ECZEMA / ATOPIC DERMATITIS
What is eczema?
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, dry and flaky skin. Another term for eczema is “atopic dermatitis.”
What are the symptoms of eczema?
- Severe itching
- Redness
- Small bumps
- Dry scaling skin
Eczema can look different in people of different ages and different skin types:
- In babies, eczema affects the front of the arms and legs, cheeks, or scalp.
- In older children and adults, eczema often affects the sides of the neck, the elbow creases, and the backs of the knees.
- Adults can also get it on their wrists, hands, forearms, and face.
- In older children and adults, the skin can become thick and dark, and can even form scars from too much scratching.
- In darker skin types, eczema may present as multiple small bumps.
How can I treat my symptoms at home?
Use unscented thick moisturizing creams and ointments for dry skin.
Avoid triggers that can exacerbate eczema, such as:
- Being too hot or sweating too much
- Being in very dry air
- Harsh soaps or cleaning products
- Perfumes
- Wool or synthetic fabrics (like polyester)
Medical treatment for eczema.
Using regular moisturisers and avoiding triggers may not be enough to control your eczema.
The medical treatments for eczema include:
- Moisturizing creams or ointments
- Steroid creams and ointments
- Medicines that change the way the immune system works
- Light therapy
- Prescription systemic therapies
About half of children with eczema grow out of it by the time they become adults.
Can eczema be prevented?
Babies who have a parent, brother, or sister with eczema have a higher risk of getting it, too.
In these babies, using moisturizing creams or ointments (starting right after birth) might help prevent eczema during the first year.