Category: Eczema/Psoriasis

You Suffer from Psoriasis?

If you suffer from Psoriasis then you will be interested in this  video presentation above.

The video shows you some unique and rare tips on how to eliminate psoriasis and achieve complete freedom from inflamed itchy skin, silvery scales, burning or bleeding that occur around your joints in 30-60 days!

I know you are are probably skeptical but this is based on the latest scientific research on how to stop the actual CAUSE of psoriasis.

*And if you also have any related skin disorders, then the moves highlighted in this video  will help remove most of these symptoms while restoring your energy and vitality and dramatically improving the quality of your life.

>> watch the video here

 

PS…I am uploading a series of articles on Psoriasis here

http://myhealthbusiness.info/category/eczema-questions-and-answers/

A personal experience with Psoriasis

The purpose of this article is to tell the world what I have learned from my own personal experience about an inexpensive and effective treatment for eczema.

 

Because psoriasis is a very similar affliction, there’s a good chance that this treatment would be effective for psoriasis too. Eczema is a skin irritation characterized by red, flaky skin that sometimes has cracks or tiny blisters. It’s believed to be hereditary and if both parents have it, there is an 80% chance that their children will have it too.

 

Once upon a time, I had medical insurance coverage and I was able to afford any medication my doctor prescribed. I used to have a slew of little bottles and creams that were somewhat effective in relieving the itching, but nothing I ever tried had any effect whatsoever in terms of reducing the severity or frequency of eczema attacks. Topical applications of cortisone cream have a limited effect in terms of relieving the itching, but cortisone just suppresses eczema and can actually cause it to spread. There’s a theory that eczema can be brought on by stress, and I believe that may be true. After experiencing a year long constant virulent attack during 2004 through 2005 when I was under severe stress, I decided to seek medical help in order to find out whether anything new had been discovered regarding eczema treatment.

The only treatment I didn’t already know about involves exposure to ultraviolet light radiation which is very expensive. For many years there have been medications that are taken internally, but all of them require regular blood testing for possible liver damage. For me, this is out of the question because any medication that is capable of causing liver damage comes under the category of unacceptable.

One day I was returning from a doctor visit when I passed a health food store, and I had some time to spend so I went in. The woman behind the counter turned out to be a certified nutritionist so I asked her whether she knew anything about eczema treatment that the doctors don’t know about. She said “Yes, I do.” I said “Really. Tell me.” She brought out a small bottle of liquid zinc and told me that some of her customers had reported success with topical applications on their eczema sores. So I bought a bottle. I figured “What have I got to lose? Nothing. Twenty bucks, maybe.” To my surprise, it relieved the itching and seemed to have some limited effect in reducing the inflammations.

The health food store lady had told me that zinc is a healer so I started thinking about it. I remembered that Desitin is a very effective and well known treatment for baby rash and that the active ingredient is zinc oxide. I thought “If liquid zinc is effective topically, how much more effective could it be if I take it internally?” Being inherently cheap, I was a bit bothered by the idea of buying another small bottle of liquid zinc and I knew that zinc tablets are inexpensive. And that certainly appealed to my wallet. I discussed my idea with the nutritionist who agreed that it could work. So I began with the 75 mg. daily dose that the woman recommended and gradually worked my way upwards until I reached 200 mg. a day.

Eczema makes me so angry that I often curse “the eczema Nazis” each time the first blister occurs with the unmistakable itch that feels like it originates in my bones. I say to myself, “Damnation, I’m under attack again!”

Now I say “Come on zinc, be John Wayne and kill every last one of those eczema Nazis!” Eight months after I began my inexpensive experiment with zinc taken internally, I can report real progress. Where previously one tiny eczema blister always signaled a serious outbreak, now it stops without spreading any further and heals very quickly. The indicative first blister is not necessarily accompanied by itching either. To me, this is very significant because it constitutes a completely new pattern that has never before manifested in my entire life.

