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Eczema:
The Itch That Won't Go Away
Have you been experiencing dry, itchy skin with
rashes on your face, inside your elbows, behind
your knees, or on your hands and feet? Does scratching
cause redness, swelling, cracking, crusting, scaling,
or a weeping, clear fluid? Do you often find your
skin gets worse and then clears up, only to flare
up again days or months later?
If so, you may be suffering from eczema, also
known as atopic dermatitis. It's a common long-term
condition that is not contagious, but you may
feel uncomfortable and self-conscious about it.
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown,
but it's believed to occur when your body's immune
system overreacts to an allergen (something you
are allergic to). There is also a genetic component,
as eczema can run in families.
How
can I minimize the itch?
As the saying goes, prevention is the best medicine.
One of the best ways of avoiding future episodes
of eczema is to prevent dry skin. Here are some
helpful tips:
- Don't bathe as often . Try not having a shower
or bath for a day or two. Keep your baths or
showers to a maximum of 15 or 20 minutes and
use lukewarm water, not hot.
- Avoid deodorant and antibacterial soaps, as
they may dry your skin further.
- Use mild soaps that clean effectively without
removing too much natural oil.
- Soap only your face, underarms, groin, hands,
and feet, and use only water elsewhere.
- Pat yourself dry with a towel and moisturize
your skin with an oil or cream while it's still
wet to seal in the moisture. Ask your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist about lubricating creams.
- Wear smooth-textured cotton clothes to help
avoid skin irritation.
- Avoid other irritants such as wool fabrics
and harsh soaps or detergents.
- Try not to scratch yourself whenever possible.
Keep your nails trimmed and cover itchy areas
with a dressing if you can't resist the urge
to scratch.
- Stress can also cause flare-ups. Recognize
stressful events and look for ways to cope.
- Avoid strenuous exercise that can make you
hot, sweaty, and itchy.
What
can I do when I experience a flare-up?
Once a flare-up begins, prompt treatment as directed
by your doctor is required. Steroid creams, such
as hydrocortisone or betamethasone, are helpful
in many cases. A new family of medications called
topical immunomodulators, such as pimecrolimus
and tacrolimus, offers another option for people
with moderate-to-severe eczema when other treatments
do not work or are not suitable. , , Speak to
your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist about the risks and
benefits of treatment and which treatment may
be right for you.
Should
I see my doctor?
You should visit your doctor in order to rule
out other causes for your symptoms. Eczema is
very common and often occurs in people who have
other allergic disorders such as asthma and allergic
rhinitis (hay fever). See your doctor immediately
if:
- The itch is very uncomfortable, affecting
your sleep or disrupting your routines.
- Your skin becomes extremely painful and breaks
open.
- Your skin becomes infected (e.g., you see
red streaks and the area feels warm).
- You have tried preventative self-care techniques
(such as moisturizers) without success.
Although there is no cure for eczema, it can
be easily managed through a combination of self-care
techniques and medications. Consult your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist for more detailed recommendations on
relieving the itch and improving your quality
of life.
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