What is eczema?

Eczema, also known as Atopic eczema or Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It is a condition that causes the skin to become inflamed, itchy, red, dry and cracked. Eczema is very common in children and often develops within their first year of life. Many young children do however, outgrow eczema before school age. It can also show up in adults for the first time who have never had it before.

There has been a sharp increase in the number of cases of eczema, psoriasis, asthma and other allergies in the last thirty years. The spike for this is a cause for concern, and can be attributed to an inadequate diet, pollution and other environmental stressors.

Having a very dry skin can also make you susceptible to eczema as the skin is unable to retain moisture. You may also be born with an increased likelihood of developing eczema, if your parents had suffered from it as it can be inherited through genes. Eczema is not infectious so it cannot be passed through close contact.

The actual cause of eczema or psoriasis is not exactly known, psoriasis is also a skin condition which involves skin inflammation. There are differences between the two conditions and it is best to seek professional advice from your doctor or dermatologist to determine which one you are suffering from.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

• Eczema causes the skin to become inflamed, dry, itchy, cracked, sore and red
• It can show in small patches or be more widespread
• It tends to occur on the hands, insides of elbows, backs of the knees, on the face and scalp, although it can affect any part of the body.

People with eczema tend to have flare-ups, sometimes this can occur two to three times a month. Flare-ups occur when the symptoms become more severe than at usual times where the symptoms are less noticeable.

Triggers for eczema flare-ups

• Irritants- using soaps and detergents
• Environmental factors or allergens- such as cold weather, dampness, house dust mites, pet fur, pollen and moulds
• Food allergies- such as allergies to cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, soya or wheat
• Certain materials found in clothing – such as wool and synthetic fabrics
• Hormonal changes- women may find symptoms worsening in the days leading up to their period or during pregnancy
• Dry and dusty air
• Feeling too hot and sweaty, or feeling too cold
• Stress- some people report worsening of symptoms during times of stress and worry.

You will inevitably have the urge to scratch, which can lead to sleep disruption and skin bleeding and cause secondary infections. Scratching also makes the itching worse and a cycle of itching and scratching develops leading to sleep disruption and difficulty concentrating at school or at work.

The severity of eczema varies from person to person. Mild eczema can be seen as a small area of dry skin that occasionally itches. In more severe cases eczema can be widespread with red inflamed skin all over the body with constant itching.

Skin discolouration may occur on areas affected by eczema. It may turn temporarily darker or lighter after the eczema has improved. It is more noticeable in people with darker skins.

Sometimes, the areas of skin affected by eczema can become infected. Signs of infection are:

• Eczema worsening
• Oozing from the skin
• A yellow crust on the skin surface or small yellowish white spots appearing in the eczema
• Skin swelling and soreness
• A high temperature(fever) and generally feeling unwell

See your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect an infection.

Treatments for eczema (http://www.echemist.co.uk/category/online-pharmacy/pharmacy-skin-conditions/pharmacy-skin-conditions-eczema) are aimed at helping to ease the symptom of eczema, as there is no known cure. The main areas of treatment are:

• Emollients (moisturisers) - these are used every day to prevent the skin from becoming dry.
• Topical corticosteroids- these come as creams or ointments to reduce swelling and redness during flare-ups
• Antihistamines- for severe itching
• Bandages to allow the skin to heal underneath
• Other more powerful treatments offered by dermatologists

These treatment options, as with anything have their advantages and disadvantages. The use of steroid creams and antihistamines does come with side effects to your health. This maybe particularly undesirable in treating children and adults alike, especially as eczema can be a chronic problem.

Nowadays there are however some amazing skin care brands on the market, which are made from natural ingredients specifically designed to treat eczema skin. They are effective at relieving the symptoms and promoting skin healing. Here is an overview of some of the most popular brands, and what they are all about.

Salcura

Salcura is a brand founded by a biomedical research scientist Dr Martin Schiele. The products are designed for people with problem skin such as eczema, using natural ingredients they calm and heal the skin. All the products in this brand have a strong scientific grounding with a proven track record of results.

The hero products of this range are the Bioskin Two Step Active Therapy System. The Derma spray and the Derma serum can be used with Zeoderm to form a two-step system ideal for those suffering from eczema or psoriasis. It is made from only naturally active ingredients and offers a skin therapy regime that is free from steroids, SLS, parabens, lanolin, phthalates, antibiotics and paraffin. They work with the skin to aids its own natural healing process and are suitable for adults and children from 12 years and over.

The range cater for all your needs including body cleansing, face cleansing and scalp and hair care. The range also includes the Derma Sun Range to repair and heal sun damaged skin.

For younger children from 3 months and over, they have the Bioskin Junior Active Range. This includes the Daily Nourishing Spray and Outbreak Rescue Cream. They are designed for very sensitive, dry skin and are free from nasty chemicals.

Hopes Relief Cream for the treatment of Eczema and Psoriasis

This cream has a unique blend of eight naturally potent and healing ingredients. They are Calendula, Licorice root and Gotu kola, these are combined with soothing aloe vera and antibacterial Manuka honey and other homeopathic ingredients. It is to be applies three to four times a day and has been proven to be an effective natural alternative to topical steroid creams. It contains no petrochemicals or other toxic ingredients and is suitable for people of all ages including young children and babies.

This cream has been developed by a Melbourne Naturopath Jacqueline Hope for her own daughter. It is now Australia’s No 1 natural eczema cream.

Childs Farm

Childs farm is an award winning British brand that uses natural ‘free from’ ingredients.

All products are clinically tested and have undergone user trials to certify that all the products they make are dermatologically tested and approved. The products are suitable for newborns and upwards- including those with eczema prone skin. The naturally derived ingredients are as gentle as possible but at the same time cleanse thoroughly and moisturise the skin deeply. They packaging is designed to appeal to little ones and are scented with organic essential oils such as sweet orange, tangerine and mint to smell amazing. Childs Farm make use of natural detergents made from beets, corn and coconut and vegetable glycerine and honey as natural moisturisers.

Elave

Elave is a dermatological range containing only the safest non-reactive ingredients, especially designed for the most sensitive skin types that can be eczema prone. Dermatological products in the range include facial and body cleansers and a body lotion and oil as well as scalp and hair products.

Elave have designed a special Junior Range, completely free of harsh chemicals linked to sensitive skin conditions and eczema.

Eucerin

The Eucerin brand is 100 years of innovation in skin science. Eucerin skin care products are reliable and effective products that adhere to the highest standard of dermatological science. State of the art ingredients are chosen which require clinical proof of performance. Over the years the brand has gained huge popularity and the brand has become synonymous with exceptional quality products that work.

Aveeno

The Aveeno brand was developed with naturally active ingredients to provide real skincare benefits, especially for those with eczema prone, sensitive skin. The Aveeno brand is committed to advancing the science of naturally active ingredients in skincare like oats. Oatmeal baths have long been recommended for people with dry and sensitive skin conditions providing a soothing effect while improving the skins protective barrier. All Aveeno products contain naturally active colloidal (finely milled) oatmeal and / or oat extract to this day.

Oat essence are chemical compounds isolated directly from oats through a careful extraction process and contain the most anti-irritant properties of all oat extract, the oat oil is also extracted and used in some Aveeno products, which is highly nourishing to the skin.