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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
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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.