Kay Kay Healthcare Ltd.
ECZEMA
SYMPTOMS
• Patches of chronically itchy, dry, thickened skin, usually on wrists, face, and inner creases of the knees and elbows.
• Skin lesions, patches of redness, scaling, and in dark skinned people changes in skin color; sometimes small bumps or blisters that may ooze fluid.
WHAT IS ECZEMA
Strictly speaking, eczema is a form of dermatitis characterized by chronically itchy, inflamed skin. The affected area typically becomes dry, the skin flakes off, and occasionally blisters develop. When eczema appears on fair skinned people, the affected areas typically turn a brownish gray colour; on people with dark skin, it generally alerts their natural pigmentation, making the affected area either lighter or darker. Eczema appears most frequently on the face, wrists, elbows, and knees but is not limited to those areas. Eczema also known as atopic dermatitis afflicts between 3 and 7 percent of the population to some degree, and in more than 70 percent of patients, it runs in the family. It is most common among infants, many of whom grow out of it before their second birthday. If it persists, the child is likely to be a chronic suffer and may develop distinctive thickened, brownish gray skin in the areas that break out most frequently. Eczema is often associated with asthma, so children with that disorder may be at greater risk of skin problems. Since eczema may be in part an internal response to some sort of external stress, initial treatment focuses on identifying and reducing the possible cause.
CAUSES
Many cases of eczema are allergy related. In susceptible people, outbreaks can be caused by ingesting certain foods, such as cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, and nuts as well as by inhaling airborne irritants like dust mites and pollen. Eczema is also caused by contact with irritants in common substance, such as woollen and synthetic fabrics, latex rubber, certain detergents, chlorine based products, the mineral nickel used in plated earrings and other jewellery, and chemicals like formaldehyde, found in permanent press fabrics, polishes, rugs, foam insulation, and particle board. In people predisposed to eczema, doctors think outbreaks may be caused by a change in the way a person’s immune system reacts to certain kinds of physically, chemically, or emotionally induced stress. besides contact with potential allergens, any emotionally charged event from a move to a new job may trigger a flare-up of the disorder.
DIAGNOSTIC AND TEST PROCEDURES
To determine whether an allergy is the underlying cause of the inflammation, ask your doctor about taking a radio allegro sorbent test.
TREATMENT
Because eczema is generally a benign disorder, and because the underlying causes differ from person to person, primary treatment is directed at alleviating symptoms. At home remedies and over the counter medications are usually sufficient. For chronic eczema, a doctor will focus on identifying allergens, building up the immune system, or relaxing the patient. For information on light therapy for eczema, see Dermatitis.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE
To relieve itchiness, most doctors will start patient on such basic therapies as a warm bath to remove crusted skin followed by immediate application of petroleum jelly or vegetable shortening, which helps conserve the skin natural moisture. Topical coal tar preparation also work, but they cam messy and smelly; they should not be used by pregnant women, and their prolonged use may increase the risk of skin cancer. If symptoms persist, the doctor may recommend application of an over the counter steroid based hydrocortisone cream. Doxepin cream may also be effective at relieving itchiness associated with eczema. Apply the ointment as a thin film four times a day for up to eight days. Most patients report no side effects, but the cream may cause a burning sensation in some cases. If the eczema is allergy related, taking oral antihistamines may help. In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroid medication; steroids should always be taken with caution and never without medical supervision. For extreme cases of eczema, particularly in children, a wet body wrap can be effective in getting moisture back into the skin. The patient sleeps in wet pyjamas covered with dry clothes or a nylon sweat suit; some doctors suggest covering the face with wet gauze wrapped with an elastic bandage, and covering the hands and feet with a pair of wet, then a pair of dry, tube socks. The patient’s room must be kept warm.
ALTERNATIVE CHOICES
Alternative therapies are available to address both the symptoms of eczema and some of the underlying causes. Patients should be aware; however, that some herbal therapies can cause allergic reactions and those certain Chinese herbs can be toxic to the liver and immune system. Long term treatment with herbs should be undertaken only with through knowledge of the potential effects and under the guidance of trained therapists. Use extreme caution when giving herbs to children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
ACCUPRESSURE
Acupressure is not intended to cure eczema, but applying deep pressure several times a week to Liver 3, on top of the foot, and Stomach 36, below the knee, may relieve the tension that can bring on episodes of inflammation.
AROMATHERAPY
Essential oils of lavender, thyme, jasmine, and chamomile may be effective in soothing allergy related eczema. Add drops of one of these oils to a bowl of hot water to scent a room.
BODY WORK
Among the many forms of alternative therapy that relieve tension, shiatsu and reflexology are the most widely used body work techniques. Consult licensed practitioners about appropriate treatment for your condition.
