Eczema

Eczema, or dermatitis, describes a group of skin conditions where the skin is irritated or inflamed. There are many different types. The ones that particularly can affect students are
•    Atopic eczema. The most common kind, often starting in young children.
•    Contact eczema. This is when substances or chemicals irritate the skin and cause an allergic reaction. The rash usually starts at the point of contact and then spreads
•    Seborrhoeic eczema. The rash is greasy and usually starts on the scalp but can affect the face and chest too.

SYMPTOMS
•    Red skin
•    Dry skin
•    Itchy skin
•    Small water blisters on the skin particularly on the hands and feet
•    Scaly areas of skin in places where the skin is scratched frequently- this is known as lichenification.

CAUSES
•    There can be a genetic, inherited tendency
•    Chemicals, detergents, soap or shampoo
•    House dust mite
•    Infections with bacteria or viruses
•    Stress
•    Before periods in some women
•    Concurrent illness

TREATMENT

There isn’t a cure for eczema, the aim is to control the symptoms.
•    Try and identify the triggers
•    Moisturisers or emollients. These smooth and hydrate the skin
There are several that can be purchased over the counter such as aqueous cream. They should be used daily and particularly after a bath. There are emollients that can be added to the bath water or used in the shower.
•    Mild steroid creams such as hydrocortisone, which can be purchased over the counter. Stronger steroids are only available on prescription.
•    Stronger steroid creams
•    All steroid creams should be used sparingly and use the mildest cream that works especially on the face. Over use can lead to thinning of the skin. Ointments are more effective than creams but are more greasy.
•    Antibiotics, either topical or orally to treat infections triggering eczema.
•    Antifungals. These can be useful in seborrhoeic eczema
•    Antihistamines to help with the itch
•    Topical immunosuppressants that can help reduce inflammation. These are new treatments so they may have less side effects but long term use has not been fully evaluated
•    Oral steroids to treat severe flares

www.eczema.org
www.bad.org.uk




Source:  National eczema Society
         British Association of Dermatologists
         Bupa Health Information

 Psoriasis

www.psoriasis-association.org.uk