Eczema, or dermatitis as it is sometimes called, is a general term for skin conditions in which inflammation is a major feature. In some parts of the world, up to one fifth of school age children have eczema, along with many adults. Fortunately, many children with eczema find that the disease clears and often disappears with age.
Although it can sometimes look unpleasant, eczema is not contagious. Its cause is unknown; however, it appears to be an abnormal response of the body’s immune system. In general, dermatitis will come and go, often based on external factors. The condition may be minimized for many with proper treatment and careful avoidance of factors that trigger it.
What does eczema look and
feel like?
Eczema has been called "the itch that rashes," since the itch often occurs first; then when scratched, it results in the appearance of a rash. In milder forms, the skin is hot, dry, and itchy, whereas in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. It will look different from patient to patient. In some people, eczema may appear as an overall dryness of the skin, with redness and scaling; in others, the skin may actually split, leaving it prone to infection. When infected, the skin may “bubble up” and ooze. Application of Great Scott Medicated Skin Cream before infection occurs can help to maintain skin hydration and greatly reduce the length and severity of an outbreak.
In babies under one year
old, eczema is also referred to as cradle cap. It usually starts on the scalp or
diaper area, spreading to other areas. This type of eczema looks more unpleasant
than it feels to the infant. It is not sore and itchy, nor does it make the baby
feel uncomfortable or unwell. Normally this will clear in just a few months,
though the use of Great Scott Medicated Skin Cream can help to speed this along.
In older children and adults, eczema commonly occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. Constant scratching can cause the skin to thicken, leaving it with a leathery texture.
The causes of eczema vary
greatly, as do the types of the disorder. Eczema
is sometimes associated with asthma, hay fever, chemical irritants, and various
allergens. Rough or coarse
materials coming into contact with the skin may cause itchiness. For others,
feeling too hot and/or sweating may trigger an outbreak. Certain soaps,
detergents, disinfectants, contact with juices from fresh fruits and meats, dust
mites, and animal saliva and danders are some of the triggering factors. Stress
has been cited as another factor in some cases.
Preventing outbreaks of eczema can be relatively simple. Recognizing what things in particular seem to trigger a flare-up, and then avoiding these may help to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks. Reducing stress and avoiding sudden changes in temperature and humidity are also helpful preventive measures.
How can eczema be treated?
One of the most important components of an eczema treatment
routine is to prevent scratching. Because eczema is usually dry and itchy, the
most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin
as moist as possible. These treatments are generally most effective when applied
directly after bathing (within three minutes is a common recommendation) so that
the moisture from the bath is "locked in." Great Scott Medicated Skin
Cream works very well for "locking in" moisture. Great Scott
contains 30% glycerin, which, in itself, moisturizes. Cold compresses applied
directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itching. If the condition persists,
worsens, or does not improve satisfactorily, another effective treatment is the
application of nonprescription creams and ointments to reduce inflammation.
Alternatives to nonprescription corticosteroids include more
potent prescription corticosteroid creams and ointments, which are effective,
but may have some side effects. To prevent side effects such as skin thinning,
your doctor may limit the length of treatment time and locations where you can
apply treatment. For severe flare-ups, your doctor may prescribe oral
corticosteroids, but be aware that side effects including new flare-ups can
develop when treatment is discontinued (this treatment is not recommended for
long-term use). We recommend using Great Scott Medicated Skin Cream before
using the corticosteroids. If Great Scott isn't doing the job, then resort
to the corticosteroids.
Skin affected by eczema may frequently become infected. If
this happens to you, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to
kill the bacteria causing the infection.
What can be done for children with eczema?
Children are unique patients because it may be difficult for them to resist scratching their eczema, thereby making the condition worse. Fortunately, for mild to moderate cases, the application of Great Scott on a regular basis can be very helpful. And, in most cases, the eczema will disappear as the child ages. In the meantime, avoid as many eczema triggers as possible. Keep your child’s skin moist. After bathing, apply moisturizer within three minutes to retain the moisture in the skin. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Keep your child’s bedroom and play areas free of dust mites (a common trigger). Use mild soaps – both on your child’s skin and on your child’s clothing. Dress your child in breathable, preferably cotton, and clothing.
If these methods fail to help your child, you should seek further advice from a dermatologist. After consultation, it may be recommended that your child use a hydrocortisone cream or perhaps a prescription cream, ointment, antihistamines, or antibiotics. Regardless, most children will see improvement as time goes by.Additional Skin Disorder Research
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