Eczema

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition causing ‘itchy skin’.

It can affect babies, children and adults from any age. However, onset is often childhood and it is estimated that 1 in 5 of children will be affected by eczema (British Association of Dermatology, 2020).

What are the main symptoms of Eczema?

The main symptoms are:

Itchiness
Inflammation
Dryness
Weeping
Blistering can occur (Pompholyx).

Several factors can affect an individual with eczema. These can be:

Hereditary
The natural skin barrier function
Inflammatory and allergy responses
Infections with bacteria and viruses
Being unwell
Environmental factors.

Herpes Simplex is an infection with the cold sore virus, and it can cause eczema to have a sudden onset flare which is painful and characterised by small weeping sores. It can be dangerous and therefore it is always best to seek medical advice.

What are the different types of Eczema?

There are 7 different types:

Atopic Dermatitis/ Eczema
Contact Dermatitis
Pompholyx Eczema
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Stasis Dermatitis
Discoid Eczema
Neurodermatitis

What treatment is there for Eczema?

You can manage your Eczema with a range of treatments but you cannot cure it. These treatments can include emollient therapy like ointments, creams, and gels. These include soap substitutes. They can also include topical corticosteroids and habitual changes.

Emollients

Ointment, cream, lotion and gel are available.

Ointments and emollients can be flammable. They will often come with a warning label. Please take care when you apply these. Avoid naked flames and flammable risks. You can use all ointments and emollients as a soap substitute. Recommendations from NICE report that bath additives no longer offer any further clinical benefit for use.

Topical Corticosteroid

Mild: Hydrocortisone 0.1% 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.5%

Moderate: Eumovate 0.05% Ointment, Betnovate RD 0.025%

Potent: Mometasone 0.1% ointment, Betnovate 0.1% Ointment (Betamethasone Valerate 0.1%) Very Potent:

Dermovate Ointment 0.05%

Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors

Pimecrolimus Cream (Elidel) | Tacrolimus Ointment (Protopic) 0.1% or 0.03% which comes in two strengths, are topical calcineurin inhibitors that we may issue to treat your Eczema.

They are a non-steroidal immunomodulating agent. They act on the immune system. The flare or inflammation is reduced by blocking a chemical called calcineurin. Pimecrolimus or Tacrolimus are prescribed to help settle and take control of eczematous flares. (British Association of Dermatology, 2020). Your specialist Doctor (GPwsi) or Specialist Nurse can discuss your treatment options with you.

You can use garments can to help your Eczema. Comfifast Garments, Skinnies Viscose or Silk Garments are theraputic types of clothing. They can help aid recovery from eczema, psoriasis or other skin conditions.