ECZEMA a word that may conjure dread in the hearts of many
out there.
You may have experienced it in some form yourself or watched
helplessly as your child suffers from its hideous symptoms. You might still be
going through this, feeling that familiar irritation or trying to soothe and
calm your child as they seek comfort and relief from that never-ending itch. If
so, you are by no means alone.
Figures indicate that in the USA more than 31 million people
suffer from some form of eczema.
In the UK, that number is estimated to be around 15 million.
The truth is that these figures are probably far higher, as
there is a tendency to view skin conditions as being less serious than other
illnesses and diseases, with many people choosing not to seek medical advice.
Most will ignore the symptoms, some will self-diagnose themselves, sometimes
buying creams or lotions over the counter rather than attend a doctor’s
appointment. Eczema Treatment Guidelines
The idea that skin conditions are not as important as other
illnesses has even been witnessed by those providing medical aid to developing
countries, where more serious conditions are, naturally, the main focus.
Skin conditions are often relegated to a secondary position
of importance, and in some cases are ignored completely, with entire cultures
accepting their diseases as being a fact of life. But this is gradually being
addressed as the medical world, including bodies such as the World Health
Organization, are beginning to realize that this is a huge oversight.
Skin conditions, including eczema, dermatitis, and
psoriasis, should be given the same level of importance as other diseases. Not
only are they causing distress and suffering to countless millions all around
the world, but they could also be indicators of other health issues that need
immediate attention. A greater understanding of these conditions is needed, to
help those who experience these symptoms daily and to provide suitable
treatment to ease, if not cure, the disease.
What is eczema?
The word itself comes from the Greek term meaning ‘to boil
over’ or ‘erupt’.
In effect, it means to ‘break out’, all of which perfectly
describe the symptoms experienced by so many people. An accurate diagnosis can
be problematic, as there are a few different types of eczema (which includes
the various forms of dermatitis), with different causes:
Contact dermatitis – this is caused either by the skin
coming into contact with allergens or irritants, such as detergents or
solvents, or even extremes of temperature. The most common form is irritant
contact dermatitis, which usually happens fairly rapidly after the skin has
been exposed to heat, irritating chemicals, certain metals, or has been rubbed
or scraped. This is even more likely in cases where the patient already has an
open wound or suffers from atopic dermatitis. The skin becomes inflamed quite
quickly, often restricted to the area that was exposed to the irritant but
which can spread, especially if not treated properly or exposure to the
irritant is repeated over time.
Symptoms can include swelling, redness, itching and dry
skin.
Atopic dermatitis – this is recognized as the most common
form of eczema, mostly affecting children. Doctors often refer to it as one of
the ‘triad’ of illnesses, as sufferers frequently experience asthma and
hayfever at the same time, with all three conditions generally easing and
disappearing by adulthood. Symptoms usually show as a red rash in the creases
of the elbows and knees. The affected skin sometimes thickens or changes in
appearance, becoming lighter or darker.
When scratched, tiny blisters can leak a clear fluid, with
the broken skin allowing infection to occur which worsens the condition. Atopic
dermatitis can be caused simply by having dry skin. Those who are sensitive to
certain environmental conditions are likely to suffer, but the condition can
also be genetic, as well as be a sign of a problem with the immune system.
Those with atopic dermatitis will be prone to contact dermatitis, even being
affected by some soaps or cosmetics.
Hand eczema – as the name implies, this affects the hands
only and is really a form of contact dermatitis specifically affecting people
who tend to work in roles where irritants are handled frequently, without
adequate protection. The symptoms include dry, cracked, reddened skin, which
itches and may form blisters.
Dyshidrotic eczema – affecting only the hands and feet, and
with patients more likely to be women, this condition appears as small blisters
that itch or even hurt. The skin can become scaly or flaky, or crack, bringing
the risk of infection. Causes include allergic reaction, exposure to certain
substances such as nickel or cobalt. Stress can also contribute to this
condition, as can exposing the hands and feet to prolonged periods of dampness.
Stasis dermatitis – generally more of a problem amongst
elderly patients or those with bad circulation, this is related to veins in the
lower legs that have become weakened over time, often resulting in ‘varicose
veins’. This is a result of the blood not being pushed around the body
properly, which damages the vein. The skin above these becomes itchy and flaky,
with fluid leaking from the damaged skin. The lower legs feel heavy and often
swell, usually after being active. Sores sometimes break out on the affected
areas, which will be reddened and itchy.
Nummular dermatitis – quite a distinctive form, this shows
on the body as small, round patches of red skin, which can be extremely itchy.
The patches resemble coins; hence the name – nummular is Latin for ‘coin’.
Those who suffer from this will probably already have another form of the
condition, such as atopic dermatitis. The distinctive coin-like marks may
appear as a result of dry skin, or even an insect bite or an allergic reaction.
