Eczema is a sensitive skin reaction and not contagious

Eczema is a sensitive skin reaction which can be triggered by stress, heat and dust. Sometimes the triggers are not known. The condition tends to run in families.

Eczema is not contagious. Nor is it the result of eating wrong food or using too much detergent. Detergent and food may trigger an allergic reaction but the nature of eczema is that it comes and goes, and it cannot always be attributed to a trigger.

It is important to soothe the skin with right treatment for those living with eczema.

- Moisturisers speed up recovery by keeping the skin hydrated and protected against irritants such as dust. Even after a flare-up has cleared, moisturisers should still be applied regularly as a preventive measure.

- Topical steroids (cream) reduce the redness and itch.

Unfortunately, some eczema sufferers wrongly believe moisturisers are not important. Many studies show that the frequent use of moisturisers can decrease the number of eczema flare-ups and the amount of steroids that needs to be used.

Another misperception is that the use of steroids is dangerous because of their side effects. When used appropriately under doctor's supervision, steroid cream are effective and safe. They help subsides inflammation which causes the redness and itch. When the skins become better, one can apply steroids less frequently. This way, the side effects can be prevented and the itch can also be effectively controlled.

Moisturisers and steroids can be formulated as lotions, creams or ointments. These have different water and oil contents, with the oil content lowest in a lotion and highest in an ointment.
- Lotion is easily spread over large areas of the skin and is quickly absorbed. It is suitable for hairy areas such as scalp.

- Creams and especially ointments tend to stay longer on the surface of the skin.

Steroids in ointments are often prescribed for eczema on very dry and thickened skin, as they penetrate the skin more effectively. But as ointments are thick and greasy, they can be messy to use and difficult to apply over large skin area.

Moisturisers that suits your skin type

1.      If you have dry skin, use creams or ointments instead of lotions.

2.      If you have very sensitive skin which turn red and itchy at the slightest irritation, avoid moisturizer with fragrances, strong antibacterial properties and exfoliating properties such as glycolic acids, which can irritate the skin further.

 

How to use:

-          Use a moisturizer at least twice a day. The best times to apply are after a shower (showers tend to strip off moisture from top layer of skin) and before bedtime. You an also apply hand cream after you wash hands every time to counter the drying effects of washing.

-          Apply the moisturizer all over body so to protect the skin and prevent the eczema from developing elsewhere.

-          Apply it generously. The skin should feel slick after an application.

-          If the eczema is in an acute stage with lots of weeping and oozing, DO NOT use a moisturizer, as it will not stay on skin. Bring down the weepiness with wet compresses such as a diluted potassium permanganate solution, which has astringent properties and can dry up the wound quickly.