If you want to try taking zinc internally, I’d recommend “chelated” zinc because zinc is a mineral and minerals are not easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

Back in the early 1980’s, the health food industry discovered that if minerals are chemically linked to something the body can easily absorb, they are far more effective. The chemists who invent these things decided to use amino acids which are natural proteins, and proteins are easily absorbable. The process of chemically linking a mineral to an amino acid is called chelation. I’ve written all this with a sincere desire to help others benefit from my experience and I really hope that somebody out there has found my article to be valuable.

 

 

 

REFERENCES

Psoriasis: Symptoms, Pictures, and More – MedicineNet

May 2, 2014 … Get information on psoriasis treatment, symptoms, causes, medication and types: vulgaris, guttate, inverse and pustular. Red dry flakes, skin …

Psoriasis Causes, Symptoms, Treatments – WebMD

Learn about psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin

.Psoriasis: Click for Treatment and Medications – eMedicineHealth

Oct 23, 2014 … Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin disorder that affects 1%-2% of people in the U.S. See pictures, and read about psoriasis symptoms, …

 

 

 

 

Allergic to pets

People can become allergic to pets because of proteins from animal hair, urine or saliva. Pets which can cause allergies are dogs, cats, chicken, mice, rats, cows, horses, hamsters, guinea pig and birds. Allergic reaction can attack the respiratory system, eyes which can result in hay fever, urticaria, asthmatic symptoms, eye symptoms or eczema.

Hay fever makes the patient develop itchy eyes, runny nose and sneezes. Asthmatic symptoms are wheezing, prolonged expiration, rapid breathing, over inflated chest, and fast heart rate. Urticaria, nettle rash, hives or uredo is a skin condition where the skin develops raised red welts. They can appear on any part of the body. The welt can badly itch, burn or even sting. Eye symptoms include watering and itching of the eyes. Eczema or atopic dermatitis is an atopic skin disease. Young children are more prone to getting this disease. The skin becomes hypersensitive when the allergens touch the body parts and becomes flaky and starts itching very badly. It also turns red and can also get further affected with bacteria.

Allergens from pets are proteins. They either contact the skin directly or also by breathing in. This contact triggers an allergic reaction and makes the body to produce histamine. This histamine irritates and swells the airways, which results in asthmatic symptoms and hay fever. The condition can worsen if the person is exposed to tobacco smoke, polluted air, car fumes or environmental allergens. Some people can also be allergic to the food the pet eats. The allergy worsens when asthma worsens; symptoms include insomnia, cold, and ear infections.

The allergens come from direct contact with an animal, or even from people who have been in direct contact with the animal. In most of the cases, people are allergic to pet because of hereditary reasons. Also kids having asthmatic bronchitis and which grow with pets such as cats are more prone to be allergic to cats as adults. Furless cats produce low allergens.

People allergic to pets should be extra careful when renting a new house. There can be a possibility that the previous occupants have had pets. The allergens present in the environment can trigger allergic reactions and it will take more than a year to reduce the effect of the pet allergens. If a person suspects allergic reactions because of pet allergens, they can test it by staying away from home for more than two weeks. If the symptoms still continue, pet allergens aren’t responsible. Also a doctor should be contacted immediately who can conduct test and diagnose the condition. Blood and skin tests should be taken to confirm the diagnosis. The doctor can then prescribe medicine for controlling the allergy. Patients can also take vaccination against the allergen.

Pet owners should also participate to help other people with pet allergies. They should bathe their pets regularly. They should be dried completely after that. Researches have proved that monthly baths decreases the pet allergens in the house. Guinea pigs and rabbits have allergens in their urine. These animals should be shifted outside, if they have been living within the house. Anti-allergen filters are also available in the market which helps to purify the air of allergens. Pets should be strictly kept out of bedrooms so as to not to be become pet allergen carriers, pet owner’s can wash their hands soon after contact with the animal.

Infant Eczema

Infant Eczema is common sight in the infants below 5 years of age. In rare cases, this disorder can be noticed in the babies of two to six months of age. Infants with extra sensitive skin or even dry skin are more prone to this disorder. The outermost layer of the skin that protects us gets sensitive in this condition or at times this layer is lost.