CHINESE HERBS
Studies suggest that a particular traditional Chinese herbal tea mixture can be beneficial to certain eczema patients. The herbs include slier root, Chinese foxglove, and liquorice, which are said to be anti- inflammatory, and peony, which is said to affect the immune system. The researchers caution against long term use of such mixtures, however, because of potential liver toxicity and because the skin condition may return after patients stop drinking the tea. Because of the wide range of Chinese herbal products, a licensed professional should monitor your use of any long term treatment.
HERBAL THERAPIES
Evidence suggests that evening primrose oil may effectively treat itching associated with eczema. Some practitioners consider it as corticosteroids without their potential side effects. However, people with liver disease or high cholesterol should use this treatment only under medical supervision, and pregnant women should not use it at all because of its effect on estrogens and progesterone levels. Burdock root and dandelion root may also be effective in treating some forms of eczema. Take up to 1 & ½ tsp of the fluidextract a day. You can also brew teas from either of these roots: simmer 1 tbsp of the dried root in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and drink up to three cups a day. Chamomile ointment soothes dry, flaky skin and helps to combat inflammation and itching. Do not take any of these herbs for longer than one month without supervision by a medical herbalist or other trained practitioner.
HOMEOPATHY
A homeopathy remedy to soothe inflamed skin that patients can apply safely at home is topical Calendula ointment. Do not attempt to treat eczema with other homeopathic remedies, however, without consulting a licensed homeopath. Because eczema is a chronic, systematic problem, a homeopath will make a complete examination of all your symptoms including sleep patterns, food cravings, body temperature, moods, and family history before deciding on a plan of action. During homeopathic treatment, eczema may actually get worse before it gets better, so professional supervision is important.
NUTRITION AND DIET
Since many eczema patients have allergy problems, they should pay particular attention to their lames, in addition to avoiding the traditional suspects cow’s milk, eggs, wheat flour, and nuts patients should be wary of eating too much red meat, because animal fats contain fatty acids that promote the body’s inflammatory response. The oils of mackerel, herring, and salmon are high in eicosapentaenoic acid, shown to reduce skin inflammation and itchiness. Since you would have to eat up to two pounds of fresh fish a day to get the necessary amount of EPA, it’s more convenient to take 1 tsp cod liver oil or four 1000 mg fish oil capsules a day. Patients may benefit from a daily 50 mg zinc supplement; many eczema suffers have a zinc deficiency, and zinc helps the body metabolize fatty acids. Your doctor may recommend taking vitamin A, also found in cod liver oil, which is essential for the repair and renewal of skin. You can take doses of up to 25000 IU a day.
MIND/ BODY MEDICINE
With all the possible causes of eczema, many patients overlook the key element of emotional or physical stress. a Swedish study of adult eczema patients found that those who used relaxation techniques along with their regular regimen of topical preparations improved much faster than those who received topical medication alone.
AT HOME REMEDIES
• To soothe itchiness and help the skin retain moisture in mild forms of eczema, try a warm bath followed by an application of topical ointment. Use simple, non medicated salves like petroleum jelly or vegetable shortening, or ointments made with zinc oxide, chamomile, or calendula and no additives, preservatives, oil, or perfumes.
• Relax. To relieve stress and improve circulation, take a brisk walk or exercise on a regular basis. Come home to a warm bath sprinkled with a few drops of essential oil of lavender.
• Soothe and rehydrate your skin by sleeping overnight in wet pyjamas, covered with a nylon sweat suit or rain gear. Be sure to keep the room warm.
• Eat little or no red meat. Be wary of highly allergenic foods such as cow’s milk, Wheat, and eggs. Take daily supplements of fish oil, vitamin A, and zinc.
• If your baby has eczema, keep her from scratching by putting mittens on her hands when she goes to bed. To avoid the possibility of loose threads wrapping around the baby’s wrists or fingers and cutting off circulation, always put the mittens on inside out.
PREVENTION
Since eczema often runs in families, parents may have a good idea whether their own children may be at risk. But even if your baby inherits the predisposition, you may be able to lower her chance of being a chronic suffers. One study suggests that children weaned from breast milk before the age of four month were nearly three times as likely to develop recurrent eczema as children who were weaned later. If possible, babies should live on their mother milk exclusively for the first three months, doctor advise continuing breast milk for at least up to six months as you introduce your baby to solid food. To avoid triggering food allergies that might bring on eczema, do not offer any eggs or fish until the child is eat at least a year old. Babies should also be protected from such potential allergens as tobacco smoke and pet hairs, and from airborne irritants such as mites and molds.
