What is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic recurring skin condition that causes the skin to become inflamed, red, itchy, scaly, dry and peeling.
Am I at Risk?
Children are more prone to developing eczema but will normally outgrow it, although it can persist into adulthood. A major risk factor of eczema is if you have a family or personal history of eczema, allergies, asthma or hay fever.
Certain allergies that are associated with eczema include plant pollen, animal fur/hair, dust mites, mold or specific foods.
How Do I Know if I Have Eczema?
- Dry and sensitive skin
- Inflamed and red skin
- Bumps on the skin
- Persistent and intense itching
- Painful or stinging sensation
- Oozing and crusting of the skin
- Rough and peeling patches of skin
How is Eczema Treated?
Unfortunately, there is no definite cure for eczema although it can sometimes be outgrown as a child. However, even if you are an adult with eczema, rest assured that it can still be treated to remain under control.
Your doctor will prescribe a series of creams and medications to alleviate the symptoms and also tackle the problem at the root. The first line of defense would be the liberal use of moisturisers to prevent the skin from drying out. Normal soaps and shampoos contain ingredients that can irritate or dry your skin out, but there are special kinds of soaps that do not contain these substances which can be recommended by your dermatologist.
Should they not work, your doctor may then prescribe steroid creams. Topical corticosteroids applied onto the skin can relieve the main symptoms of eczema, such as itching and inflammation. Antihistamines may also be taken to reduce itching. Oral or injectable corticosteroids are usually only prescribed if topical treatments do not work.
Finally, avoid scratching your skin, wearing scratchy clothing (like wool) and eating foods that may trigger an eczema flare-up.
If you require more information about eczema or wish to find out how your eczema can be best treated, please fill up the enquiry form below or call us at 6235 1200 to fix an appointment today.