Infant eczema needs continuous extra care as the infants have the habit of scratching thus irritating the affected area. If the infant continues to scratch, the disorder may get elevated causing some severe problems. Scratching may break open the skin making a way for other skin infections to enter the body. Infant eczema needs prime care and it should be reported to the doctor as soon as possible.

The common and the primary symptoms of infant eczema are flaked skin, rashes and itchiness. The most effective and the common treatment for the eczema is the topical steroid ointment that is prescribed as an effective cure against itching and inflammation. These ointments are available in different power or strengths and are suitable for short period use, but under medical supervision.

The medical treatment varies with the intensity of the diseases and the age of the infants. It is recommended that the infants over the age of three months use the steroid free cream regularly to prevent any further development of this disease. All the medical treatments should be started under the proper guidance and the supervision of the doctor.

Infants are more prone to discontinued sleep and are constantly fussy about the itching skin. Making the infant’s calm in such delicate conditions can be a difficult job. Gently applying mild moisture on the affected areas can make the infant feel relaxed and soothed. Taking precautions is always better than waiting for the disease to get cured.

Using mild and soft baby soaps for cleansing the infants is always better than using the regular soaps. Give a lukewarm water bath to your infant instead of a hot water bath as hot water may dry the skin further. Pat the skin dry with a dry towel instead of rubbing it harshly. Use pure cotton clothes for the infant instead of any synthetic fabrics. Make sure the bedding used for the infant is made of 100% cotton. Do not cover the child with a woolen blanket or any synthetic rug. Keep the infants room temperature normal. Keep the infant away from the extreme hot temperatures. Avoid keeping pets in the house and if you have one avoid the pet getting on the beds and the furniture.

Cover the hands of the infant with socks or mittens, during the night, to avoid them from scratching while asleep. Keep the infants nails clean and short. Do not apply any kind of talcum powder as it may dry the skin. Keep the skin moist by applying mild moisturizers after their baths and whenever needed. Use soft and mild detergents to wash your infant’s clothes. Taking conscious steps towards the safety of your infant will definitely help in making his/ her life healthy.

Food allergies in Kids

Food allergies are a common problem in kids. Nearly two million children have food allergies in the United States. Some food allergies are life threatening, even if the food is taken in very little quantity. Peanut tops the list of notorious foods which cause allergies. Following it are milk, especially cow’s milk, soy, eggs, wheat, seafood and other nuts.

Food allergies are caused when the immune system is confused. The job of the immune system is to protect the body from diseases, bacteria, viruses and germs. The antibodies produced by the immune system helps to fight these minute external organisms which makes the person sick. But if the body is allergic to certain food, the immune system mistakes the food to a harmful foreign substance and takes action towards it thinking that it is dangerous to the body. The body acts adversely, when it isn’t supposed to do so.

When the immune system detects allergic substance, the antibodies produce mast cells. They are a kind of immune system cell which release a chemicals, such as histamine, in the bloodstream. These chemicals affect the respiratory system, digestive system, nose, eyes, throat, and skin. Initial symptoms are runny nose, tingling sensation in the lips or tongue, and itchy skin rash like hives. The reaction can be mild to severe and depends on every individual. The symptoms can appear right after the food is consumed or after few hours. Other symptoms are cough, wheezing, nausea, hoarse voice, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, and throat tightness.

A sudden and harsh allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis. The patient encounters many problems, all at once which involve blood vessels, the heart, digestion, breathing, and skin. The blood pressure drops very steeply, the tongue swells and there is swelling in the breathing tubes. Patients who have such allergic reactions should be ready to handle emergencies. They should always carry some type of medicine which will help to combat or reduce the adverse affect of the food.

