Eczema
DEFINITION
Eczema is an intensely itchy, inflammatory disease of the
skin. The skin is thick, dry and often overgrown by bacteria such
as staphlycoccus aureus.
skin. The skin is thick, dry and often overgrown by bacteria such
as staphlycoccus aureus.
DESCRIPTION
The different types of Eczema have different distinguishing
markings but most share general features. Different types of Eczema
are presented as individual topics on the Healthpoint.
markings but most share general features. Different types of Eczema
are presented as individual topics on the Healthpoint.
Eczema is most often classified into two main types:
Contact Eczema – is often the result of an external allergen.
It is also referred to as contact dermatitis. Contact Eczema occurs
when one or more external substances provoke a reaction on the
skin. It may be described as irritant contact Eczema or allergic
contact Eczema depending on the reaction. Common contact allergens
and irritants include: cosmetics, perfumes and hair dyes, shampoos,
toothpastes, deodorants and soaps, insecticides, aerosol sprays and
detergents, epoxy resins (also resins in nasal sprays), nickel
(present in jewellery, jean studs, bra clips and zippers),
wool-derived alcohol (lanolin, cosmetics and creams), rubber
chemicals (clothing, shoes and tyres), solvents, abrasive dusts,
acids and alkalis, lead, copper, cadmium and mercury.
It is also referred to as contact dermatitis. Contact Eczema occurs
when one or more external substances provoke a reaction on the
skin. It may be described as irritant contact Eczema or allergic
contact Eczema depending on the reaction. Common contact allergens
and irritants include: cosmetics, perfumes and hair dyes, shampoos,
toothpastes, deodorants and soaps, insecticides, aerosol sprays and
detergents, epoxy resins (also resins in nasal sprays), nickel
(present in jewellery, jean studs, bra clips and zippers),
wool-derived alcohol (lanolin, cosmetics and creams), rubber
chemicals (clothing, shoes and tyres), solvents, abrasive dusts,
acids and alkalis, lead, copper, cadmium and mercury.
Atopic Eczema – is thought to be provoked by an internal
cause. Atopic Eczema commonly occurs during infancy. It is usually
found on the face, wrists and inside the elbows and knees. It is a
hereditary condition and is often associated with asthma, hay
fever, hives and food allergies.
cause. Atopic Eczema commonly occurs during infancy. It is usually
found on the face, wrists and inside the elbows and knees. It is a
hereditary condition and is often associated with asthma, hay
fever, hives and food allergies.
Eczema can also be classified as Acute or Chronic.
Acute Eczema has a sudden onset with intense symptoms which
usually subside after a period of time. It is recognised by redness
and swelling, usually with an ill-defined border and small
blisters. In severe cases these blisters can become large, weepy
and crusted in the affected areas of skin.
usually subside after a period of time. It is recognised by redness
and swelling, usually with an ill-defined border and small
blisters. In severe cases these blisters can become large, weepy
and crusted in the affected areas of skin.
Chronic Eczema refers to a long-term skin condition. The
symptoms of a chronic Eczema are persistent and recur frequently.
Chronic Eczema may show all of the above symptoms but usually
presents with less weeping and blistering of the skin. It has a
more scaly, highly coloured and thickened area of skin, dry and
leathery patches of skin (often due to scratching or rubbing) and a
more painful cracking and splitting of the skin.
symptoms of a chronic Eczema are persistent and recur frequently.
Chronic Eczema may show all of the above symptoms but usually
presents with less weeping and blistering of the skin. It has a
more scaly, highly coloured and thickened area of skin, dry and
leathery patches of skin (often due to scratching or rubbing) and a
more painful cracking and splitting of the skin.
CAUSE
Most cases of Eczema are thought to be caused by an abnormal
functioning of the body’s inflammatory process. People with Eczema
may have immune system defects. This leads to an inability to
control inflammation and decreases the ability to kill bacteria and
viruses. Other possible causes include hot and humid conditions,
cold, dry conditions caused by the weather or air-conditioning,
stress and emotions, contact with irritants (discussed previously
in this topic), poor dietary habits, family history of Eczema,
asthma, food allergies, allergies to medication, low stomach acid
(hypochlorhydria), chlorinated water and nutritional
deficiencies.
