Eczema Treatment in Delhi

Eczema is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent or recurring skin rashes characterized by redness, itching and dryness, with possible scaling in more advanced stages. Eczema can be acute, sub-acute or chronic and a variety of treatments exist which can help effectively manage the condition.

Types of Eczema

There are a number of types of eczema . Atopic dermatits is most common in children but can affect adults of all ages. Whilst many children grow out of eczema they may have a tendency to dry, sensitive skin in adulthood. Other types of eczema include allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Recognizing the correct type of eczema is crucial to an effective treatment plan. At DermaWorld Skin Institute we are able to offer Patch Testing on site as well as other allergy testing.

Treatment of Eczema

Eczema treatment can be complex and comprises of a maintenance skin care programme to reduce the incidence of flares as well as treatment for the acute episodes. Topical steroids have been the mainstay of treatment for eczema but have recently been subject to some bad publicity causing public concern about their safety. These preparations have been in existence for over 40 years and so the safety profile and side effects are well known. We are ideally qualified to discuss with you how to use topical steroid treatment in a totally safe manner which will not harm the skin as well as discuss the steroid alternative treatments and put this all in perspective for you

Childhood-Eczema-(Atopic-Dermatitis)

Atopic dermatitis, often called eczema, or atopic eczema, is very common skin disease. It affects around 10% of all infants and children. The exact cause is not known, but atopic dermatitis results from a combination of family heredity and a variety of conditions in everyday life that trigger the red, itchy rash.

How do we know if it is atopic dermatitis?

• Time of onset. This type of eczema usually begins during the first year of life and almost always within the first five years. It’s seldom present at birth, but it often comes on after six weeks. Other rashes also can start at that time, so it may be confusing at first but most rashes disappear within a few days to weeks. Atopic dermatitis tends to persist. It may wax and wane, but it keeps coming back.
• Itching. Atopic dermatitis also is a very itchy rash. Much of the skin damage comes from scratching and rubbing that the child cannot control.
• Location. The location of the rash also helps us recognize atopic dermatitis. In babies, the rash usually starts on the face or over elbows or knees, places that are easy to scratch and rub. It may spread to involve all areas of the body, although the moist diaper region is often protected. Later in childhood the rash is typically in the elbows and knee folds. Sometimes, it only affects the hand, and at least 70% of people with atopic dermatitis have had eczema at some time in their life. Rashes on the feet, scalp, or behind the ears are other clues that might point to atopic dermatitis..
• Appearance. The appearance of the rash is probably the least helpful clue because it may be very different from one person to another.
• Heredity. If other family members or relatives have atopic dermatitis, asthma, or hay fever, the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is more likely.

What causes atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is not contagious. People with atopic dermatitis cannot “give” it to someone else. Atopic dermatitis inflammation results from too many reactive inflammatory cells in the skin. Research is seeking the reason why these cells over-react. Patients with atopic dermatitis (or asthma or hay fever) are born with these over-reactive cells. When something triggers them, they don’t turn off as they should. We try to control atopic dermatitis by preventing the trigger factors that turn on the inflamed skin, or by “damping the flames” with anti-inflammatory therapies.

What triggers atopic dermatitis?

Trigger factors may be different for different people. Most children are worse when they have a cold or other infection. Most have worse problems in the winter; but others simply can’t stand the sweating during hot, humid summer weather. Let’s look at the trigger factors that seem to affect every child with atopic dermatitis.

• Dry skin
• Irritants
• Stress
• Heat and sweating
• Infections
• Allergens

How can you avoid triggers?

• Keep the skin barrier intact. MOISTURIZE
• Wear soft clothes that “breathe.” Avoid fabrics of wool, nylon, or stiff material.
• If sweating causes itch, find ways to keep cooler. Such as:
• Reduce exertion, especially during times of flare.
• Layer clothing and adjust temperature settings.
• Don’t overheat rooms, especially the bedroom.
• Use light bedclothes.
• When itching from sweating, dust, pollen, or other exposures, take a cooling shower or tub bath.

If you suspect food allergy, be systematic. Likely offenders are eggs, milk, peanuts, soy, wheat, and seafood, but any food can do it.

Can you exclude the most likely offender for a week?

Substitute hydrolysate for cow formula. Keep a food diary. When the skin clears up, try the food. Watch for signs if itching or redness over the next two hours. Do not try a suspect food if it causes hives or face swelling. Don’t exclude multiple food groups at the same time. It is rare to have more than one or two food allergies, and your child can get malnourished with prolonged avoidance of many foods.

With allergy-prone kids, furry animals are a risk. If you must have pets, keep them outside or at least off beds, rugs, and furniture where the child plays. Dust mites collect in bedroom carpets and bedding. Simple control measures include covering pillows and mattresses, removing bedroom carpets and frequent washing of bedclothes in hot water.

Think about stress-causing events and ways to cope with them. Review problems with your doctor. Try to make atopic dermatitis treatments part of a daily, family routine. Encourage children with atopic dermatitis to do what they can on their own.

Treatment

• Moisturizers. Ointments such as petroleum jelly (such a Vasoline) are best unless they are too thick and cause discomfort. Creams may be fine for moderately dry skin or in hot, humid weather. Apply them to wet skin, immediately after bathing. Lotions and oils are not rich enough and often have a net drying effect on atopic dermatitis on skin.
• Corticosteroids. Often called topical (applied to the skin) steroids, these are cortisone-like-medications used in creams or ointments which your doctor may prescribe (Hydrocortisone, Desonide, Triamcinolone). They are not the same as the dangerous “steroids” some athletes misuse. Cortiscosteroid medicines are very
• Use of steroid ointments and creams requires good judgement and careful supervision. They come in strengths from mild to super-potent. Hydrocortisone is quite safe. The more potent ones can cause thinned skin, stretch marks, and other problems if used too many days in the same areas of the body. Parents should monitor the child’s use. Ask the doctor about potency and side effects of prescribed corticosteroid medicines.
• Antibiotics. Oral or topical antibiotics reduce the surface bacterial infections that may accompany flares of atopic dermatitis.
• Antihistamines. Often prescribed to reduce itching, these medicines may cause drowsiness but seem to help some children.
• Tar preparations. Tar creams or bath emulsions can be helpful for mild inflammation.

When will my child outgrow atopic dermatitis?

For any given child, it is difficult to predict. The majority of babies with atopic dermatitis will lose most of the problem by adolescence, often before grade school. A small number will have severe atopic dermatitis into adulthood. Many have remissions that last for years. The dry skin tendency will remain. Most people learn to use moisturizers to keep their dermatitis controlled. Occasional episodes of atopic dermatitis may occur during times of stress or with jobs that expose the skin to irritants at work.