People First Health Magazine, Vol. 6, #2, Feb. 2006:Page 3

Exzema....		Ian Lloyd Pharmacist Peoples Pharmacy
..... Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition that affects about 10-15% of the population. Its prevalence in our society appears to be on the rise; it affects 15-20% of school aged children today, compared with 5% of children in the 1950s. It is not entirely clear what causes this itchy skin condition, but it can be very uncomfortable to those affected. This month I will discuss the causes, treatments and ways to help prevent the recurrence of eczema. ..... Generally the symptoms of eczema include an itchy, red and raised rash. There may also be tiny blisters, which can break and ooze a clear fluid. The skin may also appear to be dry and thickened. In children, the rash usually appears on the scalp, face, buttocks, and upper legs. Symptoms of eczema may resolve in up to 50% of children by the age of six years old. In adults, it usually appears on the neck and in the bend of the knees and elbows. Symptoms in
	adults tend to flare up and subside, depending upon a number of factors. ..... It is not fully understood what causes or exacerbates eczema, but it is thought to be an allergy-like reaction. People who have, or have had, eczema tend to develop asthma or hayfever. There also appears to be a genetic component to this disease, because it tends to run in families. There is some evidence that avoidance of certain allergenic foods may help to reduce the symptoms of eczema. Symptoms also tend to flare-up when the skin comes into contact with irritants. ..... So what can you do? The first thing to do is get a proper diagnosis from your Physician or Dermatologist. Skin rashes can be a symptom of other diseases, so it is better to be sure. At this time you can ask if home remedies can be tried before other treatment options. ..... There are many possible home treatment options. They mostly involve keeping the skin hydrated and avoiding irritants. Try taking shorter baths or showers; ten minutes or less, in lukewarm (not hot) water. Pat the skin dry after bathing and apply a basic moisturizing cream. Choosing a good cream is hard because everyone’s skin is different; here are a few guidelines. The cream should have almost no smell or colour; this demonstrates the lack of artificial, and possibly	irritating, fragrances and dyes. Do not buy a large bottle of cream if you will not use it all in 3 months. Unused portions of creams have a tendency to ‘go off’ and may be irritating. This is common for sunscreen lotions. Try before you buy. Look for sample bottles, or ask your Peoples Pharmacist if they have opened bottles behind the counter. Ask your friends to try some of their creams. When applying a cream for the first time, apply it on a small area. I recommend applying an amount no larger than a loonie to your dry skin area and on your neck, just below your ear. ..... When bathing or showering use mild soaps and shampoos. Ask your Peoples Pharmacist to recommend a mild shampoo or soap. I recommend baby shampoo for use everywhere. I also feel that we use soaps and detergents too much and too often. Most of us do not get that dirty with basic day-to-day living; if you work in construction or on a farm that is another story. Use a small about of soap and only wash your private areas and underarms. When you use soap, it tends to remove your bodies natural protective film that helps it to retain moisture. What happens if you wash your hands too often? They tend to get dry. The same principle applies to the rest of your body. ..... Clothes washing detergents are also thought to be a major source of in skin irritants. They are