Most of the times, it is very easy to detect the cause of food allergy. Problems such as hives begin to surface as soon as the child eats the substance he is allergic to. At other times, it becomes very difficult to determine the cause of allergy. In such cases, everything should be observed under close surveillance. Food items which are made out of many ingredients should be thoroughly checked for the allergic cause. Most of the times, allergies are inherited from other family members or other kids born with food allergies. Changes in the surroundings and the body play a major role in these kinds of cases. Some of the kids aren’t actually allergic to the food and show only mild reaction. Like people who are lactose intolerant suffer from diarrhea and belly pain after consuming milk and diary products. This is not an indication that the child is allergic to milk. This reaction happens because their body is incapable of breaking down the sugars which are found in diary products and milk.

If the conditions are severe, a doctor should be consulted immediately. If food allergy is diagnosed, the doctor refers to an allergy specialist. The doctor asks questions like eating patterns, past allergic reactions and the time period between the consumption of food and the surfacing of the symptoms. The specialist can also ask about allergy related conditions like asthma or eczema and whether allergic reactions are hereditary. Usually skin test and blood test is done to test the antibodies and the reaction they have on the skin when it is exposed to the allergic substance.

Kids who are allergic to egg and milk outgrow them as the age progresses. But allergies which are severe and are related to items such as peanut, shrimps, and some kind of fish, last for a lifetime. Other than food, children can be allergic to certain medicines and flower pollen. The best way to avoid allergies is to avoid the cause of it. No specific medicine has been developed for the cure of allergies.

What is eczema

Eczema, an itchy inflammation of the skin, effects many people in different forms, with one of the most common being scalp eczema.

The scalp is vulnerable because the skin of the scalp is different than skin elsewhere on the body. The scalp has a very rich supply of grease from the sebaceous glands as well as carrying follicles creating long hairs.

There are other symptoms to watch for with eczema besides itching. A person suffering from a form of eczema may also experience redness of the affected area, dry skin, lumps or blisters, and possibly signs of superficial infection such as weeping or crusty deposits.

It is important to let your medical provider know if you are suffering these symptoms and to which parts of your body, as there are several types of eczema, including atopic, allergic contact, irritant contact, discoid, seborrhoeic, and many others.

Eczema is actually a fairly common condition with atopic eczema (the “allergic” type often seen in people with allergies or asthma), affecting about 10-20 percent of school children and 3-5 percent of adults in the UK.

This number is increasing and becoming more common. The cause of this strain becoming more common may be due to an increased exposure to allergens such as house dust or environmental factors.

Now that we know what the symptoms are, how is eczema and scalp eczema treated? Treatment can consist of topical creams or ointments that are applied regularly.

Or, if the area is infected, your medical provider may prescribe antimicrobial medicines, such as antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals. These may either be taken orally or topically.

Depending on the severity of your condition, either method has proven over time to be effective.

Although eczema or scalp eczema are conditions which can be annoying or troublesome, there is hope that the treatments can be effective and one suffering from eczema can lead a full, productive life.

What is Eczema

 

Eczema is a skin condition commonly known as dermatitis which can result in dry flaky skin which can be itchy and feel hot. This sensation often leads to vigorous itching which in turn can damage the skin.
The word Eczema comes from the Greek words that mean “to boil over”. The word Dermatitis comes from the Greek word for skin. Both words refer to the same condition though.

There are four types of eczema, (atopic, varicose, discoid and contact/dermatitis).

Atopic Eczema is the most common form of Eczema. It is linked to hay fever and asthma. There is a tendency for it to be inherited, but there are also environmental factors which are important as well.
Atopic means extra sensitivity to certain substances (allergens) e.g. dust mites, cat and dog fur etc.
It affects 15-20% of young children in the UK, however, in about 70% of these cases, it clears up. If it doesn’t clear up, then it is likely that the condition will get worse as the patient gets older.
For some reason, the number of cases of Atopic eczema have increased in recent times.

Varicose Eczema affects the lower legs of patients. It is associated with varicose veins and is often a pre-cursor to varicose vein problems. It is also associated with poor circulation. Unlike Atopic eczema, it tends to affect the middle aged and the elderly.

