Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic pruritic inflammation of the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis and dermis) that is often associated with mild to moderate autoimmune disorder (elevated serum level of immunoglobulin E) and a personal or family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. This skin problem normally causes itchy, dry, scaly and red skin.
The Difference Between Adult Eczema And Children’s Eczema
It affects approximately 20% of children around the world. Intense itching of the skin, red patches and skin flaking are the most common symptoms.
In infants, eczema often affects the cheeks, arms, legs and scalp. However, the diaper area is usually not affected.
In children and adults, the symptoms often develop on the face, neck, forearms, knees, wrists, elbows and ankles.
Due to repeated scratching, the skin may become thickened, darkened or even scarred.
Children cannot grow out of eczema. Eczema is a chronic skin condition so it is not curable, but the symptoms can be controlled with a variety of self-care management and drug therapy.
Most infants and children have no symptoms over many years and most of the symptoms naturally improve as they grow older.
It is harder to manage eczema in children as compared to adults. As most children do not know how to express their feelings and parents need to spend more time to take of children with eczema to make sure they apply and administer the medication and/or creams correctly.
Other than that, due to lack of self-care abilities, children are easily exposed to allergens which might worsen the condition of their eczema.
How To Differentiate Between Eczema And Dry Skin?
Eczema and dry skin are very similar skin condition. Dry skin usually appears rough, dry and flaky. It is not painful and dry skin is usually a temporary condition.
However, for eczema, the skin areas involved normally appear very dry, thickened, red, and scaly. This causes the skin to crack and bleed. It is a very painful condition.
Eczema Medications
The first line of treatment for eczema is a topical steroid. The rule is to prescribe the least potent strength steroid that is effective.
For infants and children, normally 1% hydrocortisone ointment applied twice a day will be prescribed. In children with resistant eczema, sometimes a moderately potent steroid such as betamethasone dipropionate 0.05% will be used for a short time.
For adults, the treatment of eczema is normally based on the severity. For patients with mild eczema, low potency steroid will be prescribed. However for moderate eczema, medium to high potency steroid will be prescribed.
For eczema cases that are not responding well to topical steroid especially in face and skin folds, topical calcineurin inhibitor such as Tacrolimus will be given.
Topical Tacrolimus comes in two strengths, 0.1% for adult and 0.03% for children above 2 years old and adults who cannot tolerate the higher strength.
Oral steroids are occasionally used to treat severe flare ups of eczema but it is not usually recommended on regular basis due to the potential side effects.
Supplements That Could Benefit Eczema Sufferers
Some studies showed that probiotic with Lactobacillus and other organisms might be effective in improving the symptoms of eczema.
Other than that, antioxidant supplements that help fight against free radicals are effective in improving the symptoms.
Both supplements are suitable for children as these supplements as long as given the right dosage.
Managing Eczema
The optimal management of eczema requires multiple approaches such as elimination of exacerbating factors including overheating of skin, excessive bathing without subsequent moisturisation, and exposure to solvents and detergents.
Keeping the skin hydrated is the key component in treating eczema. Emollients such as creams and ointments that contain low or zero water content showed a better protection against xerosis (dry skin).
Lukewarm shower can hydrate the skin and temporarily reduce the itchiness. Emollients should be applied immediately right after a shower to prevent the skin drying out.
Together with the pharmacologic treatment of skin inflammation, the symptoms of the eczema might be well controlled.
Prevention is just as important as treatment. Apply emollients all the time even if the eczema sufferers are not experiencing any symptoms.
Please consult a doctor if the basic steps of care do not work on eczema patients.
Do not use or purchase any ‘natural’ or ‘herbal’ creams as it may cause irritation and allergic reaction.
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