As you known I suffer from eczema and have done since I was 18months old. For those of you who don’t really know what it is I thought I’d created a little fact sheet about it.
All the images used are of my skin!
WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema, in some cases also known as dermatitis, is a common and non-contagious skin condition. Its severity varies and it is characterised by patches of hot, itchy, scaly skin which may produce weeping blisters and a clear discharge. With repeated scratching, skin can become raw and bleed; thickening or discolouration of the skin may also occur.
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WHERE DOES IT APPEAR?
Eczema affects males and females equally and can be found anywhere on the body; although in young children it is most likely to appear on the face, inside elbows and behind the knees. Most prevalent during childhood and puberty, studies indicate that eczema is on the increase: a report by the University of Bristol showed that one in three children have suffered from it by the time they are three and a half years old, which represents a trebling of cases since the 1970s.
My doctor said I would most likely grow out of the severity of the ‘attacks’ but I still suffer greatly, even more so now (with no new reason why). My eczema can be found on my face, neck, arms and most recently my hands.
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WHAT TRIGGERS IT?
There is no specific single cause of eczema, though in some cases it is thought to be hereditary. Common triggers are:
- Allergies
- Stress
- Food sensitivity
- Side effects of drugs
- Reactions to washing detergents, soap, bath additives and house mite dust droppings
- Extreme weather conditions and central heating may also be contributing factors
I’m allergic to dogs and I now think to my cat, my eczema also does get worst when I’m stressed. I’ve tried looking into food sensitivities but haven’t found anything I’ve reacted too, most common sensitivity is to dairy products. I’ve been washing my clothes in the same detergent since my parents found out I had this skin sensitivity and have never had a reaction to it.
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REDUCING ‘ATTACKS’
With the correct treatment and management, the physical effects of eczema can be greatly reduced. A combined internal and external approach can work well, so attention should be paid to diet and supplementation as well as topical treatments. A range of treatments are available, of which emollients, antihistamines, topical steroids and wet wraps are the most widely used.
- a good place to begin is by trying to avoid potential stimulants
- Avoid using soap, perfumed shower gels or bubble baths. You can also bathe using a mild, non-drying emollient lotion recommended by your pharmacist.
- Apply an emollient frequently throughout the day; this not only keeps skin soft and supple, but also helps to disguise the appearance of flaking skin and can reduce severe chapping.
- For those with mild to moderate eczema, the soreness and itching can be calmed with a 1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment (a short-term measure to be used under the direction of your GP or pharmacist).
Vacuum bedrooms daily and dust with a damp cloth as house mite droppings can aggravate eczema. Regularly ‘air dry’ pillows and duvets, and vacuum mattresses monthly. Using a barrier between bedding and sleeper can also help and many sufferers report some improvement using Anti-Allergy Bedcovers/Pillow Cases. As detergents are such a common irritant, clean bed linen, towels and clothes without them on a hot wash, or try a detergent formulated for sensitive skins.
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