Eczema can be either an acute or chronic skin reaction where there is a sensitivity to a particular material. This reaction may be an allergic or non-allergic reaction. This condition is caused when the bodies immune system reacts with a particular substance.

Discoid Eczema can occur at any point in a persons life, however, it tends to appear at a later stage in life. It tends to affect the lower legs and feet and shows itself as a distinct round patch of eczema.

What are the symptoms of Eczema?

This type of Eczemas symptoms normally include red, dry, itchy skin. There may also be some small water blisters which can weep on the hands and feet. Scaly areas will develop as well where the skin has been continually scratched.

Varicose
The symptoms for Varicose Eczema start with a mild itchiness just above the ankle. This will then become speckled and inflamed as well as becoming itchy. On occasion, ulcers can form.

This type of Eczema usually starts out with a rash in the area where the trigger substance has come into contact with the skin. Once the eczema has been triggered, then the eczema can spread through the body.

Discoid
Normally, one or a number of round patches of red skin appear. They may be itchy and become blistered. It is also quite common for these patches to be infected with bacteria.

What is the treatment for Eczema?

As with all conditions and diseases, it is usually best to talk to your doctor before embarking upon any course of treatment. The information below is purely for information purposes only and I always recommend that you read the information below and then go and talk to a medical professional.

There doesn’t appear to be a cure for eczema, however, there are a number of treatments which can control the symptoms of this very uncomfortable condition.

There are a number of over the counter creams which will help to soothe your eczema of which there are two types. These are emollients which are moisturisers which will soothe and hydrate the skin. A good time to apply these creams is straight after a bath while your skin is still slightly moist. There are also mild steroid creams. These creams can calm flare ups of eczema by suppressing your bodys inflammatory response. Even though these creams are available to anybody, it is wise to ask the pharmacists advice before using either emollients or mild steroid creams.

Your doctor may prescribe some prescription medicine if the emollients and mild steroid creams don’t work.

Your doctor may advise you to take anti-histamine drugs which will help you to sleep although they won’t directly relieve your eczema.
If your eczema is severe enough, it is possible you could have to go to hospital where the staff there will be able to keep you away from any trigger allergens and also to ensure that you take the medicine prescribed for you.

When a skin rash cannot be blamed on poison ivy or chicken pox, the culprit is eczema

In this condition, the skin turns red, scaly and develops sores. The itching is beyond the limit and the skins starts to shed in the form of scales. Dermatitis is the other name for eczema. Dermatitis actually means inflammation of the skin and the skin turns pink and sore. Eczema is a common child problem as out of ten kids at least one kid gets eczema and majority of them get it before they turn five years old. Children who are above five years are also at a risk of developing eczema, but once they become teenagers, the chances are negligible.

Not only does eczema dries the skin, it also makes it itch horribly. The skin break out can even take the form of rashes. Eczema is a condition which comes and goes frequently and therefore it is chronic. When any foreign bodies come in contact with the skin, a special kind of cells present in the skin will react to them. Basically, they inflame the skin as a measure of protection. The harmful foreign objects trigger the reaction and make these special cells to over react. This turns the skin itchy, sore and red. Children, who get eczema frequently, have a larger quantity of these special cells.

Usually, people who have family members with asthma, hay fever or any allergies are more prone to getting eczema. It is in their genes to get eczema and this problem is passed over to them by their parent. Some scientists say that people, who as children have had eczema, are at a higher risk of developing asthma or hay fever later in their life. Allergies can only make eczema worse. The good news is that eczema is not contagious, so children can be happy about not catching the infection. The first symptom of eczema is rash development. These rashes may seem to go away in the beginning, but will return back. Although eczema itches badly, not all rashes will itch. Eczema will start to develop behind the knees and inside of the elbows. It will slowly spread to the face and other body parts.

