Wellness Tips: Eczema
Learn more about today’s wellness tips topic; eczema.
Today’s wellness tips topic; what is eczema? Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. Eczema is characterized by a red rash that is itchy, scaly, and occasionally oozes. Eczema can appear on the legs, arms, cheeks, forehead, knees, and elbows. The skin may have a leathery feel or even crack and blister. Some individuals experience thickening of the skin, red patches, or even a color change when experiencing a bout of eczema.
During the winter months, the skin can become dry causing eczema to worsen. During the summer months, temperatures that rise to extremes can also cause eczema to worsen. If you want to prevent eczema, exposure to extreme heat, strong soaps, bubble baths and other triggers should be avoided. Occasionally you will be unable to identify or avoid a trigger, in this case applying a moisturizer may be useful in preventing eczema flare-ups.
Several moisturizers are available in the market for the treatment of eczema. A few popular brands include Vaseline and Aquaphor. However, there are many more available. If one moisturizer is not effective, keep trying to you find a moisturizer that works for you. For extreme breakouts, you may need to employ topical steroids such as hydrocortisone cream.
There are a few medications that are non-steroidal, immunodilators that are preferred for children with eczema such as Protopic and Elidel. Occasionally doctors may prescribe antihistamines such as Benadryl and Atarax as part of an eczema treatment. Antihistamines help to relieve itching associated with eczema but also have a slight sedative effect to help with sleep. Other treatments available include oral steroids, cyclosporine, wet dressings, cold compresses, and ultraviolet light therapy. Wellness tips encourages you to find a treatment that works best for you.
by Kristy Haugen
- Read more wellness tips from this article-Eczema - Causes And Treatment.
Learn about the causes and treatments available for eczema.
