Page 40 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

38 COMMON CONDITIONS: SKIN, HAIR, AND NAIL PROBLEMS

Eczema

Eczema causes patches of dry, intensely itchy skin, which usually
appear on the face, hands, wrists, and scalp, and in the creases
of the knees and elbows. Repeated scratching may leave the skin
cracked and open to infection. Eczema is often linked to allergies
and asthma. It usually develops in infancy and disappears by
the early teenage years, but adults may have relapses triggered
by factors such as stress, dust mites, and some foods.

See also Stress, pp.20–21; Hay fever, p.80; Food intolerance, p.113. Eczema on the inside of an arm

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor even
if you are fairly sure that you have eczema. Moisturizers (see p.187) can be used
instead of soap for washing. Rub water-based cream
or ointment on your skin, rinse well, and pat yourself
dry. Apply water-based cream liberally to patches
What you can do yourself
of eczema throughout the day.
Although there is no cure for eczema, you can take Antihistamines (see p.178) relieve itching;
these steps to help control the symptoms. the sedative brands will also help you sleep.
● Bathe only once a day using warm not hot water, Hydrocortisone cream (see p.184)
and don’t use perfumed bath products. Use a can be used for eczema but for no longer than a
moisturizer instead of soap or add an oatmeal oil to week. Apply sparingly, and not to your face unless
the bath (see NATURAL REMEDIES, right). Immediately your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not use the
afterward, apply oil (olive, almond, sesame, or cream on children under 2 without medical advice.
jojoba) or petroleum jelly to soften and seal
moisture into your skin. Apply moisturizer
generously throughout the day to the affected
areas (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). PREVENTION
● Trim your nails or put on cotton gloves at night Avoiding triggers Certain factors can
to prevent scratching. Try taking a sedative trigger eczema. Try to avoid any that affect you.
antihistamine to relieve itching and help you ● Wear cotton-lined rubber or disposable gloves when
sleep (see DRUG REMEDIES, right). using chemicals such as detergents and dyes.
● Reduce allergens in your home (see p.103).
● Wear cotton clothing next to your skin and
● If you suspect that certain foods trigger eczema, try
avoid synthetic fabrics and wool. Wash clothes excluding them temporarily (see p.113). Consult a doctor
in non-allergenic laundry soaps, and rinse them or nutritionist before eliminating foods from a child’s diet.
well afterward.
● For small, resistant patches of eczema, use a
mild hydrocortisone cream to relieve inflammation
(see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
Seek further medical advice
Arrange to see your doctor again if:
● The eczema is not improving with treatment
after a week, or is red, weepy, hot, or painful