ECZEMA
SYMPTOMS
• Patches of chronically itchy, dry, thickened skin, usually on wrists, face, and inner creases of the knees and elbows.
• Skin lesions, patches of redness, scaling, and in dark skinned people changes in skin color; sometimes small bumps or blisters that may ooze fluid.
WHAT IS ECZEMA
Strictly speaking, eczema is a form of dermatitis characterized by chronically itchy, inflamed skin. The affected area typically becomes dry, the skin flakes off, and occasionally blisters develop. When eczema appears on fair skinned people, the affected areas typically turn a brownish gray colour; on people with dark skin, it generally alerts their natural pigmentation, making the affected area either lighter or darker. Eczema appears most frequently on the face, wrists, elbows, and knees but is not limited to those areas. Eczema also known as atopic dermatitis afflicts between 3 and 7 percent of the population to some degree, and in more than 70 percent of patients, it runs in the family. It is most common among infants, many of whom grow out of it before their second birthday. If it persists, the child is likely to be a chronic suffer and may develop distinctive thickened, brownish gray skin in the areas that break out most frequently. Eczema is often associated with asthma, so children with that disorder may be at greater risk of skin problems. Since eczema may be in part an internal response to some sort of external stress, initial treatment focuses on identifying and reducing the possible cause.
CAUSES
Many cases of eczema are allergy related. In susceptible people, outbreaks can be caused by ingesting certain foods, such as cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, and nuts as well as by inhaling airborne irritants like dust mites and pollen. Eczema is also caused by contact with irritants in common substance, such as woollen and synthetic fabrics, latex rubber, certain detergents, chlorine based products, the mineral nickel used in plated earrings and other jewellery, and chemicals like formaldehyde, found in permanent press fabrics, polishes, rugs, foam insulation, and particle board. In people predisposed to eczema, doctors think outbreaks may be caused by a change in the way a person’s immune system reacts to certain kinds of physically, chemically, or emotionally induced stress. besides contact with potential allergens, any emotionally charged event from a move to a new job may trigger a flare-up of the disorder.
DIAGNOSTIC AND TEST PROCEDURES
To determine whether an allergy is the underlying cause of the inflammation, ask your doctor about taking a radio allegro sorbent test.
TREATMENT
Because eczema is generally a benign disorder, and because the underlying causes differ from person to person, primary treatment is directed at alleviating symptoms. At home remedies and over the counter medications are usually sufficient. For chronic eczema, a doctor will focus on identifying allergens, building up the immune system, or relaxing the patient. For information on light therapy for eczema, see Dermatitis.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE
To relieve itchiness, most doctors will start patient on such basic therapies as a warm bath to remove crusted skin followed by immediate application of petroleum jelly or vegetable shortening, which helps conserve the skin natural moisture. Topical coal tar preparation also work, but they cam messy and smelly; they should not be used by pregnant women, and their prolonged use may increase the risk of skin cancer. If symptoms persist, the doctor may recommend application of an over the counter steroid based hydrocortisone cream. Doxepin cream may also be effective at relieving itchiness associated with eczema. Apply the ointment as a thin film four times a day for up to eight days. Most patients report no side effects, but the cream may cause a burning sensation in some cases. If the eczema is allergy related, taking oral antihistamines may help. In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroid medication; steroids should always be taken with caution and never without medical supervision. For extreme cases of eczema, particularly in children, a wet body wrap can be effective in getting moisture back into the skin. The patient sleeps in wet pyjamas covered with dry clothes or a nylon sweat suit; some doctors suggest covering the face with wet gauze wrapped with an elastic bandage, and covering the hands and feet with a pair of wet, then a pair of dry, tube socks. The patient’s room must be kept warm.
ALTERNATIVE CHOICES
Alternative therapies are available to address both the symptoms of eczema and some of the underlying causes. Patients should be aware; however, that some herbal therapies can cause allergic reactions and those certain Chinese herbs can be toxic to the liver and immune system. Long term treatment with herbs should be undertaken only with through knowledge of the potential effects and under the guidance of trained therapists. Use extreme caution when giving herbs to children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
ACCUPRESSURE
Acupressure is not intended to cure eczema, but applying deep pressure several times a week to Liver 3, on top of the foot, and Stomach 36, below the knee, may relieve the tension that can bring on episodes of inflammation.
AROMATHERAPY
Essential oils of lavender, thyme, jasmine, and chamomile may be effective in soothing allergy related eczema. Add drops of one of these oils to a bowl of hot water to scent a room.
BODY WORK
Among the many forms of alternative therapy that relieve tension, shiatsu and reflexology are the most widely used body work techniques. Consult licensed practitioners about appropriate treatment for your condition.
