Atopic dermatitis, or
eczema, is a chronic skin disorder. When it is flaring up - which can be
weekly or monthly for some - it is characterized by red, itchy skin.
This condition usually occurs in people with a personal or family
history of atopy (allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, or food
allergies).
To aid in the relief of
this disease you need to identify and reduce those factors in your life
that exacerbate the disease. These are different for each person, so no
one therapy is appropriate for all eczema sufferers.
Irritants: Environmental
factors can have a big effect on eczema. To prevent irritation, minimize
the use of soaps, solvents, and other drying compounds. If soaps are to
be used they should have minimal defatting activity and a neutral pH.
Non-soap cleansing agents are also available. Since residual laundry
detergent in clothes may also be irritating, a second rinse cycle would
be beneficial. Changing detergents may also help.
For hand dermatitis, it
is important to avoid irritant contact with solvents, soaps and
detergents. If you wash your hands frequently, it is important to apply
emollients after every washing. Pure Emu Oil and Emu Oil based lotions
are an excellent method of re-hydrating the skin after washing. Wearing
appropriate gloves when using potential irritants is also important.
Allergens: Allergens in
the air and in food are often triggers for a flare-up of this disorder.
Allergy testing is helpful in determining what allergens to avoid.
Occasionally, using an electrostatic air purifier can help reduce
aeroallergen exposure at home or in the workplace.
Dietary management of
atopic dermatitis continues to be a controversial subject among doctors.
The most common allergens appear to be eggs, cow's milk, soy, wheat,
nuts and fish.
Infections: If you get a
bacterial, fungal or viral infection, it may cause a flare-up of eczema.
If eczema is weeping or oozing, if it is crusted, or if it has small
bumps, have your doctor test for the presence of bacterial infection.
Athletes foot (tineas
pedis) can occur in older children and adults in addition to foot
dermatitis. When standard topical therapy for foot dermatitis fails, you
doctor may test for this fungus.
Helpful Hints for Eczema
Hydration: Your skin is
dry, not because it lacks grease or oil, but because it fails to retain
water.
Therefore, to correct
dryness, water is added to the skin, followed by a grease or
oil-containing substance to hold the water in. This can be done by
soaking the affected area in a basin of water, in the bath or in the
shower, for 20 minutes using warm water. Pat the skin with a soft towel
to remove excess water, and immediately apply Emu oil. You should bathe
and lubricate at least once a day or more for optimum hydration. Many
folks find additional applications (2 or 3 times a day) of agents like
Emu oil that hydrate the skin, help keep their skin moist.
Although eczema can be
difficult to live with, we hope the above suggestions will help
alleviate some of the discomfort associated with it. Remember: no two
cases are exactly alike and each person may have different needs.
This document is
informational only. Medical advice and treatment should be obtained from
your family physician.
© e-Longview Farms, Inc.
2001 All rights reserved
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