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Eczema

Eczema is generally described as an inflammation of the upper layers of the dermis. Symptoms of eczema can be as vague as dry skin or mild redness, to severe symptoms such as crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing and even bleeding. Affected areas rarely scar, although temporary skin discolorations in the form of healed lesions are common. Eczema is not contagious and, at this point in time, there is no cure, but there are many effective treatments for the symptoms of eczema.

Contact dermatitis or contact eczema may affect your skin for two different reasons: allergic reactions resulting from an allergen such as poison ivy or nickel, and irritant reactions resulting from harsh detergents or other chemicals. Some substances act as both an allergen and an irritant, such as grass or wet cement, while other substances cause problems after sunlight exposure, resulting in phototoxic dermatitis. Contact eczema is curable as long as the irritant is removed or avoided.

Some forms of eczema, such as atopic eczema, are hereditary and often run in families who also suffer from asthma and hay fever. An itchy rash will appear on the face, scalp, neck, inside of elbows, behind knees and buttocks. Contact dermatitis is often misdiagnosed as atopic eczema, as the symptoms and areas of irritation are similar.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis, otherwise known as cradle cap or dandruff, may cause dry or greasy scaling of the scalp and eyebrows, as well as scaly pimples and red patches in various adjacent areas. Newborns often suffer from a thick, yellow, crusty scalp known as cradle cap. Cradle cap, like most other forms of eczema, is not technically curable, although the symptoms may be controlled until the eczema has cleared up on its own.

To diagnose eczema, a doctor often requires an insight to family history, explained dietary and lifestyle habits, allergic tendencies, prescribed drug intake and any chemical exposure at home or the workplace. There are many ways to determine if a rash is, in fact, eczema. Blood work is sometimes requested as sufferers of eczema often have increased levels of Immunoglobulin E, a class of antibody, or eosinophils, the white blood cells that combat infection and control mechanisms associated with allergies. Other ways of diagnosis are skin patch testing or skin biopsy. These types of tests are not always necessary, but they may be required if symptoms are excessive or unusual. For extreme cases of eczema, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic to provide relief from irritating symptoms.

Luckily for eczema sufferers, the treatments available are extensive and effective. Mild forms of eczema may be soothed by a strict moisturizing regimen, or even something as simple as removing harsh soaps, detergents and bubble baths that can strip the skin of its natural oils. Atopic dermatitis may also be controlled by changes in dietary habits. Food such as dairy products, coffee, soy, eggs, nuts and wheat have all been found to either cause or exacerbate atopic eczema.

Many skin care lines offer creams and ointments to relieve discomfort caused by all types of eczema. Mustela offers an entire line of eczema-relieving products formulated especially for the delicate skin of infants and children. These products, known as Stelatopia, work to hydrate and soothe the skin without causing harm to the baby’s sensitive complexion, providing relief without aggravating unaffiliated areas. For the more mature sufferers of eczema, Aquaphor Original Ointment, Prax Lotion for Itching Skin and DHS Clear Shampoo are all consumer favorites – and for good reason.

Look for highly moisturizing lotions, serums and other formulas that specify their use for eczema. Because eczema is so finicky, you should be very careful about the skin care and makeup products you apply to your face and body. Many makeup companies, such as Jane Iredale and Illuminaré, now manufacture products that are safe for your eczema-prone skin, and may even help to reduce the irritating symptoms. Natural botanical extracts, essential oils (especially lavender) and vitamins are all important nutrients that skin requires – especially dry, unhealthy skin.

And remember, just like your mom always said, don’t scratch! Scratching your poor, dry skin will only make things worse. Even though scratching usually will not spread your eczema to other areas of your body, it will only make your existing patches worse, and prevent the breakouts from healing. For intense itch relief, look for eczema-safe products containing menthol. Menthol is believed to lessen the body’s itch signals, resulting in less irritating itch-sessions.

Article posted 5/21/2007.

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Clear Shampoo by DHS $9.86

Lotion for Itching Skin by Prax Lotion $37.99

Stelatopia Moisturizing Cream by Mustela $18.00