Eczema / Dermatitis

Eczema/Dermatitis

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition. Usually, dermatitis is characterised by irritated, reddened, and itchy skin. Dermatitis comes in various forms, and can have numerous different causes. Exposure to irritants, existing allergies, stress, and genetic factors can all cause dermatitis.

Dermatitis is not contagious or an indication of ill health, but can cause great discomfort. At present, there is no cure for dermatitis, but many treatment options are available, along with prevention strategies.

Signs symptoms and diagnosis

General indications of dermatitis are swelling, itchiness, and redness.

Each form of dermatitis has distinctive signs and symptoms:

Atopic dermatitis is an inherited allergic condition; and is linked with hay fever and asthma. This type of dermatitis can be triggered by food allergies (such as wheat and dairy products), or by airborne allergens such as pollen. Atopic dermatitis is extremely itchy, and occurs in the bends of the elbows and knees, and also on the face.

Contact dermatitis is a localised irritation of the skin, which is caused by direct exposure to an irritant or allergen. Common irritants are detergents, laundry and skin soaps, and cleaning products. Likely allergens are rubber, perfumes, cosmetics, and metals such as nickel.

Seborrheic dermatitis (also known as cradle cap) is common in babies and appears as a red rash, and oily, yellowish scales. It is generally present on the scalp, behind the ears, and around the nose.  Seborrheic dermatitis is also common in people with oily skin or hair, and symptoms may vary according to the season of the year.

Neurodermatitis usually arises in areas where the skin has been scratched or rubbed, which leads to irritation. This can cause itching, which further aggravates the skin.

Stasis dermatitis is caused by circulation problems, usually in the lower leg. It is characterized by sore, scaly and ulcerated skin.

Nummular (or discoid) dermatitis occurs more frequently in older people who suffer from dry skin, or live in dry environments; and leads to red, itchy, circular sores. The skin may be flaking, weeping, or encrusted.

How to Treat Eczema

Treatment of dermatitis depends on the cause:

Atopic dermatitis.  Hydrocortisone creams and lotions can be used to ease signs and symptoms.  If the skin is an open wound, your doctor could prescribe wet dressings containing a mild astringent to prevent infection.

Contact dermatitis: Identify the cause of your irritation, and avoid it. Creams containing hydrocortisone can relieve redness and itching as will natural creams like apis derma. Wet dressings can also help, by providing moisture to the skin. Contact dermatitis can take 2 to 4 weeks to clear up.

Seborrheic dermatitis. You'll need to shampoo quite often, then carefully rinse your scalp afterwards. Commonly used shampoos contain tar, dithranol, salicylic acid and ketoconazole as the active ingredient. Hydrocortisone cream can be used to soothe your skin and relieve itching.

Neurodermatitis. The best treatment is using techniques to stop yourself from scratching your skin, to avoid further aggravation.  Hydrocortisone lotions and creams may help soothe your skin. Wet compresses can be used to give relief.

Stasis dermatitis: Wearing support stockings to help improve blood flow can reduce symptoms.

Nummular dermatitis: Soaking the area in salt water, then applying corticosteroid cream can help to alleviate symptoms.

For all types of dermatitis, the use of over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce itching.

The following measures can help to prevent dermatitis:

Bathe less frequently. When you do bathe, keep it short, and use lukewarm water.  Gently pat your skin dry with a towel after showering, and avoid rubbing the skin.

Choose mild soaps, and use soap only on your face, underarms, genital areas, hands and feet.

Cetaphil washes

Trilogy soap

Dermanew total Body experience

QV soap

QV wash

Moisturize your skin, preferable after bathing, while your skin is still damp.

Cetaphil moisturiser cream

Cetaphil moisturiser cream pot

Dermaveen moisturiser

Trilogy body lotion

QV moisturisng cream

Avoid scratching whenever possible.

Prevent irritation by wearing cotton clothing.

Avoid known irritants (such as harsh chemicals and cosmetics, wool carpeting and bedding).

Evening primrose oil and flaxseed oil starting on a high dose can help in reducing symptoms of dermatitis such as dry skin, itching and inflammation.

Malcolm harker liquid herbal formula 825 and formula 566 can also assist clearing the body of excema.

Email us for directions on how to take.

Taking Zinc supplements can assist with skin healing. put link to clinicians zinc.

Helpful Links

Eczema - www.everybody.co.nz

Eczema - Auckland Allergy Clinic

Dermatitis - DermNet NZ