ECZEMA CARE

What is Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis

Patients with eczema have a weak outer skin barrier, creating “holes” in the skin that leave it unprotected from moisture loss and irritants that can cause inflammation, which leads to scaling and itching. The skin becomes itchy and inflamed, causing redness, swelling, dry skin, weeping, cracking and scaling. Scratching can cause skin thickening and lead to further complications, like a bacterial infection.

The cause of eczema is unknown, but heredity and environmental factors play a factor. Eczema is a common, chronic (long lasting) skin disease that affects over 40 million Americans. Often, other allergic diseases such as food allergies, asthma and hay fever are associated with eczema.

Most often, eczema affects infants and young children – and can persist throughout adulthood. People who live in cities or drier climates also have a higher likelihood of developing the disease.

When To See A Doctor

Since eczema is a non-specific term for a variety of skin inflammatory diseases, only a doctor can properly diagnose the condition and advise on a treatment course. Also, there are many types of eczema which a doctor can distinguish.

Your doctor may perform a physical exam, take a personal and family history, perform a skin biopsy and might perform allergy skin testing in individuals who have symptoms of other allergic diseases.

Be sure to take your Talk To Your Doctor Guide with you to your appointment – to help provide your doctor with your list of symptoms.

The Importance of Skin Care

As the skin plays an important role as a protective barrier in keeping bacteria and other organisms in the environment from entering your body via the bloodstream, it is vital to establish a simple and basic skin care regimen:

Use dye free, fragrance free, low pH soaps and laundry detergents – these cause less irritation.
Use just one brand of soap/cleanser/moisturizer, as using multiple brands may cause further skin sensitivity.
Avoid hot baths and showers and keep water contact as brief as possible.
Do not scrub the skin, be gentle.
Within 2 minutes of bathing, immediately apply a moisturizer/body lotion to damp skin to help trap moisture in.
Frequent moisturizing 2 – 3 times daily is recommended. Moisturizers/body lotions should be free of alcohol, scents, dyes, fragrances and other skin irritating chemicals.
Protect the skin from high heat, excessive moisture, irritants and rough clothing.
Cold compresses/wet wraps may help to relieve itching.
Be sure to drink at least 6 – 8 glasses of water daily. Proper hydration helps your body work efficiently.

Try To Avoid These Environmental Triggers

In some instances, there is no reason why eczema flares up. However, some flare ups may be triggered or made worse by these irritants:

Aeroallergens – Allergens in the air are dust mites, pollens, molds and dander from animals. In particular, house dust mites can trigger eczema symptoms. Regular cleaning, encasing mattresses/pillows in special dust proof covers, removing bedroom carpeting and frequent hot water washing of bed linens will help.
Cigarette Smoke/Air Fresheners/Perfume – Can irritate the skin and should be avoided.
Clothing – Wool and other itchy fabrics can irritate the skin. Try cotton and other smooth feeling man made fabrics.
Cold, Dry Air with Low Humidity – Using a humidifier in your home will help during cold weather.
Colds & Flu – Cold and flu trigger inflammation, which can trigger eczema.
Dust/Sand – Can irritate the skin.
Food Allergies – Your doctor can test for food allergies that can trigger eczema. Immediate food allergy occurs within 2 hours of eating a trigger food. A common symptom is redness, swelling and irritation around the mouth accompanied with abdominal pain. A delayed food allergy occurs 6 – 24 hours after eating a trigger food, with symptoms of worsening eczema and abdominal pain.
Harsh Soaps/Detergents – Use fragrance free, dye free, low pH products designed for sensitive skin. After clothes are washed in detergent, rinse them well. Don’t use fabric conditioners, which can irritate the skin.
Hormones – Some women experience eczema flares when body hormones increase/decrease.
Irritating Chemicals – Certain ingredients/preservatives in skin care and cleaning products can irritate the skin. Even rubber or plastic gloves can irritate, so wear cotton lined gloves while cleaning to protect your hands. Air out dry cleaned items for at least 24 hours prior to wearing.
Juice Contact – Juice from fresh fruits, meats and vegetables can irritate the skin.
Pet Dander & Fur – Can irritate the skin.
Refined Foods/Sugar – These foods contribute to body inflammation, triggering eczema flares.
Rubbing/Friction Against the Skin – Avoid tight clothing.
Scratching the Skin – People tend to itch more when at rest or idle. While it is easier said than done, keep yourself and your hands busy to prevent the damage scratching can do. Wear gloves at night to help prevent scratching. Keep fingernails trimmed.
Stress/Nervousness/Anxiety/Depression – Under stress, the body’s stress hormones cause inflammation that irritates the skin. Practice stress management and relaxation techniques. Make your body healthy with regular exercise. Develop a support network of friends and family.
Sunburns – As sunburn inflames the skin, avoid the sun as much as possible and use a sunscreen.
Sweating – Make sure to shower as soon as possible after stress and physical activity to remove sweat. Also, avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon and rayon, which can make you sweaty.
Traffic Related Air Pollution – Living in metropolitan areas can trigger eczema.

Diet & Food Allergies Can Trigger Eczema

Certain foods may act as allergens and trigger eczema. The most common allergy causing foods are : eggs, peanuts, milk, fish, soy products, wheat. Changing the diet may be helpful, but it is recommended that the patient discuss any dietary restrictions with their doctor.

Numerous studies have discussed the possible connection between pH and inflammatory diseases such as eczema. The pH of normal skin is slightly acidic and is referred to as the acid mantle, which protects the body from bacteria. If the acid mantle is disrupted, the skin becomes susceptible. Check with your doctor to discuss whether a high alkaline food diet may be right for you.