Eczema, also referred to as Dermatitis, is a type of inflammation of the skin.
WHAT:
Eczema is the name given to a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the skin. It is also referred to as dermatitis.
Eczema is a common problem, and it is not contagious. While some children outgrow the condition, eczema cannot be cured. A Certified Dermatologist can provide a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan to manage eczema and control flare-ups.
SIGNS:
Inflamed or eczematous skin is red, itchy, bumpy and swollen sometimes with fluid-filled lesions that ooze and crust.
For people with skin of colour, eczema often appears “ashen” brown or grayish, rather than red.
CAUSES:
Eczema can be genetic, or due to external contact exposure (both irritant or allergic in nature), where it is often then referred to as dermatitis.
TYPES:
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is hereditary and the most common type of eczema. It is estimated that up to 17 per cent of Canadians will suffer from atopic dermatitis at some point in their lives.
Atopic dermatitis almost always starts in infancy or before age 5. It is characterized by itchy, inflamed skin, usually behind the knees, the inside of the elbows, and on the face, neck and hands.
Contact dermatitis
Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) is caused by a delayed immune reaction following skin contact with an allergenic substance. Poison ivy is the most common cause of ACD. Other common causes include metals like nickel, dyes, perfumes, and preservatives in cosmetics.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis is more common than ACD and is caused by repeated exposure to substances that chemically damage the skin, such as harsh soaps, detergents, solvents and cleaning products. Beauticians, nurses, bartenders, housekeepers and others who spend lots of time with wet hands often develop this form of dermatitis.
Other types include: dyshidrotic eczema, lichen simplex chronicus, nummular eczema, seborrheic eczema, stasis dermatitis, eczema herpeticum, papular eczema and eczema with follicular prominence.
TRIGGERS:
Flare-ups of eczema are common. While attempts should be made to identify and avoid the triggers that cause these flares, they can occur despite strict trigger avoidance and diligent skin care.
Atopic dermatitis can worsen with exposure to allergens and irritants. Avoid the common ones, such as perfume and fragranced personal care products, this includes natural fragrances and essential oils, dust, animal dander, smoke and grass. Allergic contact dermatitis is diagnosed with an allergy testing procedure known as ‘patch testing’.
Do:
Use mild fragrance-free detergents to wash clothing, with no bleach or fabric softener
Double-rinse clothing
Moisturize often, especially in colder weather
Choose cotton for bed linens and clothing
Reduce stress as much as possible
Don’t:
Expose skin to very hot or very cold water
Expose skin to excessive heat or low humidity
Dress in synthetic fabrics or wear wool next to the skin
Use harsh detergents or perfumed products
TREATMENT:
Treatment is important because it can prevent eczema from getting worse and relieve the pain and itching. The proper treatment can also reduce stress, prevent infections, and prevent skin thickening, which can lead to constant itching.
Most types of eczema require a combination of treatments and medications. Your dermatologist will choose the ones that will work the best to control your condition.
The three main steps of eczema management involve:
- Bathing and moisturizing to repair skin
- Medications to reduce inflammation
- Avoiding triggers that cause flare-ups
Your skin’s outer layer protects the inner layers from irritants and infections. People with atopic dermatitis have dry skin that isn't as protective. If you have eczema, use mild cleansers and a moisturizer after you wash. And don’t take hot showers or baths, or linger too long while showering or bathing.
Natural remedies, such as aloe vera gel, honey, and acupressure, may help manage eczema. Other natural remedies for eczema include colloidal oatmeal, coconut oil, and more.
Ours combine the best to help soothe skin problems.
INSTRUCTIONS: Remove any dead skin cell by gently exfoliating with the CLERACTIV milk bar.
For a deeper dead skin removal, use the CERAMILLET gommage to rub with the CLERACTIV lather on the affected area.
For a deeper hydration, use the DOUSILK bar lather to hydrate deeply the affected area from 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Rinse and pad dry.
Apply a drop of CLERACTIV serum on the affected are. A little goes a long way. Use as much as needed.
To add a protective and sealing layer, apply a pea size of Shea Mousse and Rub it between your hands, then apply on the affected area.
There are no documented cases of topical allergies to shea butter. Even people with nut allergies should be able to use shea butter on their skin. That said, discontinue use if you begin to experience irritation and inflammation, consult a doctor or other healthcare provider to determine the cause and treatment needed.
