The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions. Eczema is most common in infants. Many people outgrow it by early adulthood. The condition tends to run in families.
People with eczema often have a family history of allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or eczema.
Symptoms may include:
Both the type of rash and where the rash appears can depend on the age of the patient.
In children younger than age 2, skin lesions begin on the face, scalp, hands, and feet. It is often a crusting, bubbling, or oozing rash.
In older children and adults, the rash is more commonly seen on the inside of the knees and elbows, as well as the neck, hands, and feet.
During a severe outbreak, rashes may occur anywhere on the body.
Itching, which is sometimes intense, almost always occurs. Itching may start even before the rash appears.
The following can make eczema symptoms worse:
Diagnosis is primarily based on:
The health care provider should examine the lesions to rule out other possible causes.A skin lesion biopsy may be performed, but is not always needed to make the diagnosis.
Allergy skin testing may be helpful for people with:
Taking care of your skin at home may reduce the need for medications.
Avoid scratching the rash or skin if you can:
When washing or bathing:
Other medicines that may be used include:
Eczema is a chronic condition, but you can control it with treatment, by avoiding irritants, and by keeping the skin well-moisturized.
In children, it often clears beginning around age 5 - 6, but flare-ups will often occur. In adults, it is generally a long-term or recurring condition.
People with eczema tend to have dry skin that flares up more in the winter, when the air is cold and dry.
Complications may include:
Studies have shown that children who are breast-fed are less likely to get eczema. This is also true when the nursing mother has avoided cow's milk in her diet. Other dietary restrictions may include eggs, fish, peanuts, and soy.
Eczema tends to run in families. Controlling stress, nervousness, anxiety, and depression can help in some cases. Keeping the skin well-moisturized and avoiding irritants is important.
Call for an appointment with your Dr. Tomi if:
Moisturizer:
This is a very important aspect of skin care. Apply once daily especially after bath and/or shower when the skin is still damp. Clinderm cream, Nivea, plain vaseline, vaseline cream, Dermabase, Cetaphil cream, and Glaxal base. Avoid products containing Lanolin, Vitamin E, fragrance and colour.
Soaps:
Use to areas only as necessary. Dove unscented, Cetaphil cleanser, spectro gel, Trisan, Allenbury's soap, Neutragena oatmeal, or dry skin soap.
Detergents:
vory Snow and Tide Free are usually safe; add vinegar and water to rinse cycle. Avoid fabric softeners and dryer sheets.
Shampoo:
if recommended, restrict to Nuetragena or Clinderm shampoo and conditioner.
Bathing:
A shower or bath may be taken but keep it short and avoid extremely hot water. No bubble baths. Pat dry and apply moisturizer or prescription afterwards.
Clothing:
Wear cotton as much as possible. Avoid wools or mixed synthetic fabrics.
For more information, please visit:
call us today: 709 753 5525