What is Eczema?
Eczema (a form of Dermatitis) is a disorder caused by an inflammation in the upper layers of skin. The disease usually presents itself as a red rash. The rash can be wet, weeping and sometimes bleeding, or crusty, dry and extremely itchy. The most common areas for this rash to appear are inside the elbow and behind the knee, but indeed it is not uncommon for it to appear anywhere on the body and can spread if left untreated.
What causes Eczema?
There are a whole host of things that can cause Eczema. Some of them you can control, others you cannot. The following list provides some insight as to the triggers for Eczema:
- Family History – there is a genetic component to this disease
- Irritants – exposure to industrial solvents, chemicals, vehicle lubricants, soaps, cement etc.
- Allergies – Strong reactions to some allergens can cause violent skin eruptions
- Chronic dry skin – Dry skin that is left un-moisturised can develop into eczema especially in cold weather
- Poor circulation – more common in the elderly and affecting lower limbs
- Nervous Disorders – habitually rubbing or scratching skin
- Reaction to an infection – Some fungal, parasitic, bacterial and viral infections can cause localised eczema
- Stress – stress causes the immune system to be compromised causing increased susceptibility to skin conditions
- Diet – some have found modification to diet extremely useful in maintaining remission periods
- Unknown - Some forms of eczema are triggered by unknown reactions of the immune system
What is the treatment?
Typically the treatment consists of getting the inflammation down and soothing the skin with a moisturiser so that it can repair and regenerate. There are three options available – Prescription, Natural therapies and a combination of the two.
Prescription Treatment
Most doctors will prescribe and ointment, cream, or tablet containing hydrocortisone. The hydrocortisone or steroid as it is known, rapidly reduces the inflammation and allows the skin to repair. In most instances this works very well and if the eczema was caused by an environmental factor (solvent, allergen etc) then removal of that irritant and use of the hydrocortisone means the patient will make a full and speedy recovery. The problem is that every pharmaceutical has side effects – some positive, some negative. In the case of hydrocortisone, a few of the side effects include thinning of the skin, erosion of bone mass, raised blood pressure, and weakened immune system to name just a few. It must be noted though that with topical application the most common side effect is skin thinning and the more serious side effects are present when higher oral doses are consumed. No drug ever created works on ever patient and thus this may not work for some people.
The problem arises when a definite cause of the eczema cannot be found, or if indeed it has a hereditary component. This is when a patient is usually prescribed drug after drug in a search for one that works – all the while the patient puts up with the nasty side effects.
In conjunction to prescription medication the doctors will also suggest one of a multitude of moisturising creams that are on the market. They will typically steer towards brands that do not have perfume or colour added and are PH balanced for healthy skin.
Natural Treatments
Due to adverse side effects of prescription treatments or if they have stopped working many people look to new avenues to remedy themselves. This is where natural therapies are typically sought by patients. There are many natural supplements such as zinc and vitamin A that have proven to assist skin conditions. Herbal ointments with ingredients of paw paw and chickweed have also been known to help. Evening Primrose oil has also clinically been studied and provided relief. Balneotherapy (bathing) in Dead Sea Salt baths have also shown marked improvement in patients with Eczema and Psoriasis improving the circulation, soothing the skin to relieve the itchiness and the high mineral content helps the skin regenerate.
Natural therapies and remedies usually take longer to work but have the huge advantage in that they typically carry very few negative side effects. Many people have found that in some instances the natural therapies work better than the medically prescribed ones and are often much cheaper.
Combination Natural and Prescription Treatments
This is typically the most common combination. When a breakout is it’s most ferocious they turn to strong prescription medications to bring the symptoms down fast. In conjunction they typically use things like Dead Sea salt baths to soothe and nourish the skin so that it regenerates faster. This is the best option to bring the disease into a manageable state. Once this state is reached the natural therapies are very helpful in maintaining the individual in a disease free state.
Some Common best practices if you have Eczema – Some Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Moisturise your skin regularly
- Protect skin from strong winds
- Protect skin from temperature extremes (hot or cold)
- If your condition gets worse see a doctor
- Keep the area clean especially if skin cracks
- Keep bathing and shower times short
- Keep bathing temperatures cool
- Check for allergic reactions – ask your doctor
- Keep your diet healthy and add vitamins
- Strictly use medications as directed
- Try to reduce stress
- Join a support group
Don’ts
- Don’t bathe in hot water
- Expose skin to harsh chemicals, solvents, vehicle lubricants etc.
- Bathe in Jacuzzi’s / spa tubs that are hot and full of harsh chemicals
- Don’t buy clothing made of wool
- Wear tight fitting clothing especially synthetic fibres
- Scratch or irritate skin
- Use hydrocortisone creams without medical advice for long periods
In summary like many areas of medicine there are no clear cut answers. Medications do not work for all people. It’s important to keep in mind that there are no miracle cures and typically the quest to get this disease under control takes time and is sometimes trial and error. Like prescription drugs, natural therapies do not work for everyone and often many need to be trailed before the best one is found. One thing is for sure – natural therapies have their place with often great results and no negative side effects. One must be intelligent in approaching this like any other disease – if your symptoms worsen or improvement is not forthcoming see your doctor.
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