functioning of the body’s inflammatory process. People with Eczema
may have immune system defects. This leads to an inability to
control inflammation and decreases the ability to kill bacteria and
viruses. Other possible causes include hot and humid conditions,
cold, dry conditions caused by the weather or air-conditioning,
stress and emotions, contact with irritants (discussed previously
in this topic), poor dietary habits, family history of Eczema,
asthma, food allergies, allergies to medication, low stomach acid
(hypochlorhydria), chlorinated water and nutritional
deficiencies.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted. Your
Doctor will diagnose and treat your skin condition. Eczema can be
difficult to diagnose as it presents in many different forms and
may be confused with a fungal infection. Endogenous types of Eczema
are usually treated with corticosteroid and/or tar ointments and
antihistamines. Drugs which work to suppress the immune system may
also be prescribed in some cases. The management of exogenous types
of Eczema is based upon discovering and avoiding the substance
which is causing the irritation or allergic reaction. This may
involve wearing protective clothing if contact is unavoidable e.g.,
the person is being exposed to the substance at work. Prevention is
a major part of the management programme for all types of
Eczema.
Doctor will diagnose and treat your skin condition. Eczema can be
difficult to diagnose as it presents in many different forms and
may be confused with a fungal infection. Endogenous types of Eczema
are usually treated with corticosteroid and/or tar ointments and
antihistamines. Drugs which work to suppress the immune system may
also be prescribed in some cases. The management of exogenous types
of Eczema is based upon discovering and avoiding the substance
which is causing the irritation or allergic reaction. This may
involve wearing protective clothing if contact is unavoidable e.g.,
the person is being exposed to the substance at work. Prevention is
a major part of the management programme for all types of
Eczema.
DIET HINTS
- Investigate the possibility of food allergies. Seek advice from
a Dietitian. Possible allergens include cow’s milk, wheat, gluten,
eggs, peanuts and citrus fruits. - Eczema sufferers with known sensitivities to nickel may find
their condition improves if they reduce the amount of nickel in
their diets. Foods rich in nickel include rolled oats porridge,
dried beans and peas, nuts, and chocolate. Nickel-sensitive Eczema
sufferers should consult their Dietitian for advice. - Essential fatty acids are important for maintaining healthy
skin and to reduce inflammation. The best sources include; fish,
especially tuna, salmon, halibut and sardines; nuts and seeds; and
vegetable oils. - Try to include pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds daily. These
contain zinc and vitamin B6 which are needed for the immune system
and for the metabolism of essential fatty acids. - Mangos, carrots and apricots are thought to be good for skin
conditions because of their high amounts of Vitamin A and beta
carotene.
VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS
For further information, Eczema – Supplements on the
Healthpoint.
Healthpoint.
- Vitamin A supplementation may be beneficial as it promotes skin
healing. - B group vitamins may assist in alleviating symtpoms of
dermatitis. - Fish oil can reduce inflammation and dryness.
- Zinc is thought to aid healing of the skin and enhance immune
function. - Chickweed herb can prevent itching and stop hardening of the
skin. - Calendula can reduce inflammation and redness.
AROMATHERAPY
The listed oils are suggested for the temporary relief of the
symptoms of Eczema. The most specific oils are shown in
capitals.
symptoms of Eczema. The most specific oils are shown in
capitals.
Avocado, BERGAMOT, BLUE CHAMOMILE, CHAMOMILE, EVENING
PRIMROSE, Geranium, Jasmine, JOJOBA, LAVENDER, Melissa, Orange,
Wheatgerm.
PRIMROSE, Geranium, Jasmine, JOJOBA, LAVENDER, Melissa, Orange,
Wheatgerm.
ORGANISATIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS
See the Eczema Association of Australia Inc topic on the
Healthpoint.
Healthpoint.
PHARMACIST’S ADVICE
- Avoid using soap or detergents where possible and use other
products. Moisturising creams or ointments to combat dry skin might
be suggested. Avoid using products containing lanolin as some
people are allergic to this substance. - A bath with lubricating oils added may help to relieve dry
skin. - Ask your Pharmacist for advice about protective clothing,
including cotton gloves, which may be needed if contact with
irritating or allergic substances cannot be avoided. - A mild cortisone cream is sometimes used. If you have any
queries regarding your prescribed medication, ask your Pharmacist
for advice. - Avoid exposing the affected areas of skin to excessive sunlight
as this may aggravate the condition. - If the diet is considered inadequate, some nutritional
supplements might be considered.
