Below, you’ll find must-know information about eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Eczema, the more common term for Atopic Dermatitis, is a chronic disease that causes skin irritation. This condition causes the skin to become chronically dry, inflamed, patchy, and itchy.
In some cases, eczema causes the skin to crack, creating lesions and spreading to the surrounding tissue.
If left untreated, it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and can lead to secondary skin infections if the skin is damaged due to scratching.
In severe cases, eczema can also cause sleep disturbance, stress, and anxiety, which can have a negative effect on a person’s overall well-being. Additionally, people with eczema may also have a higher risk of developing other health conditions, such as hay fever, asthma, and food allergies.
Eczema is not contagious. It is often hereditary and has links to an overactive immune system. Patients should seek medical attention if any of their symptoms persist or worsen.
Eczema may be hereditary. However, some kids grow out of it and never experience any symptoms as they get older.
Eczema can affect different areas of the body in varying degrees. The condition most frequently manifests itself on the face and neck of infants.
Eczema affects a wide area of the body, not just the face. The skin can be affected anywhere, including the elbow, knees, and extra fold under the eye. It is usually a reoccurring condition but can occur for many reasons.
Infants and young children are most likely to develop eczema because of a reaction to sodium in perspiration, which can lead to inflammation.
Irritants such as detergents, soaps, and perfumes can contribute to eczema flare-ups. Certain environmental chemicals and materials, including chlorine, sand, and alcohol solvents, can also contribute to this condition.
Certain foods can trigger eczema in some people, although it is not always the case. Some of the most common food triggers for eczema include dairy products, eggs, soy, wheat, nuts, and seafood. Food allergies and intolerances can cause the immune system to respond and lead to eczema flare-ups.
It’s best to talk to a doctor if there is a history of eczema in the family.
Treatments And Care
The most common treatment for eczema is the regular application of moisturizers and other forms of skincare. Making sure your skin is always hydrated can lessen dryness and itchiness.
For severe cases, it is best to get with your health practitioner, who can recommend medicated lotions that can help control itchiness and aid in skin restoration.
Your health practitioner can also recommend other treatments such as medications. These medications can vary. Some medicated products can be applied to the skin. Examples of such medications are ointments, creams, and gels.
Other medications can be taken orally. These include antibiotic pills for infection. Your health provider can also prescribe pills such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, azathioprine, mycophenolate, and prednisone to manage inflammation.
Therapies can also be considered to treat eczema. The application of wet dressings is a common therapy. This requires the patient to apply corticosteroid ointment to the affected area and seal it with gauze.
There is no single cure for eczema, but there are many treatments available that can help manage its symptoms and improve quality of life.
Here are some of the most commonly used treatments for eczema:
8. Topical Corticosteroids
Treatment for eczema that is both common and efficient is topical corticosteroids. They function by lessening swelling, itchiness, and redness of the afflicted skin.
Topical corticosteroids are available as creams, ointments, lotions, and gels in a variety of concentrations, from low to highly strong. The region of the skin that is affected and the severity of eczema will determine how strong a topical corticosteroid should be applied.
For instance, lesser topical corticosteroids may be applied to the face, whereas stronger topical corticosteroids may be used on skin that is thicker and more durable, such as the elbows or knees.
Topical corticosteroids should be applied lightly to the afflicted region of the skin one to two times per day. They should only be used as suggested by your healthcare professional and for the allotted amount of time.
Topical corticosteroids might have negative effects including skin thinning and stretch marks if used excessively or for an extended period of time.
Topical corticosteroids should be used in conjunction with a proper skin care regimen that keeps the skin hydrated and steers clear of irritants like harsh cleansers, hot water, and certain materials that can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
7. Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors
Medications called topical calcineurin inhibitors can be used to treat eczema. They relieve itchiness and redness on the afflicted skin by inhibiting the immune system.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors do not have steroidal effects and do not have the negative effects that can be brought on by prolonged use of topical corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation as their mode of action.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors are applied to the afflicted skin region once or twice daily and are available as creams and ointments. Tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus are a few of examples of topical calcineurin inhibitors (Elidel).
For people who are unable to use topical corticosteroids or who have experienced an adverse reaction to them, topical calcineurin inhibitors can be a useful alternative. They can also be used to treat mild to moderate eczema.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors can make the skin more sensitive to light, so it’s crucial to take them as prescribed by your doctor and to limit exposure to UV radiation, whether it comes from the sun or other artificial sources.
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