Eczema is a common skin condition which affects about 1 in 5 children, and 1 in 10 adults in Singapore. It is also known as atopic dermatitis, which is an inflammatory skin condition. This chronic skin condition is associated with dry, flaky skin and intense itching.
People with eczema have a defective skin barrier which makes them prone to losing moisture, allowing allergens and irritations in.
Causes of eczema
- Genetics
If both parents suffer from eczema, it is more likely that their child will have eczema.
Eczema is commonly associated with other conditions associated with allergens such as allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Exogenous factors
With a weakened skin barrier, people with eczema are more likely to develop reactions to irritants such as cleaning detergents, chemicals and after prolonged contact with water. Common triggers in the environment include dust mites, heat, humidity, and sweating. On the flip side, prolonged exposure to dry and cold climates may also cause a flare-up of eczema.
Endogenous factors
Some common exacerbating factors for eczema include stress, overexertion, poor sleep, acute illness, and certain foods. Persons with eczema are usually able to identify these triggers based on the patterns of acute flares.
Caring for your skin
Our skin is the largest organ of the body. It is important to keep it well hydrated and moisturised. People with eczema have a weakened skin barrier and are prone to losing moisture as a result. This causes dry, cracked, and itchy skin. We can protect our skin by adopting the following practices:
- Moisturising frequently and regularly
- Breaking the itch-scratch cycle
- Wearing cool, breathable clothing
Aside from moisturising, it is best to minimise putting our skin in situations where it would dry out, such as:
- Long hot showers
- Staying in cold and dry places for prolonged periods of time
- Using harsh chemicals and soaps
Source: https://eczemaless.com/reducing-eczema-flares-using-scratch-control-techniques/
Treatment of eczema
Topical creams
Steroids
There are many different strengths of steroid creams available, depending on the severity of your eczema. If a suitable steroid cream is used, it can get an acute flare-up of eczema under control within a short period of time.
Calcineurin inhibitors
These are a newer class of medications which help to mediate your skin’s immune response. These are commonly used in patients who are not responding adequately to topical steroids, or if the affected skin is not suitable for prolonged steroid exposure.
Antibiotics
If the skin is cracked, or is bleeding from scratching, there is potential for infection to occur. In such cases, topical antibiotics may be required.
Pro-active management
A lower strength steroid cream may be recommended for some patients after an acute flare-up is treated. This may help to prevent further flare-ups.
Oral medication
Antihistamines
A variety of antihistamines are available both over the counter and by prescription. These medications help in reducing the itching sensation which can be disruptive to day-to-day life.
Steroids
In severe and extensive flare-ups of eczema, oral steroid tablets may be required to get the situation under control.
Wet wrap therapy
This is usually reserved for treatment of severe eczema and to provide intensive hydration to the skin. Wet wrap therapy can also help to reduce itch.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, speak to your doctor via AllyTele for medical advice.