CONDITIONS
ECZEMA
What is eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition where patches of the skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough, which may cause blisters to occur.
What causes eczema?
It is more likely to develop in children if their parents and or siblings had the condition or another atopic disease such as atopic dermatitis, asthma or allergic rhinitis and hay fever. Late-onset eczema usually affects individuals after puberty, and in some people, eczema can develop much later in life. People with eczema generally have an impairment in their skins ability to withhold water, leading to dry and scaly skin. Patients with eczema generally suffer from persistent, severe itching of the skin, which impacts the quality of life of the affected individuals. Other factors that cause or worsen eczema in predisposed individuals include:
- Irritants such as soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, skin infections and low or high humidity.
- Allergens such as dust mites, pets, pollen, and mould
- Certain foods such as dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products and wheat.
- Microbes such as viruses, certain fungi and bacteria.
- Hormonal changes which may happen during pregnancy and menstruation.
What are the related symptoms?
Eczema symptoms include:
- Rashes which commonly appear on the neck, elbow or the knees
- Redness on the affected area
- Itchiness
- Very dry skin
- Rashes which may cover much of the body
- Skin infections
The appearance of the symptoms depends on how much you scratch the affected area as this may further irritate your skin and increase inflammation, making itchiness worse.
What are the possible treatment options for eczema?
Eczema is a chronic itchy skin condition which is not curable, but with appropriate counselling on the causes and explanation of the measures to undertake to avoid flares, all the symptoms and signs of eczema can be managed. A bath/soap substitute together with a moisturizer, will be recommended by Dr Ndongeni.
The dermatologist will also prescribe topical corticosteroid creams and ointments, which should be applied directly on the skin to relieve the symptoms such as skin inflammation and itchiness. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed if your eczema is complicated by skin infections, antiviral and antifungal medications to treat fungal and viral infections, and antihistamines to reduce the risk of nighttime scratching.
Treatment varies in each case, but the goal remains the same: maintain the health of the skin, reduce flare-ups and minimise the risk of future occurrences.
Eczema isn't usually painful. Itching can be severe, and scratching too much can damage the skin, resulting in painful sores. The eczema spots may become painful if the exposed wounds become infected.
Eczema is a chronic condition. It, therefore, cannot be cured. On the other hand, treatments are quite successful in alleviating itchy, dry skin sensations.
Everyone is affected differently by eczema. The triggers of one person may differ from those of another. Eczema symptoms may appear at different times of the year or in different parts of your body. An eczema flare can emerge sometime after exposure when looking for potential factors. Some triggers can be difficult to notice due to the lag period. Dry skin, allergies, irritants, and stress are all common triggers.
