Eczema causes patches of dry, intensely itchy skin, which usually appear on the face, hands, wrists, and scalp, and in the creases of the knees and elbows. Repeated scatching may leave the skin cracked and open to infection. Eczema is often linked to allergies and asthma. It usually develops in infancy and disappears by the early teenage years, but adults may have relapses triggered by factors such as stress, house dust mites, and some foods.
See your doctor first
Make an appointment to see your doctor even if you are fairly sure that you have eczema.
DRUG REMEDIES
Moisturizers can be used instead of soap for washing. Rub aqueous cream or emulsifying ointment on your skin, rinse well, and pat yourself dry. Apply aqueous cream liberally to patches of eczema throughout the day.
Emollient bath additives contain a light liquid paraffin that soothes and cleans the skin. Soak in the bath for 10-20 minutes and pat yourself dry gently to keep the emollient on your skin.
Antihistamines,in liquid form for children and as tablets for adults, relieve itching; the sedative brands will also help you sleep.
Hydrocortisone cream can be used for eczema but for no longer than a week. Apply sparingly, but not to your face unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not use the cream on children under 10 without medical advice.
PREVENTION
Avoiding triggers Certain factors can trigger eczema. Try to avoid any that affect you.
* Water cotton-lined rubber or disposable gloves when using chemicals such as detergents and dyes.
* Follow practical advice on reducing allergens in your home.
* If you suspect that certain foods trigger eczema, try excluding them temporarily.Consult a doctor or dietitian before eliminating foods form a child’s diet.
What you can do yourself
Although there is no cure for eczema, you can take these steps to help control the symptoms.
* Bathe only once a day using warm not hot water, and don’t use perfumed bath products. Use a moisturizer instead of soap or add an emollient bath additive to the bath. Afterwards, apply moisturizer to soften and seal moisture into your skin. Reapply it generously throughout the day to the affected areas.
* Trim your nails or put on cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching. Try taking a sedative antihistamine to relieve itching and help you sleep.
* Wear cotton clothing next to your skin and avoid synthetic fabrics and wool. Wash clothes in non-biological soap powders, and rinse them well.
* For small, resistant patches of eczema, use a mild hydrocortisone cream to relieve inflammation.
Seek further medical advice
Arrange to see your doctor again if:
* The eczema is not improving with treatment after a week, or is red, weepy, hot, or painful
See your doctor first
Make an appointment to see your doctor even if you are fairly sure that you have eczema.
DRUG REMEDIES
Moisturizers can be used instead of soap for washing. Rub aqueous cream or emulsifying ointment on your skin, rinse well, and pat yourself dry. Apply aqueous cream liberally to patches of eczema throughout the day.
Emollient bath additives contain a light liquid paraffin that soothes and cleans the skin. Soak in the bath for 10-20 minutes and pat yourself dry gently to keep the emollient on your skin.
Antihistamines,in liquid form for children and as tablets for adults, relieve itching; the sedative brands will also help you sleep.
Hydrocortisone cream can be used for eczema but for no longer than a week. Apply sparingly, but not to your face unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not use the cream on children under 10 without medical advice.
PREVENTION
Avoiding triggers Certain factors can trigger eczema. Try to avoid any that affect you.
* Water cotton-lined rubber or disposable gloves when using chemicals such as detergents and dyes.
* Follow practical advice on reducing allergens in your home.
* If you suspect that certain foods trigger eczema, try excluding them temporarily.Consult a doctor or dietitian before eliminating foods form a child’s diet.
What you can do yourself
Although there is no cure for eczema, you can take these steps to help control the symptoms.
* Bathe only once a day using warm not hot water, and don’t use perfumed bath products. Use a moisturizer instead of soap or add an emollient bath additive to the bath. Afterwards, apply moisturizer to soften and seal moisture into your skin. Reapply it generously throughout the day to the affected areas.
* Trim your nails or put on cotton gloves at night to prevent scratching. Try taking a sedative antihistamine to relieve itching and help you sleep.
* Wear cotton clothing next to your skin and avoid synthetic fabrics and wool. Wash clothes in non-biological soap powders, and rinse them well.
* For small, resistant patches of eczema, use a mild hydrocortisone cream to relieve inflammation.
Seek further medical advice
Arrange to see your doctor again if:
* The eczema is not improving with treatment after a week, or is red, weepy, hot, or painful
