Prevent Eczema - Treatment tips

Eczema is a general name for skin conditions that vary from red swollen tissues to even broken or bleeding dry sores. It is not dangerous, but most types cause red, swollen and itchy skin. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. Although eczema may look different from person to person, it is most often characterized by dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin. It occurs in adults and children, but most often appears on babies. Small blisters may be seen in active eczema but occasionally large ones may occur, either due to the particular nature of the eczema or because of skin infection coming along as well when the blisters may be filled not only with clear fluid but also pus. Eczema is a very common condition, and it affects all races and ages, including young infants. Allergies to animal dander, rough fabrics, and dust may also trigger the condition in some people. Eczema can't be cured, but there are plenty of things you can do to prevent a flare-up.

Eczema is usually related to a history of hypersensitivity or reaction in the body similar to an allergy. Eczema is divided into a small number of subgroups based largely on the factors that may be most important in causing eczema in any one individual, but it is important to recognise that the symptoms and appearance of the skin in all these types can be exactly the same. Eczema often affects the skin in areas around joints such as the elbow, behind the knees and in front of the ankles where the skin also needs to be particularly flexible. Excessive sweating can aggravate eczema - especially skin rashes near the joints, under the breasts and any other body areas where the skin folds on itself. Obesity greatly increases the chances of excessive sweating and skin fold rashes, so weight loss may help reduce symptoms. The skin of areas of eczema that have been inflamed for a while are usually much thicker than unaffected skin. Mainly this occurs as a protective response of the skin to the repeated trauma of scratching.

People with eczema also may have asthma and certain allergies, such as hay fever. You are more likely to have eczema if you have a family history of the condition. Other less common types of eczema are seborrhoeica, which affects the scalp and eye-lashes as a severe form of dandruff; and discoid eczema, which causes circular patches of eczema over the body. Skin affected by eczema may frequently become infected. If this happens to you, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. One of the most important components of an eczema treatment routine is to prevent scratching. Because eczema is usually dry and itchy, the most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible. Alternatives to nonprescription corticosteroids include more potent prescription corticosteroid creams and ointments, which are effective, but which may have some side effects. To prevent side effects such as skin thinning, your doctor may limit the length of treatment time and locations where you can apply treatment.

Prevention may include:

1. Brush your skin rapidly with the palms of your hands, or gently pat your skin dry with a towel after bathing.

2. Use only certain soaps or synthetic detergents. Choose mild soaps, such as Basis, Dove or Oil of Olay, that clean without excessively removing natural oils.

3. Seal in moisture, while your skin is still damp, with an oil or cream. Pay special attention to your legs, arms, back and the sides of your body.

4. Use soap only on areas where it is necessary.

5. Never rub your skin dry, or else your skin's oil/moisture will be on the towel and not your body.

6. Avoid scratching when you itch. If you can not stop yourself, then gently rubbing, with the flat of your hand, is less likely to do damage.

7. Avoid exposure to chemicals and strong detergents. It is usually better to avoid using biological agents altogether.

Treatment may include:

1. Antihistamines to reduce inflammation and itching.

2. Keep the skin moist with lotions and ointments to reduce symptoms.

3. Mild neutral soaps are recommended as needed, and bubble baths should be avoided.

4. Topical ointment for lesions that are oozing or extremely itchy, including mild anti-itching lotions or topical steroids.

5. Oral steroids, such as prednisone, for severe cases of eczema or inflammation.

6. A steroid cream or ointment is usually used to calm down flare-ups. Since these are often triggered by the staphylococcus aureus bacteria, an antibiotic cream can be combined with the steroid as a convenient combination treatment.

7. Sometimes antibiotics or skin wraps are necessary.