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47 REGENT STREET, KOGARAH, NSW 2217 T: 9553 0700 www.southderm.com.au Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a recurring skin condition in which areas of skin become red, itchy, scaly and red. In some cases the skin breaks open and may weep, bleed and crust over. The skin may also become infected. Eczema can occur anywhere on the body but is often seen in the elbow creases, behind the knees, on the neck, hands, ankles and face. Eczema is a common disorder that affects one in three Australians. It often begins in childhood and may disappear as children grow, but some people experience eczema into adulthood. Eczema on the legs What does eczema look like? Treatment There is no known cure for eczema, so treatments are aimed at healing the skin and minimising further flare-ups. It is important to have treatment because it can stop the eczema from getting worse. Treatment can also improve the redness, pain and itch and prevent infections. Your dermatologist may recommend: • Eczema can vary in appearance, from itchy skin to spots, blisters, rashes and sores that weep and crust over. The most common type of eczema in infants is a rash that makes the skin dry, scaly and itchy. It may ooze and weep fluid. In young children, eczema often presents as a rash in the creases of the elbows or knees. The rash may also appear around the neck, on the wrists and ankles or the creases between the thighs and buttocks. Over time the affected skin may get lighter or darker, become thick and scaly and more itchy. Sometimes eczema develops after an insect bite or injury to the skin and forms coin-shaped red marks. Other people develop oily, waxy patches on the scalp and face. Creams and ointments: these can help to reduce dryness, redness and itching. Some contain a type of steroid called a corticosteroid, which acts to reduce the inflammation of the skin. What causes eczema? • Antihistamine medications: these are medications that help to reduce itching. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it often runs in families. A family history of eczema, hayfever (rhinitis) or asthma is a strong predictor of eczema. All three conditions are known as atopic diseases. • Antibiotics: may be required when the skin is infected. • Wet dressings: wet bandaging can help to soothe itching and heal skin lesions; dressings are often applied in hospital several times per day. More severe cases of eczema may require stronger medications or phototherapy (light) treatment. Eczema can be triggered by many things including moulds, grasses, pollen, pet hair, house dust mites, soaps (including bubble bath), shampoos and washing powders. Cosmetics and perfumes may also aggravate the condition. Other irritants include tobacco smoke, chemicals, sand, air conditioning or overheating. Certain types of clothing including garments made from wool or nylon can irritate the skin. Hot and humid weather or cold dry conditions can also trigger flare-ups of eczema. Some people find that certain foods or stress cause eczema outbreaks, although food allergies are a rare cause of eczema. Food groups should never be withheld unless a person has a confirmed food allergy identified on allergy testing by a dermatologist. 47 REGENT STREET, KOGARAH, NSW 2217 T: 9553 0700 www.southderm.com.au Adem fur, ades bon atum addum te, sendam, tum ducon dii pracena tortemn icerraris lius? O ta vatoditidere perehebus orum iam audelum idieres imursul toratusa nonstrioris bonsus, vividit erenam, vesidessa ium is culiu ia dem, vis etil hors obsere tuspiem post in Etravol tusperenam tum int niu quam atimili issi pubi serfecules? quam horudet; ne cons sulicaperrid deorbit Castique consicia ina, etorae aris estre ad con publibem in retimis horist ficatia Simportique de corestaris. consusc remque quast You can help to minimise flare ups by vid Catra L. Ser proximil horum obsenin tiliam tus, sum practicing good skin care and avoiding Patem, ta maionsultis adducienati eo cri con nos superra known triggers or irritants. It is helpful to:popote, adem itateludese perehem int. Catquem me me te quidem pl. Fultis hors consupe sulvidervis movestr eorecul icaperb enatusq uemuratus hin interri ponstiori consuliae, • Wear clothing made from breathable vid iam actur, Ti. Efex me perussulus re contion onius, non suchcre, as nosta cotton; avoid dientebfibres escesimis, diest? Nosrough publint ientiem fabrics and tight clothing. quereti,scratchy fue nem tum inatin inam sesilica consulos peris hocchilis, nertistem ute ex nox movero temnius pratiliam fatur avoludam us, in te cribus Multori publicieris, am. • Use substitutes not sercerdicae dry Ximussul halasoap consul ublis M.An inthat iliamdo omneri skin and avoid bubble baths. patium out prarethe popublium abus. Uludes publicaed poponsus, egeri condam, Catus aucivid acepse es ta in nonsulego cri proratque vo, Catifer ferionvoc restrus fur lostrae, sid di sis • Bathe in lukewarm water (avoid hot fue cendiesse que quis inihili ipion termis clat. Sentem re baths or ultodit et dent. di se mus caesing Endam showers). acrum ad peris. In tuusqua et videt fintili entium omnemuri perceris. Fulost forum ervir us peripti conequa octa, condiis condiurei peci popopoentrem ficeri publin • Do not have prolonged baths or senatur, querem sticioc uspecta quam coti, prore convere showers, tend to dry ame out the nicienterus effrei inwhich su sensupe rfecre, pat, etratimis, veritumskin. pos, nonsimust pro, dicastrudam te que nis, nirte consuliquam iaecerit; nox sperio, nonsu sil vivastam ideo C. Seressa nos, unteati onduceri iacchuid co con te, • Gently pat the skin dry to avoid publis bonfir uritis, C. Catus pondeps ediissil convo, virit excess rubbing the manteris. skin. Rem inatesus consulvium etiliculto Catuof sed dica; nem, nortis. Upiemus What can I do to avoid flare ups? • Apply a perfume-free moisturiser to the skin after bathing to lock in the moisture. • Try to avoid prolonged contact with sand and wet clothing. • Use laundry detergents for sensitive skin and wash all new clothes before wearing. How is eczema diagnosed? Eczema can be diagnosed by your (or your child’s) dermatologist who will examine the skin and look for a rash or signs of scratching. They will talk to you about previous rashes, exposure to possible irritants, family history and injury history. They will also ask you about what lotions, shampoos and perfumes you use on your skin. Your dermatologist may perform allergy tests on the skin (also called patch tests) or order blood tests. Speak to your SouthDerm Dermatologist today about what is available for you and your skin condition.