There are many different types of eczema; infantile eczema, which babies experience as an allergy that they usually grow out of, atopic dermatitis, which is the more persistent form, and contact dermatitis, a sensitive reaction to touching an allergic substance. Atopic eczema affects 15% of young children and is on the increase. Eczema feels itchy, hot, painful and dry. Moisturising is essential to help this discomfort. Many people find that certain food make their condition worse, and asthma sufferers often can predict an attack through a visible worsening of their skin. Sufferers often feel socially isolated by peoples response to their appearance and hence has many physiological side effects.

Eczema

There are many different types of eczema; infantile eczema, which babies experience as an allergy that they usually grow out of, atopic dermatitis, which is the more persistent form, and contact dermatitis, a sensitive reaction to touching an allergic substance. Atopic eczema affects 15% of young children and is on the increase. Eczema feels itchy, hot, painful and dry. Moisturising is essential to help this discomfort. Many people find that certain food make their condition worse, and asthma sufferers often can predict an attack through a visible worsening of their skin. Sufferers often feel socially isolated by peoples response to their appearance and hence has many physiological side effects.

Symptoms

Redness, flaking, cracking of the skin, Small red water blisters, Itchy, hot and sore, Repeated scratching leads to thickened wrinkled skin, Sufferers may also have atopic asthma or hay fever

Triggers

• Atopic dermatitis: Inherited tendency, Dust mite droppings, Grass, Pollen, Animals, Feathers, Some foods. br - Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Detergents, soaps, etc, Solvents, industrial chemicals, Repeated contact with water, Preservatives in creams and cosmetics br - Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Nickel, Perfume, Latex

Treatment

Steroid creams, Antibiotics if skin is infected, Chinese herbal medecine, Homeopathy, Sedating antihistamines to aid sleep

Tips for Success

• Avoiding known triggers

• Substitute cows milk for soya for infants with atopic eczema

• Regular application of moisturisers

• Use gentle cleaning products

• Avoid soap, bubble bath and harsh detergents

• Use bath oils and aqueous creams for cleansing

• If sensitive to dust mite allergen, use allergy proof bedding

• Wear non allergic gloves for household cleaning

• Wash all new clothes before wearing, avoid wool, tight clothing and elastic; chose cotton clothes instead.

• Pat or gently slap irritated skin. Do not scratch as this can lead to infection

• Keep fingernails short or put infants in cotton scratch mitts

-Try to avoid chronic stress, fatigue, and conflict

• Avoid pets: no cats, dogs, or birds.

• Avoid sunburn, try to keep skin cool as perspiration may irritate skin.

-Test sunscreen lotions before applying generally.

• After swimming in a chlorinated pool, shower immediately, pat the skin dry and apply lubricants.