Neurodermatitis – often triggered by stress, this form also
affects those who already have another type of dermatitis. It looks different
in that the affected area will display patches of thick, scaly skin on the arms
and legs, hands and feet or back of the neck, and even around the genital
region. Again, breaking the skin, by excessive scratching, may result in
infection.
Seborrheic dermatitis – a particularly severe type of
dermatitis, this form is usually found on the skin around areas that contain
sebaceous glands (the glands that produce oil) like on the scalp or around the
nose or mouth but can appear on other parts such as the back or upper chest.
The precise cause is unknown, but it is thought to be genetic, as well as
possibly being connected to hormone imbalance. Though it can affect those of
all ages, cases are usually found in infants below the age of 3 months – in the
form of ‘cradle cap’ – and adults between the ages of 30 and 60 years, and
mostly in men. Patients with a pre-existing illness affecting the immune system
or nervous system are particularly vulnerable to this form. The symptoms differ
from some of the other types, in that the affected area displays greasy, yellow
scales and pinkish or reddened skin. The skin either itches or burns, with
swelling in places. It usually requires a qualified physician to identify these
conditions properly and to prescribe the appropriate treatment, and even then
it may take a certain amount of trial and error as patients display symptoms
differently.
One skin complaint that is often mistaken for eczema, but is
equally as unwelcome, is psoriasis. Whilst not related to eczema, it sometimes
displays similar symptoms to some of the types (especially seborrheic
dermatitis), though it is generally reported to cause a lower level of
irritation and itching.
In spite of this, severe cases are agonizing for the
patient, making everyday activities almost impossible. Living with eczema As
with a lot of sickness and disease, we all react in different ways. Some manage
better than others, and many people don’t even seek help to alleviate the
symptoms.
The problem with skin conditions is that they are often
visible, and even when they aren’t they can prove to be uncomfortable, getting
in the way of our daily lives and making us miserable. When they are visible,
such as those forms that appear on the scalp, face or hands, this can be a real
problem.
The general public can be, intentionally or not, unkind in
their reactions. While ignorance plays a part in this, it is fair to say that
what is uppermost in their minds is self-preservation rather than any direct
nastiness – though there is a minority who will be vocal in their objection to
your appearance.
People will stare, some will recoil or make an obvious move
to avoid you, just because they see the reddened or flaking skin. They assume
it is infectious, that somehow they are going to catch something.
Most don’t ask or wait for an explanation!!
This reaction can make social occasions, going to work, or
even simply heading out for a trip to a shopping mall a very stressful
undertaking.
This is the last thing you need, as stress is a common cause
of skin problems. The bad news for eczema sufferers is that – at the moment –
there is no actual cure.
Thankfully, though, advances in medicine mean that treatment
for skin conditions are improving all the time, though it has to be said that
not all of these are readily available to everyone, either due to physical
location, or because they are so expensive.
A doctor will usually prescribe a steroid cream, or more
accurately a ‘corticosteroid’. While these are useful, they are not recommended
for long-term use (more than 3 months), and the list of possible side effects
makes for a grim read.
Corticosteroids, usually shortened to ‘steroids’, have no
connection with those taken, unwisely, by some athletes to gain muscle quickly,
but instead are artificial versions of the hormone ‘cortisol’, produced by the
adrenal gland. While short-term use is generally considered safe enough, you
may be given conflicting opinions by different doctors. Some will advise you never
to use a topical steroid cream on the facial area as it will damage the
delicate skin. Others will wave this aside and even insist that long-term use
is fine.
Any damage caused by using these creams is invariably
written off as being down to ‘patient misuse’, but the effects usually mean
that the condition gets much worse, either because too much – or too little –
is used or the treatment is stopped too suddenly.
In the end, it is up to the individual whether they trust
their physician’s knowledge and experience. Many people, however, are turning
to alternative methods, preferring to use natural skin relief. Nature is a
wonderful provider of medicine, usually without the negative side effects of
man-made remedies.
This is especially important for pregnant mothers, as it is
considered unsafe for them to use topical steroid creams during pregnancy as it
is possible that it could be absorbed by the unborn child.
Natural skin relief.
The skin is often overlooked, taken for granted, with most
people forgetting (or not even realizing) that it is the largest organ in the
body. It is vital to your existence, forming a waterproof, protective barrier
between your internal organs and the outside world. It regulates your
temperature, It allows you to touch and feel. And it needs looking after.
When skin complaints arise it is always best to seek advice
from a medical professional. It does not hurt, however, to look for natural
ways to ease the discomfort. There are many ways of doing this – most being
simple common sense. Foods that Can Cause Eczema
Some involve minor changes in lifestyle, such as cutting out
certain foods or avoiding harsh detergents. One of the best ways to bring
relief is by using natural oils that compliment your skin rather than trying to
mimic those your body makes – and with no side effects when used properly.
By using these oils sensibly, alongside some simple
lifestyle changes, you can manage the irritation and reduce the impact of this
miserable condition, leaving you to get on with living your life.
|