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Eczema & Dermatitis
Eczema, also called “dermatitis,” refers to several different rash-like conditions where the skin is inflamed, red and irritated. The most severe and long-lasting type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. During a flare-up, the skin becomes extremely red, itchy and scaly. This skin condition can be widespread, or confined to only a few areas on the body.
Eczema is not contagious, although if you have a family history of eczema, your risk for the disease increases. Generally, atopic dermatitis affects infants or young children and may last until the child reaches adulthood.
About Outbreaks
Eczema outbreaks are caused by an overreaction of your skin’s immune system to environmental and emotional triggers, such as temperature, chemicals, dust, mold or stress. While there is currently no cure, eczema sufferers can practice self-care at home to help reduce flare-ups.
Lifestyle adjustments are the best line of defense in controlling all types of eczema. Goals of treatment include reducing inflammation, decreasing risk of infection and alleviating the itch. Want to learn more about how to minimize eczema outbreaks? Learn more below!
Common Symptoms
The appearance and symptoms for atopic dermatitis will vary for each case. Intense itching is the most common sign of eczema, which can lead to severe discomfort and even loss of sleep. Other common symptoms of eczema include:
Minimize Outbreaks
To minimize symptoms and outbreaks:
Treatments
Topical steroids are the most common treatment for eczema flares. This is when eczema becomes red, sore and very itchy. Topical steroids are used in short treatment bursts and should be used in conjunction with emollients. Emollients for washing, cleansing and moisturizing are essential to a good skin care routine for treating and preventing dry and itchy skin. Emollients need to be used all the time.
Bleach Bath Protocol for staph colonization of the skin
- 1/4 cup household bleach in 1/2 tub-full of water
- Soak for 15 minutes
- Repeat once within the week
- If itching returns, you may restart the protocol
First-generation antihistamines like Benadryl or Hydroxizine can be helpful with controlling the itch associated with eczema or dermatitis, however, they will cause dizziness and/or drowsiness. This is especially worrisome if operating machinery or presenting a lecture at work. They are best used at night to relieve nighttime itching. They should not be mixed with other sedatives or muscle relaxers; and should be avoided if you suffer from high blood pressure, kidney or thyroid disease, or have difficulty breathing due to asthma or chronic bronchitis.
Second-generation oral antihistamines (such as Claritin) generally appear as a 24-hour non-drowsy single dose and while less effective for immediate relief, may be helpful in preventing outbreaks in those with seasonal allergies.
EUCRISA is the first FDA-approved topical prescription treatment for eczema in over a decade. It is a steroid-free ointment for people with mild-to-moderate eczema and can be used on all skin tones from nose to toes, for adults and kids as young as 2 years old. EUCRISA is for topical use only. Do not use in eyes, mouth, or vagina.
Skinade is a multi-award winning, natural peach and mangosteen flavored anti-aging collagen drink containing a patent pending formulation of active ingredients that boosts your body’s natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Skinade improves the way your skin looks and feels in as little as 30 days.
Eczema & Dermatitis
Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 615.279.5656.