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Make this my homepageFrequently-asked questions
Question: What is eczema?
Answer: Eczema is an inflammatory condition of the skin that can occur at anytime, anywhere on the body, but usually on the hands and face.
Q: Is eczema contagious?
A: No. You cannot 'catch' eczema; it does not spread from one person to another.
Q: What is the best way to treat eczema?
A: An eczema management strategy should involve daily use of emollient creams and bath oils and the use of prescribed steroid creams when required. Avoiding triggers such as perfumed soaps and bath products and keeping stress and illness at bay helps, too.
Q: Should I use emollients between flare-ups?
A: Absolutely. Correct use of emollient is the key to help keep eczema under control, even when your skin feels good.
Q: What causes eczema?
A: Skin with eczema is less able to retain water. This allows gaps to open up between the skin cells and allergens and irritants to pass through more easily. There are a number of triggers, including perfumed soaps, biological detergents, cosmetics, pet hair and dust mites. Stress and poor health can also trigger flare-ups.
Q: My child has eczema. Will she grow out of it?
A: It is possible, but not guaranteed. Approximately 75 per cent of children grow out of eczema by the time they reach their teens.
Q: Could a food allergy be making my child's eczema worse?
A: While it is rare that diet alone triggers eczema, it is thought that food is one of the causes in around a third of children. Children under five are at greatest risk of food allergies making their symptoms worse. Consult your child's doctor or dietician if you suspect a food allergy.
Q: Both my child and I have dry skin and are prone to eczema symptoms. Can we both use the same cream?
A: E45 Cream or E45 Itch Relief Cream are both suitable for use by adults and children.
Q: Are steroid creams safe to use?
A: Yes, if used as prescribed by your doctor. Steroid creams can be very effective in treating moderate to severe flare-ups.
Q: Can I use emollients and protective sun cream together?
A: Yes, but apply your emollient well before the protective sun lotion to allow it to be completely absorbed; otherwise, it could dilute the effect of the sun cream. Try not to 'over-apply' your emollient if you are planning on sunbathing, to avoid a 'frying effect'. However, be aware that excessive sunbathing, even with protection, is not recommended when you are suffering from dry skin conditions.
Q: Do complementary therapies work?
A: Complementary therapies have not been subject to much scientific evaluation, though many people find them helpful. They include fish oil tablets, vitamins C and E, aromatherapy, homeopathy, yoga and other relaxation techniques. Inform your GP if you are starting another course of treatment and do not suddenly stop your conventional treatments without consultation. Also remember that what works for one person will not always work for another. Whatever treatment you choose, make sure you select a trained, registered practitioner.
Sources
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Allergies/Pages/Stopthescratching.aspx (last accessed May 2010)
http://www.eczema.org/atopic_eczema.html (last accessed May 2010)
