Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition usually caused by allergies. It has been called "the itch that rashes" because the main symptom is intense itching. Itching leads to scratching, scratching damages the skin and causes a rash, the rash causes more itching which leads to more scratching which leads to more damage and so on. The damaged skin is susceptible to infection which continues the cycle of damage, itch, and rash.

About half of the people with atopic dermatitis either have or will develop allergic symptoms in the nose (allergic rhinitis) or chest (asthma). If you have atopic dermatitis, you should control your environment as best you can to avoid triggers. In children, food allergy often plays a roll. Identification of the allergens is very important. Allergy skin testing can be helpful in this process. A board certified allergy and asthma specialist is trained to evaluate and treat both adults and children who have atopic dermatitis.

Eczema Treatment

The key to treating eczema is to control the itching. Triggers that can make your itch worse are rough clothes, exposure to allergens (such as foods or dust mites), sweating, using irritating products (including soaps and lotions), local skin infections, or getting emotionally upset. There are several things you can do to control the itch:

• Avoid rough or tight clothing. Washed, breathable soft cotton is best.
• Wash new clothing several times before wearing.
• Use plain soap powder (not enzyme detergents) when washing clothes and be sure to rinse well.
• Avoid soap and baths as much as possible. Use soap substitutes.
• Take quick showers or baths with only slightly warm water.
• Apply a lubricating moisturizer after bathing while the skin is still damp. Apply the moisturizer several times a day to areas of the skin that are very dry.
• Antihistamines are nearly always helpful to control the itching and should be taken on a regular daily basis. This is one place where a sedating antihistamine taken at bedtime can be helpful.
• Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments applied to the areas of rash (as prescribed) will help control the rash and itching. These are also more effective if applied after washing while the skin is still moist. As the rash clears, decrease the use of cream. Potent steroids should never be applied to the face unless an allergist or dermatologist gives specific instructions. If you are not sure what your topical prescription is, ask your doctor.
• If the skin gets extremely red, or if pus appears, there may be an infection and you should see your doctor immediately. If you do not clear the infection, your skin condition will not clear.