Because rashes can be caused due to many other reasons apart from eczema, the doctor will examine the rashes and its cause very carefully. If eczema is confirmed, the child may have to use a moisturizing cream or lotion to stop the itchiness and drying of the skin. In serious cases, the patient will be recommended corticosteroids. It is a steroid cream or ointment which needs to applied to check skin inflammation. If the itching is really irritating, antihistamine can be taken in either liquid or pill form. And if the scratching had resulted in an infection, antibiotics will also be prescribed. The problem doesn’t get solved forever, but it makes the condition better for the time being.

There are certain things which trigger eczema and should be avoided by children who get eczema frequently. Perfumes, detergents, soap, dry air in winters with very little moisture, and sweaty and hot skin. Also when coming in contact with dust mites and scratchy fabrics can increase skin irritation. The child must abstain from scratching even if the skin is itching badly, as that will make the skin itch more badly. The skin can also get infected with bacteria because of skin breaking and bleeding. A washcloth can be dipped on cool water and placed on the area of itchiness. The parents should cut the nails short of the child so that he/she doesn’t hurt himself while scratching. Lastly, lots of water should be consumed to provide moisture to the dry skin.

Symptoms of eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by a red itchy rash that is scaly and is oozing in some cases. The condition can appear on the arms and legs, cheeks, forehead, and in body parts such as knees and elbows where there are creases. In some cases, skin will have a leathery feel and even crack or blister. Some people also experience a thickening of the skin, red patches and even a slight color change when they have eczema.

1. Skin Conditions

This refers to the skin’s inflammation, while atopic means an allergic, and usually genetic or inherited, tendency. The condition is common for infants, although eczema is typically outgrown. The child’s condition could be chronic, or recur with regularity, if the problem persists beyond the second birthday, when eczema usually disappears. Eczema can worsen during winter, when dryness pervades the house, and summer, when temperatures could rise to extremes.

2. Treatment

The rashes are easy to eliminate, although they return sometimes even with proper treatment. To prevent eczema, bubble baths, exposure to extreme heat, strong soaps and other triggers must be avoided. In cases where these triggers are sometimes hard to avoid or identify, moisturizers may be the most important weapon one can use to prevent any flare-up of the condition. Since atopic dermatitis can accompany dry skin, individuals with this skin type will benefit from taking a daily bath – of about 5-10 minutes – with lukewarm water and using only a mild soap with moisturizing properties. This helps locks the moisture into the skin, limiting the likelihood of eczema development. Some people benefit from having topical medications as the first layer of treatment, with moisturizers or lubricants applied on top as the second layer, following a bath. This two-pronged approach should be enough to maintain healthy and hydrated skin.

3. Ointments & Creams

Greasy ointments are one of several moisturizers available in the market. Aquaphor and Vaseline are probably the more popular choices, although consumers should also consider other brands and similar products to determine which one works best for their skin. For more extreme eczema break-outs, individuals may need to turn to topical steroids and Protopic and other non-steroidal treatments. Hydrocortisone creams are among the very mild over-the-counter topical steroids one can use, even on facial eczema. Drug stores will already ask for a prescription for Dermatop, 0.1% Triamcinolone, Cutivate, Elocon and other more potent topicals. These stronger products are generally not advisable for children, as they could have adverse effects.

4. Medications

Protopic, Elidel and other non-steroidal medications, or immunodulators, are preferred for children with eczema. These milder topicals can be used twice daily, and even on the face and other more sensitive areas. However, steroid-free medications take a longer time before producing results compared to topical steroids. Some doctors recommend antihistamines as part of eczema treatment. Atarax, Benadryl and other antihistamines with a sedative effect are particularly effective in cases when itching is already hampering sleep. Other solutions that can also help are cold compresses, wet dressings, ultraviolet light therapy, oral steroids and cylcosporin and other immunosuppressive drugs.

