WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema or atopic dermatitis affects 1 in 3 Australians and can have a debilitating effect on a sufferer and their quality of life.
When you have very dry or eczema prone skin, the protective outer layer is more susceptible to damages to the skin barrier, meaning it loses moisture easily and can be more receptive to allergens, irritants, bacteria and environmental factors which can lead to red, dry, tight and itchy skin.
SYMPTOMS OF ECZEMA
Excessive skin dryness
Intense itching
Scaling – dry, rough and scaly skin
Redness/rash-caused by scratching and flare-ups
Sensitive skin – high sensitivity to irritants and allergens
Itchy skin
COMMON CAUSES
Identifying and avoiding your trigger or triggers are an important part of your eczema management plan.
IRRITANTS
Some things can make eczema worse. They are called
irritants. Over time, you’ll learn which things cause
problems for your skin.
Tips:
Wash new clothes before putting them
Use dye-free and fragrance-free detergents and avoid using dryer sheets
Use sunscreens made for sensitive skin
ALLERGENS
For some people, their skin gets itchy and inflamed
when they’re in contact with certain things, causing an
allergic reaction.
Tips:
Vacuum and wet-dust the bedroom floor and furniture frequently
Keep soft toys to a minimum
ENVIRONMENT
Extremes of temperature and humidity may trigger a
flare-up of eczema symptoms.
Tips:
Avoid getting too hot or too cold.
Maintain an even temperature and humidity in your home
FOOD
Some children with atopic eczema have a food allergy
which can make symptoms worse. In general, it is
young children with severe eczema who may have a
food allergy.
Tips:
If you suspect a food is making eczema symptoms worse, see your doctor. You may be asked to keep a diary to help identify one or more suspect foods.
STRESS
Stress doesn’t cause eczema, but stress, anger and
frustration can make symptoms worse. Stress can
also cause habit scratching. It is thought that
scratching can make itch worse, which makes you
want to scratch more, etc. This is called the itch-scratch
cycle and can make eczema worse.
Tips:
Keep your fingernails short.
Consider cotton gloves or mittens at night if your child tends to scratch in his/her sleep
DAILY CARE
Careful management of eczema prone skin can help reduce dry, itchy skin and prevent flare-ups. Proper bathing and moisturising are essential for the daily care of eczema prone skin. Moisturisers can help trap water in the skin, helping to keep the skin barrier intact and less likely to crack. It is important to continue a regular moisturising routine even when your child does not have a flare.
An effective skin care regimen can help restore and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, helping to prevent the recurrence of dry, itchy skin.
BATHING TIPS
Use lukewarm water to wash your child.
Use a mild, non-drying, fragrance-free cleanser.
Gently pat skin dry — don't rub.
Avoid body sponges and washcloths.
MOISTURISING TIPS
Apply moisturisers to wet skin
Apply prescribed medications first and then liberally apply moisturiser.
Consider using a moisturiser that is suitable for eczema prone skin to help reduce the itch and keep skin hydrated.
Reapply throughout the day
MORE TIPS
Keep your fingernails short
Wear open-weave, loose-fitting, cotton-blend clothing
Maintain an even temperature and humidity in your home
Wash new clothes before putting them on
Use dye-free and fragrance-free detergents and avoid using dryer sheets
Use sunscreens made for sensitive skin
As always, talk to your child’s doctor if you have any questions or concerns
TREATMENT
A health care professional will advise you on the best way to treat an eczema flare up, which will usually include an over the counter cream. Make sure you treat a flare-up as soon as possible to minimise the symptoms. However careful management of eczema prone skin can help to soothe dry, itchy skin