Atopic Eczema
Symptoms
Atopic Eczema is characterised by itching, redness and inflamed skin and is the most common type of eczema, affecting around 15% of children.
Scaly skin can appear in the creases of the legs, wrists and neck and can affect the face and forehead as well.
The skin feels itchy, and will appear red and can blister or weep.
Skin in sufferers of atopic eczema is susceptible to infections because it is often scaly and cracked.
Who does it Affect?
Atopic eczema It is believed to be hereditary, and incidence is higher in families with a history of allergies, hayfever and asthma.
It can appear in small babies and is often outgrown during childhood, though this is not always the case.
Possible Causes
The most likely triggers include cosmetics, excessive sweating, stress, and exposure to fabrics such as wool and polyester.
There appears to be a connection between atopic eczema and eyelid dermatitis.
Foods such as dairy products, wheat, peanuts, fish, eggs and soy products can also trigger the problem.
Dust and dust mites, moulds, pets and exposure to pollen can make the problem worse.
Preventative Measures
Avoid cigarette smoke and keep pets outdoors. Keep furniture, curtains, floors and bedlinen free from dust.
Reduce the risk of exposure to dust mite, which is thought to exacerbate the problem.
Air bedding regularly in sunlight, and vacuum regularly and thoroughly. Avoid having carpet if possible. Use cotton bedding materials rather than wool.
Wear cotton clothing, which can allow the skin to breathe, in preference to synthetic fabrics.
Wash clothing and bed linen in hot water and hang in direct sunlight (this will kill the dust mite).
Eliminate problem foods such as wheat and dairy products, if they are a known trigger.
Avoid fabric softeners and harsh laundry detergents (see Detergent Free Laundry Liquid).
Modern Medicine
For mild cases, apply a natural moisturiser following the daily bath or shower, especially during the drier, winter months.
For more severe cases, treatments include topical steroids (cortisone based creams), anti histamines and antibiotics. Side effects of topical steroid based treatments can include stinging, redness, burning, blistering, burning, itching or peeling. Long term use can lead to thinning of the skin.
Severe eczema is often treated with ultraviolet lightherapy, other drugs which work on the immune system, and oral corticosteroids (steroid, or cortisone based drugs).
Oral corticosteroids should only be used as a last resort and not taken for longer than one or two week courses. Extended use can result in stunted growth, weakening of the bones, bruising and permanent thinning of the skin, and osteoporosis and can worsen upon cessation of treatment.
Natural Alternatives
For bathing, use a natural, cold processed soap, free from artificial fragrances and preservatives. Cold processed soaps are glycerin rich and less likely to dry out the skin. Avoid bubble baths or detergent based soap substitutes (most liquid soaps) that can irritate the skin.
Avoid skincare products containing artificial fragrances (identified as "fragrance" or "perfume"), or preservatives, where possible.
Avoid using moisturisers and lotions, containing petrochemicals such as mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin and propylene glycol. Check the ingredients listing on all skincare products.
Avoid using detergent based shampoos such as those containing sodium laurel sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate.
Many eczema and asthma sufferers find that a wheat and dairy free diet is also of benefit.
A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids (such as evening primrose oil) can help, as can the application of fresh aloe vera.
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