CHINESE HERBS
Studies suggest that a particular traditional Chinese herbal tea mixture can be beneficial to certain eczema patients. The herbs include slier root, Chinese foxglove, and liquorice, which are said to be anti- inflammatory, and peony, which is said to affect the immune system. The researchers caution against long term use of such mixtures, however, because of potential liver toxicity and because the skin condition may return after patients stop drinking the tea. Because of the wide range of Chinese herbal products, a licensed professional should monitor your use of any long term treatment.
HERBAL THERAPIES
Evidence suggests that evening primrose oil may effectively treat itching associated with eczema. Some practitioners consider it as corticosteroids without their potential side effects. However, people with liver disease or high cholesterol should use this treatment only under medical supervision, and pregnant women should not use it at all because of its effect on estrogens and progesterone levels. Burdock root and dandelion root may also be effective in treating some forms of eczema. Take up to 1 & ½ tsp of the fluidextract a day. You can also brew teas from either of these roots: simmer 1 tbsp of the dried root in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and drink up to three cups a day. Chamomile ointment soothes dry, flaky skin and helps to combat inflammation and itching. Do not take any of these herbs for longer than one month without supervision by a medical herbalist or other trained practitioner.
HOMEOPATHY
A homeopathy remedy to soothe inflamed skin that patients can apply safely at home is topical Calendula ointment. Do not attempt to treat eczema with other homeopathic remedies, however, without consulting a licensed homeopath. Because eczema is a chronic, systematic problem, a homeopath will make a complete examination of all your symptoms including sleep patterns, food cravings, body temperature, moods, and family history before deciding on a plan of action. During homeopathic treatment, eczema may actually get worse before it gets better, so professional supervision is important.
NUTRITION AND DIET
Since many eczema patients have allergy problems, they should pay particular attention to their lames, in addition to avoiding the traditional suspects cow’s milk, eggs, wheat flour, and nuts patients should be wary of eating too much red meat, because animal fats contain fatty acids that promote the body’s inflammatory response. The oils of mackerel, herring, and salmon are high in eicosapentaenoic acid, shown to reduce skin inflammation and itchiness. Since you would have to eat up to two pounds of fresh fish a day to get the necessary amount of EPA, it’s more convenient to take 1 tsp cod liver oil or four 1000 mg fish oil capsules a day. Patients may benefit from a daily 50 mg zinc supplement; many eczema suffers have a zinc deficiency, and zinc helps the body metabolize fatty acids. Your doctor may recommend taking vitamin A, also found in cod liver oil, which is essential for the repair and renewal of skin. You can take doses of up to 25000 IU a day.
MIND/ BODY MEDICINE
With all the possible causes of eczema, many patients overlook the key element of emotional or physical stress. a Swedish study of adult eczema patients found that those who used relaxation techniques along with their regular regimen of topical preparations improved much faster than those who received topical medication alone.
AT HOME REMEDIES
• To soothe itchiness and help the skin retain moisture in mild forms of eczema, try a warm bath followed by an application of topical ointment. Use simple, non medicated salves like petroleum jelly or vegetable shortening, or ointments made with zinc oxide, chamomile, or calendula and no additives, preservatives, oil, or perfumes.
• Relax. To relieve stress and improve circulation, take a brisk walk or exercise on a regular basis. Come home to a warm bath sprinkled with a few drops of essential oil of lavender.
• Soothe and rehydrate your skin by sleeping overnight in wet pyjamas, covered with a nylon sweat suit or rain gear. Be sure to keep the room warm.
• Eat little or no red meat. Be wary of highly allergenic foods such as cow’s milk, Wheat, and eggs. Take daily supplements of fish oil, vitamin A, and zinc.
• If your baby has eczema, keep her from scratching by putting mittens on her hands when she goes to bed. To avoid the possibility of loose threads wrapping around the baby’s wrists or fingers and cutting off circulation, always put the mittens on inside out.
PREVENTION
Since eczema often runs in families, parents may have a good idea whether their own children may be at risk. But even if your baby inherits the predisposition, you may be able to lower her chance of being a chronic suffers. One study suggests that children weaned from breast milk before the age of four month were nearly three times as likely to develop recurrent eczema as children who were weaned later. If possible, babies should live on their mother milk exclusively for the first three months, doctor advise continuing breast milk for at least up to six months as you introduce your baby to solid food. To avoid triggering food allergies that might bring on eczema, do not offer any eggs or fish until the child is eat at least a year old. Babies should also be protected from such potential allergens as tobacco smoke and pet hairs, and from airborne irritants such as mites and molds.
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