5. Other Factors

Some individuals may find that the condition is common within the family. One who is genetically disposed to having sensitive skin could easily trigger bouts of eczema due to an allergy, stress or other specific environmental factor. Asthma, allergic rhinitis and other similar disorders tend to accompany eczema in these individuals. When this happens, the allergen or source of the allergy must be identified first and properly addressed. These sources could include shrimp and other seafood, strawberries, nuts, cow’s milk, eggs and other types of food. Pollen, dust mites and other airborne agents are also possible triggers. Eczema can also be driven by irritation to specific substances such as detergents, products containing chlorine, earrings and jewelry containing silver or nickel, woolen fabrics, synthetic materials, latex rubber, and formaldehyde and similar chemicals.

6. Treatment Tips

Eczema may not require continuous treatment, as most people generally outgrow the condition as they become older. However, antibiotics may have to be used when infections set in and hamper treatment of the flares. A dermatologist, allergologist or other specialist should be consulted after reasonable time and treatment fails to eliminate eczema or improve skin condition. Consultation should be immediate particularly if the affected individual develops fluid- or pus-filled blisters, which are symptomatic of eczema herpeticum – a rare complication attributed to the herpes simplex virus.

Eczema is an inflammatory, Chronic, Noncontagious Disease

Eczema is an inflammatory, chronic, noncontagious disease of the skin caused by allergy and hypersensitivity. The term is loosely used to include many skin conditions more properly included under dermatitis. Eczema is characterized by a number of cutaneous lesions, such as macules, papules, pustules, vesicles, scales, and crusts.

Macules are nonelevated skin spots. Papules are hard, circular, and elevated. Pustules are papular like lesions that contain pus, and vesicles are small skin blisters that contain fluid. Eczematous lesions are usually accompanied by an exudation of serous fluid and by intense itching. One-third to one-half of all cutaneous conditions are eczematous.

There is no known cure for eczema, but new treatments are helping people to manage, and even prevent flares, better than ever before. Treatment is most effective when people with eczema work closely with a physician, preferably a dermatologist, who will customize a treatment approach based on the person’s age, symptoms, and overall health. With the right treatment, most flares can be brought under control in less than three weeks.

In more severe cases of eczema, where other treatments have failed, systemic steroids may be used. Instead of applying the steroidal medication to the top of the skin, it is injected into the body, or taken in pill form. These medications should only be used for a short time.

Side effects can include skin damage, weakened bones, high blood sugar and/or blood pressure, infections, and cataracts. It is also dangerous to stop systemic corticosteroids abruptly, and patients must work closely with a doctor when changing doses or stopping treatment.

Antibiotics can be prescribed by a doctor to treat secondary infections associated with eczema. Medications used to fight infection can come in ointment or pill form and are taken for a set period of time.

Sedating antihistamines, which are best to take at bedtime, can help ease severe itching associated with eczema, and help restless sleepers and “scratchers” to sleep. The sedating antihistamines are more effective at relieving itching than the newer, non-sedating antihistamines, but these drugs cause drowsiness, and can affect an adult’s ability to work and think, and childrens’ ability to learn if taken during the day.

Phototherapy uses ultraviolet A or B light waves, and is reserved for children over 12 and adults.

It is very much like a tanning bed, and, like tanning beds, can cause skin cancer if used too much, for too long. Doctors use the minimum exposure necessary to ease itching and reduce inflammation.

In severe cases of eczema that do not respond to any other treatment, an immunosuppressive drug, like cyclosporine, may be used for a short time although the safety and effectiveness of cyclosporin in children has not been clearly established by clinical trials. These drugs block the production of some of the body’s immune cells and curb the effect of others.

They can provide relief from very serious eczema flares, but this improvement while on the drug often does not continue after the drug course is over. Side effects include hypertension and kidney problems, nausea, tingling or numbness, headaches, and a possible increase in cancer risk.

Keeping the skin happy and healthy is the first rule of good eczema care. This includes avoiding flare triggers, and sticking to a skin care routine that keeps the skin moisturized, and minimizes itchiness. Still, flares do happen. If inflammation cannot be reduced with good lifestyle and skin care habits alone, there are a wide variety of both over-the-counter and prescription medications available to manage the flares.

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