Eczema is a relatively common skin condition, but a terribly frustrating one to treat. However, it doesn't have to be. Dr. Schultz explains how to treat eczema. www.dermtv.com Become a fan on facebook www.facebook.com
Monday, December 26, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Eczema in Babies - How to Treat Them
Very little of the literature for new mothers addresses eczema in babies. After all, eczema doesn't fit in with the picture of the dewey, glowing baby all new parents imagine. Eczema in babies is fairly common though, and not too difficult to understand and treat.
Eczema is dry, scaly, itchy skin that appears irritated. Although not contagious, eczema can become infected if scratched. Infants can develop eczema almost anywhere, but behind the knees and elbows, and on the face, neck and belly are the most common sites. Eczema in infants tends to become crusty and weepy.
Treating your baby's eczema can be relatively simple. Since eczema tends to rob the affected skin of moisture, keeping the skin adequately moisturized is the most important aspect of treatment. Limiting baths to two to three a week helps to keep the skin moist, and using a very mild soap like Aveeno, Dove or Cetaphil is important. Avoid anything with perfumes or dyes. Pat the skin dry, never rub, and immediately apply a thick moisturizer. Aquaphor and Eucerin are often recommended, but any mild, unscented, thick lotion will work.
Many doctors recommend that lotions be applied four or five times daily to help keep the skin moist.
If the skin is irritated and red, a mild topical steroid like 1% hydrocortisone cream may be prescribed by your doctor to reduce inflammation. Many doctors and parents advocate putting socks or mittens over a baby's hands to keep them from scratching affected skin.
Eczema should be carefully monitored for signs of infection. Any open, weeping or warm areas should be immediately treated, and your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to keep the infection under control.
Although often very frightening for new parents, eczema in babies can be managed with careful monitoring and constant moisturizing. Fortunately, many babies grow out of eczema by age five with no long lasting effects.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Eczema Skin - How to Stop Scratching the Itchy Rash
One common characteristic of people with eczema skin is that the red inflammation, bumps and patches are very itchy. Scratching an itch seems instinctive and we do this often unconsciously when we have mosquito bites and dry skin. When there is an eczema dermatitis problem, alternatives to scratching are very important. This is especially something necessary for working with children suffering from this skin condition. A child's impulse control is much weaker than an adult's and children often pick at scabs, peel dry skin and are fascinated with any imperfection. If you are using a cortisone cream, apply this at a different time of the day than the moisturizer.
The first line of defense for itchy eczema eruptions is to be sure that during tough times an antihistamine is taken. At night, this will allow for sleep and help the body keep up it's immune system. If you or your child has an allergic reaction causing the rash and patches it is important to strengthen your immune system. During the day there are milder antihistamines that won't cause drowsiness which can be taken and are useful for the steadiness and focus needed for work and school.
Moisturizing with coconut oil, aquaphor, olive oil and other emollients is important to treat dermatitis. Be sure to put this on after a bath or shower before the skin has a chance to dry out. Hot water can dry the skin so take care the water you use is warm instead. Oatmeal baths are gentle on the skin and will also give a few hours of itch relief. There are products on the market with oatmeal or you can design your own using rolled oats. Avoid using anything abrasive on the skin and after the shower or bath put on cotton clothing. Wool and other fabrics can be scratchy and irritate raised skin problems.
Practice slow breathing taking ten to fifteen seconds to inhale. Hold or suspend the breath for ten seconds and then slowly exhale for ten to fifteen seconds. This has a calming effect on the mind and helps cultivate clarity. You can teach this to your child if your child has a problem with atopic eczema or another form of dermatitis.
Cold compresses can be used throughout the day. Coolness feels good on the skin and will help to relieve the reaction response. Avoid too much sun and keep a food journal of ingredients that may be causing an allergic reaction. Taking these steps will help the eczema skin heal, avoid a bacterial infection due to scratching and allow the body to heal.
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