Eczema (Dermatitis)
What is Eczema?
The term ‘eczema’, also known as dermatitis, usually means inflamed, sensitive, unhappy skin. Regardless of the cause, eczema can nearly always be managed very successfully, although sometimes this will stop short of a cure, meaning some treatments may need to be used long term to keep your skin in good shape.
WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA?
There's often more than one cause for eczema and getting to the bottom of what's triggering it requires careful thought, examination and investigation. This might involve blood tests or patch testing to look for possible allergies.
In many cases there is a genetic/inherited component or people have come into physical contact with allergens or irritants which can aggravate their skin. Examples include dust, pet hair, grasses, pollens, sand, soap, shampoos, washing powders, cosmetics, perfumes, tobacco smoke, chemicals, and air-conditioning.
Sometimes the cause of eczema cannot be discovered however, effective treatment is nearly always available. Perhaps surprisingly, true food allergy as a cause of eczema is relatively rare.
How is Eczema treated?
Allergen and irritant avoidance are an extremely important part of managing eczema. Eczema is a dry skin condition, so regular moisturising is important. In many cases people need a steroid (cortisone) cream as well. Used correctly these can be extremely effective and safe. Some patients respond well to ultraviolet light treatment.
In patients where there is a strong genetic component, the tendency to eczema cannot be cured, so treatments may need to be used long term to keep the skin in good shape.
More stubborn cases may need treatment with tablets, which can be life-changing when all else fails. All this will be discussed with you in detail by your Dermatologist.