Eczema is an itchy inflammatory condition in the skin which is long-standing and may be accompanied by other atopic/allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever and allergic rhinitis. It is commonly known as the itch that rashes and may affect any area of your skin.

However these itchy patches are typically seen in hands, elbows and “bending” areas such as inside the elbows and back of the knees. It tends to flare-up periodically and then subsides. The cause of eczema is unknown but it may result from a combination of inherited tendencies for sensitive skin and an undue activation of the immune system. Daily Mirror Life spoke with Dr.K.K.W.Perera to gain some understanding of this disease.

 

What are the symptoms of eczema?

The signs and symptoms of eczema include:

Red to brownish–gray colored skin patches

Itching, which may be severe especially at night

Small raised bumps which leak fluid and crust over

Thickened cracked scaly skin

Thinned out raw skin from scratching

Its’ course takes a vicious cycle where scratching the rash can make the itching and inflammation worse, and once the skin barrier is broken the area can become infected with bacteria. Breaking this itch scratch cycle can be quite challenging.

 

What causes eczema?

While the exact cause is not known it’s widely thought to be due to a combination of dry, irritable skin with a malfunctioning immune system. But most experts believe that it has a genetic basis. It has been connected with asthma and hay fever, but that theory is being questioned since all people with asthma and hay fever don’t have eczema and vice versa. But however certain factors can make it worse they are:

 

Dry skin

Long hot baths or showers

Stress

Sweating

Rapid changes in temperature

Low humidity

Certain soaps, fragrances, creams etc.

Certain fabrics eg-wool

Dust and sand

Cigarette smoke

Pollution

Certain foods such as eggs, fish, milk, peanuts etc.

 

What are the complications of eczema?

 

Neurodermatitis-This is a leathery, thickened patch of skin secondary to scratching and as the skin thickens the scratching increases causing further thickening and so a vicious cycle is set up.

Skin infection-Sometimes scratching can break the skin and cause open sores that can become infected.

Eye complications-Eczema  around the eye area causes itching in and around the eyelids causing eye watering,

inflamed eyelids and lnner lining of them(conjunctivitis)

What tests can be done to diagnose eczema?

There is no test to definitively diagnose eczema. Instead it’s typically diagnosed based on an examination of the skin and a review of your medical history.

 

What is the treatment available?

 

The treatment for eczema aims at reducing the inflammation, relieving the itching and preventing future flare-ups. Over the counter medication and other self-care measures may help control mild eczema.

Corticosteroid creams or ointments that the doctor recommends will ease the scaling and relieve itching.

Antibiotics might be needed if you have a bacterial skin infection or an open sore formed by scratching.

Oral antihistamines may be used if itching is severe. Oral or intramuscular corticosteroids are given by your doctor in more severe cases of eczema, these medications are effective but can cause serious potential side effects like cataract, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, decreased resistance to infections, high blood pressure and thinning of skin when used for long term.

As was mentioned earlier self care measures such as avoiding soaps and cosmetic creams with fragrances, dyes and applying moisturizer, baby oil on your skin can reduce the flare ups as well.

 

What are the life style alterations to be made in our day to day life to prevent eczema?

 

Try and identify and avoid the triggers that worsen the inflammation such as rapid temperature change, sweating, wool products, certain soaps and detergents as well as stress.

Avoid scratching as much as possible, trimming nails might also help minimize the damage from scratching.

Apply an over the counter hydrocortisone cream when flare-ups occur and apply oil or moisturizer on a daily basis to areas which are highly prone to breakouts.

Choose mild soaps without any dyes or fragrances and rinse it off completely afterwards.

Avoid towels/clothing that is tight rough and scratchy to avoid skin irritation and wear appropriate clothing during exercise and hot weather to prevent sweating.
 

 

                                                        
(By Samurddhi Tillekeratne)