ECZEMA
What is eczema?
Eczema, sometimes known as dermatitis, is a condition that leaves the skin scaly, dry and itchy. In more severe cases it can also be very painful. The exact cause of eczema is unknown; it is believed to result from a hyperactive response of our immune system to an irritant. It is not contagious so you cannot catch it from someone else, but it can be hereditary.
Types of eczema
Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema. It tends to flare periodically and then subside for a time. It can affect people of all ages but it is primarily seen in children, affecting 5-15% of UK children by the age of seven. Most children grow out it as they get older, but it is not possible to say at exactly what age the problem will go away.
Although we still do not know exactly why atopic eczema develops, research has shown that a combination of genetic and environmental factors play a part. Dry, itchy patches can appear on any part of the body, but it’s 
often found in the folds of the skin, such as the elbows, wrists and behind the knees.
Contact dermatitis is caused by touching products or chemicals that irritate the skin and in some cases, cause an allergic reaction. These can include nickel (in earrings, jewellery and coins), perfumes, and detergents. It affects 9% of the UK population and is the most common type of work-related skin disease (also known as occupational skin disease).
Seborrhoeic Eczema
Adult seborrhoeic eczema often occurs only on the scalp and face, but can extend to the chest and back. Symptoms include red, inflamed flaky skin. The cause of seborrhoeic eczema is not entirely clear but yeast called pityrosporum is found on the skin of people with seborrhoeic eczema.
Childhood seborrhoeic eczema often occurs in babies and is sometimes referred to as cradle cap. Its exact causes are unknown, but it’s found on the scalp and nappy area. It may look unpleasant, but is not usually itchy, sore or uncomfortable, and should clear up in a few months.
What causes eczema?
There are many things that may trigger an eczema flare-up or make your symptoms worse. These can include:
- Cosmetics
- Perfumes
- Stress and anxiety
- Climate changes
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Artificial fragrances such as scented shower gel
- Washing powders or fabric softeners
- Chlorine in swimming pools
- Dairy products and eggs
What’s the Treatment?
Keep skin hydrated by using bath oils, emollients, lotions, creams or ointments. They help by making the skin less dry and itchy, and subsequently more comfortable.
During an eczema flare-up, steroid creams applied to the skin can help reduce inflammation. Only use appropriately and under the supervision of your doctor.
Whilst complementary therapies are not a cure for eczema both homeopathy and acupuncture have both had a degree of success with it.
Read about acupuncture and eczema here.
Read about homeopathy and eczema here.
Tips from the National Eczema Society:
Certain lifestyle changes can help you manage eczema:
- Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine so your skin stays hydrated.
- Keep a food diary so you can see if any foods worsen or improve your eczema.
- Avoid soap which is drying to the skin, use a soap substitute.
- Apply emollients frequently.
- Bath in warm water not hot. Heat increases the itch. Bubble bath that contains detergent will irritate the skin. (Add a spoonful of oats to a stocking and hang it under the tap when you run a bath).
- After bathing apply emollient as this will help to trap the water under it and thereby aid re-hydration.
- Wear cotton or silk next to the skin. Wool and man-made fibres can irritate the skin.
- Eat a diet rich in essential fatty acids to help maintain the skin’s moisture levels and reduce skin dryness.
- Use non-biological washing powder. Avoid fabric conditioners.
- Eczema can flare up when you are under stress. Stress reduction techniques can help.
If you would like to know more about how the Earlsdon Practice can help you contact us here at the Earlsdon Practice by completing the form on our contact page