Dry, Scaly, Itchy Skin? Let's Talk about Eczema.

by Dr. Avee Naidoo (2023).

What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes extensive itching, dryness and inflammation. It is common in children but can affect people of all ages.

What Causes Eczema?

While the exact cause is unknown, eczema is believed to result from a combination of genetic (issues with your skin barrier to maintain moisture) and environmental factors. Triggers may include certain foods, allergens, stress, recent viral illness and harsh weather conditions (e.g. winters).

TIP: In some cases, "patch testing" can be done to assess if you are allergic to products . coming in contact with your skin - this is commonly done for hand eczema.

People prone to developing eczema often have a family history of seasonal allergies, asthma or eczema – these 3 are known as the ‘atopic triad’. Children often grow out of eczema as they get older, however, many individuals have it as a lifelong condition that can be effectively managed.

**Eczema is not contagious and cannot be spread from person-to-person.

How Does It Look and Feel?

Eczema can manifest as itchy, red (in lighter skin tones) or dark purple to brown (in darker skin tones), scaly, inflamed patches. Scratching can worsen symptoms, leading to potential infection.

Eczema can affect any part of the skin, but common areas include the creases of the joints at the elbows and knees, in addition to the wrists and neck (called a flexural pattern). Eczema can also affect the face, including the eyelids and lips, and can commonly affect the hands. Other common appearances of eczema include coin-sized areas of inflammation on the limbs (discoid eczema), and smaller scattered bumps that coincide with the hair follicles (papular or follicular eczema).

Can it be cured?

Unfortunately, eczema has no cure, but it is a chronic, recurrent skin disease that can be effectively managed.

How do we manage eczema?

1. Keep Your Skin Moisturized: Regular application of a scent-free moisturiser (also known as an emollient) at least twice a day (e.g. CeRave Moisturizing Lotion, Eucerin Complete Repair) and washing with a moisturiser instead of soap (known as a soap substitute) is effective at reducing flares (e.g. La Roche Posay, CeRave or Cetaphil soap-free cleansers).

2. Identify Triggers: Pay attention to factors that worsen your symptoms and try to avoid them (e.g. dust, pets, hay fever).

3. Gentle Skincare: Use mild, non-scrented, hypoallergenic soaps, lotions and detergents. Pat your skin dry after bathing, don't rub.

4. Avoid Scratching: Keep nails short and wear soft, breathable fabrics to minimize irritation.

5. Use prescription treatments, as advised by your physician, to treat the condition until it is completely resolved (no longer itchy or scaly).          TIP: Do not stop treatment once your condition improves; treat until it is completely . resolved to reduce the frequency of flares and recurrence of the disease.
   

• Most eczema treatments are topical (creams), which involve an anti-inflammatory component, that need to be applied once to twice per day after moisturizing. Early and effective treatment is important to prevent infection, changes in pigmentation, scarring, and worsening of the condition.

• If your eczema is severe and cannot be managed by creams alone, you may require oral (by mouth) or injectable medication.

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If you are experiencing symptoms of eczema or your eczema is not well-managed, it is imperative that you speak to your general practitioner or dermatologist to effectively treat and manage the condition.