jeffrey Benabio, MD. People tend to get the rash on certain parts of the body depending on their age. Common sites for babies include the scalp and face (especially the cheeks), the front of the knees, and the back of the elbows. In children, common areas include the neck, wrists, legs, ankles, the creases of elbows or knees, and between the buttocks. In adults, the rash often appears on the elbows and knees and on the nape of the neck, sometimes accompanied by a yellowish to light brown crust or pus-filled blisters.

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Scratching makes eczema worse

Scratching makes eczema worse
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Anyone who’s ever had hives or a mosquito bite knows how powerful the urge to scratch can be, but especially with eczema, it can lead to a vicious itch-scratch cycle. “The initial itch prompts the patient to scratch, which provides transient relief,” explains Steven Q. Wang, MD, director of dermatology and dermatologic surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New Jersey, USA. “However, the scratching motion creates micro tears in the skin barrier and triggers inflammation, which leads to more itch.”

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Eczema is not just skin-deep

Eczema is not just skin-deep
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You may see signs of eczema only on the skin, but it can cause other troubles in the body as well. In a 2015 study in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, researchers found that people with this type of atopic dermatitis, another term for eczema, are more likely to develop asthma and sensitivities or allergies to foods and airborne allergens. For example, some 50 percent of children with eczema are sensitive to cow’s milk protein. Then there are issues of not being able to fully flex parts of the body that are stricken by the rash – and of course the embarrassment some people feel at always having a rash on their body. “It is important to know that eczema is not only a skin condition,” Dr. Wang says. “It impacts sleep, concentration and overall well-being.”

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You’ll need to read ingredient labels

You’ll need to read ingredient labels
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You don’t want to just put any old soap or cream on skin that’s already inflamed. According to dermatologist Alejandra Vivas, MD, you’ll need to stick to a skincare regimen for sensitive skin – with the right products, topical steroids and other appropriate treatments. Here’s what you definitely don’t want in any skincare products, according to WebMD: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol, all of which can weaken the skin barrier, letting water out and irritating chemicals in; products with the preservatives methylparaben or butylparaben, which can exacerbate inflammation (look for natural preservatives like neem oil or grapefruit seed extract instead); and any products with fragrance, which can trigger flare-ups.

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Your skin is desperate for hydration

Your skin is desperate for hydration
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Eczema is a condition of excessive dryness, so it needs major moisturising. Dr. Vivas recommends moisturising several times a day to keep skin hydrated, especially after showering, while skin is still damp. “That’s when you’ll get maximum absorption,” she says. Dr. Vivas recommends ointment-like formulas such as Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment and Avene XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cream, a new product proven to significantly calm itch, decrease dryness and help rebuild the skin natural barrier. Dr. Wang recommends his own product, Dr. Wang Herbal Skincare Eczema Ointment Natural Repair, which he says can bring soothing relief for intense itch within an average of six minutes. To preserve skin moisture, don’t spend too much time in the shower (and feel free to skip the daily dip), as it can dry out your already dry skin. “To avoid a flare up, take one five- to 10-minute bath or shower daily in lukewarm water,” Dr. Vivas suggests. “And avoid scrubbing and unnecessary use of soap.” In fact, skip bar soap altogether in favour of a sensitive skin formula like CeraVe Eczema Soothing Body Wash.

You’ll want to switch up your laundry soap

You’ll want to switch up your laundry soap
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If you have eczema, your skin is so hyper sensitive that even the laundry detergent you use can trigger a flare-up. Dr. Vivas recommends choosing hypoallergenic detergents which are free of dyes, fragrances and irritating residues and still manage to get your clothes clean. “Fabric softeners including dryer sheets should be avoided,” she adds, as they’re chock-full of irritating fragrances and other chemicals. Don’t be surprised if some of your clothing, especially pieces manufactured with dark dye, also exacerbates your eczema.

You’re surrounded by triggers

You’re surrounded by triggers
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Many everyday items are known to make your eczema worse, and you’ll want to avoid them as much as possible. “Harsh soaps, shampoos, and cleaning products such as dish soap can make your eczema flare,” says Janet Prystowsky, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. “Allergens like pollen, mould and pets can also cause flare ups.” Stress can also worsen eczema, as can skin infections, certain temperature and humidity situations and fluctuations, dietary allergies and hormonal changes. “Some common food allergies associated with eczema include milk, eggs, wheat, fish and nuts,” Dr. Prystowsky says, “however, not everyone who has eczema will be triggered by a food allergy.”

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Genetics can play a role

Genetics can play a role
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If you or a member of your family has eczema, others may develop it too, as the condition seems to have a genetic component. In identical twins, 77 percent will both have eczema, but it affects both fraternal twins only 15 percent of the time, according to an article in New York Times. Another indication that eczema is genetic is the fact that people with coeliac disease (an inability to digest gluten properly) are three times more likely to have eczema; and relatives of coeliac patients are twice as likely to have eczema.

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You don’t have to suffer from eczema

You don’t have to suffer from eczema
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Successful clinical trials have seen the release of a new eczema drug, dupilumab, that helped ease test subjects’ eczema-related itching within two weeks and cleared it entirely within a few months. Some participants in the study, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, reported almost instantaneous relief. The drug works by blocking two molecules of the immune system that are overproduced in patients with eczema and other allergic diseases. There are also other preparations to control the symptoms. Your dermatologist might prescribe topical creams and ointments that minimise the inflammation, and other topical creams and ointments that help repair the skin barrier defects letting water out and allowing chemicals to come in. You might also be prescribed antibiotics to address any bacterial overgrowth (staph infection), according to Fayne Frey, MD, a dermatologist and dermatological surgeon. Anti-itch medications can also help, your doctor may recommend antihistamines to relieve the itch and an Rx like Prednisone to relieve inflammation.

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Source: RD.com

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