Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition. Its symptoms include dry, reddened or cracked patches of skin. The skin is often itchy and the condition is generally recurring. While some adults suffer from eczema, it most commonly affects babies and children under six.
In younger children eczema is often found on the face, elbows, knees and bottom. Older children and adults mostly get eczema on the hands, neck, inner elbows, and behind their knees and ankles. The skin can get rough and leathery. Cracked skin can also get infected by bacteria and viruses, like school sores and warts.
The cause of eczema is not fully understood. The condition’s most common in people with a family history of an atopic disorder like asthma or hay fever however. People susceptible to food allergies (like dairy, wheat, citrus, eggs, nuts, seafood, additives, preservatives and colourings) also often get eczema.
Researchers have found children with eczema have abnormal levels of omega-6 EFAs in their blood and that eczema, asthma and hay-fever sufferers lack a key enzyme which converts EFAs into prostaglandins. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is also linked with the symptoms of eczema.
Eczema may be triggered or aggravated by environmental products, allergens and irritants. This list is long but includes dust mites, moulds, grass pollens, pets, shampoo, washing powder, cosmetics and toiletries, households chemicals, tobacco smoke, hot and humid or cold and dry conditions, air conditioning, overheating, weather and stress.
The treatment of eczema generally focuses on suppressing the symptoms and reducing exposure to known triggers to manage the condition.
Evening primrose oil and other sources of omega-6 fatty acids like blackcurrant seed oil have been shown to be helpful. Antihistamines can relieve the itching and help sufferers get a good night’s sleep. Sometimes eczema responds to non-perfumed moisturisers. Often topical steroids and oral antihistamines are prescribed. Severe cases are treated with oral and inhaled steroids (like those used for asthma). Cyclosporin, a powerful immunosuppressant originally used in transplant surgery is sometimes prescribed.
To minimize triggers
Wear several layers of clothes that can be removed rather than one thick layer
Don’t put too many blankets on your bed.
Avoid all perfumed and medicated products
Wear 100 per cent cotton near your skin. Avoid scratchy materials like pure wool, polyester and acrylic.
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