Itchy Scratchy and Tired of it

Eczema is a long-term condition which causes the skin to become dry, red, itchy, and cracked. It is most common in children and can improve over time, although many adults find that they still have flare-ups of eczema during periods of stress. The most common form of eczema is atopic eczema, which can affect any part of the body but is often found inside the elbows, knees, on the neck, hands, cheeks, and scalp.

If eczema is affecting your life, then the Celestee Skin Laser and Hair Clinic is here to help. Our consultant dermatologists Dr. Raj Kirit can offer you expert treatment with a very good chance of dramatically improving your eczema.

What is Eczema?

Eczema and dermatitis mean the same thing; inflammation of the skin characterized by redness, swelling, itching and excoriation in the acute form. In the chronic form, regular rubbing of the skin through itching and scratching, leads to thickening or ‘lichenification’, scaling and post-inflammatory darkening of the skin. There are many different causes for eczema.

Eczema is not contagious, which means, you cannot spread it to other people. Certain types of foods such as dairy and nuts are known to trigger symptoms of Eczema. Smoke, soaps, pollen and fragrances are a few environmental triggers of Eczema.

How to differentiate between Eczema and Atopic Eczema?

Eczema is not a skin condition in itself. It causes Atopic Dermatitis. Eczema refers to a group of skin conditions that can lead to inflammation and irritation. On the other hand, Atopic Dermatitis is a common chronic skin condition that causes inflamed, red, itchy and dry skin.

Types of eczema

Allergic contact dermatitis –caused by an allergic reaction to something in contact with your skin, such as hair dye or perfume

• Asteatotic eczema – occurs with age and is caused by cracked, dry skin
• Atopic eczema – linked to other allergic conditions like hay fever and asthma
• Drug induced eczema – eczema caused by certain medications
• Irritant contact eczema – by a chemical such as disinfectants or soap irritating the skin
• Lichen simplex chronicus – by repeated scratching and rubbing
• Nodular prurigo – small itchy areas of inflamed, thickened skin
• Dyshidrotic/pompholyx eczema – occurs under the skin on the hands or feet in the form of tiny blisters
• Seborrheic dermatitis – this affects parts of the body covered by hair, particularly the scalp and face. This is known as cradle cap in babies

If you or your child are suffering with any of the above conditions, our consultant dermatologists team appreciates exactly how much of a burden it is putting on your life. You may feel constantly distracted by itching, or self-conscious due to the appearance of your eczema. We understand this and our clinic offers a number of eczema treatment options to ease your symptoms and help regain your confidence.

Most common triggers for eczema:

1. Dry skin –When your skin is dry, it can cause eczema rough or scaly skin. Some people have a genetic condition associated with a skin protein called filaggrin that causes their skin to lose moisture and allow allergens and bacteria to enter the skin more easily. The best way to prevent an eczema flare is to keep your skin well moisturized. Recent research suggests that moisturizing a baby’s skin from birth may help prevent eczema from developing.
2. Food allergies – Food allergens can play a role in the onset of eczema symptoms, particularly for infants and young children. It’s believed the breakdown of the skin barrier contributes to an allergic response when a food allergen is consumed. Among children under the age of 2, eczema is most often related to milk or egg allergy – but it can occur with any food.
3. Environmental allergies –People with eczema may experience symptoms after exposure to certain grass, tree or ragweed pollen and/or indoor or outdoor mold. Pet dander and dust mites may also trigger symptoms. Since these allergens are often difficult to avoid, the most important treatment is aggressive moisturizing, along with antihistamines and topical skin corticosteroids, if necessary. Skin testing will help identify specific allergies so you can avoid the allergens. Some patients do well with allergen immunotherapy.
4. Contact allergies – Eczema is sometimes set off by something a person is in contact with on a regular basis. It could be a piece of jewelry that contains nickel; rubber; or chemicals used in cosmetics, disinfectants and skin products. If necessary, an allergist can do a patch test to identify the specific allergens causing the problem. Other potential skin allergens include antibacterial ointments such as neomycin and bacitracin and formaldehyde, which is found in household disinfectants, glues and adhesives.
5. Skin irritants – While they are not allergens, some soaps, detergents, fragrances and wool or synthetic clothing can significantly irritate sensitive skin. Heavy or tight clothing that rubs against the skin can also cause symptoms. Cigarette smoke can also irritate skin, the same way it irritates lungs and eyes. Use gentle, nonirritating products and stick with them. Natural fiber clothing such as cotton or silk is usually most comfortable.
6. Heat –Eczema can flare in hot weather as it can dry out skin or cause sweating. Sweat, in particular, can collect in your armpits or inner part of your elbow, leading to skin irritation. Wear appropriate clothing: light, breathable clothes in the summer. Avoid going outside during peak heat times during the day. If you do go outside, keep a small towel with you to wipe away excess sweat. And stay hydrated to moisturize from the inside out.

What To Expect From Your Eczema Consultation

All consultations are held at our clinic in Celestee Skin Laser and Hair Clinic are provided by an experienced specialist.

Our consultants will begin by taking a thorough medical and family history and discussing your symptoms with you. This will help to understand the nature of your eczema better and to identify any potential triggers for your eczema.

We will then recommend an eczema treatment based on your specific condition. We will also advise on an ongoing skin care plan to help you try to avoid flare-ups in the future.Your consultant will outline all costs involved, giving you plenty of opportunity to ask questions before proceeding to the next stage.

Why use the Celestee Skin Laser and Hair Clinic?

We are a team of highly qualified skin experts with extensive experience in treating eczema. From our Celestee Skin Laser and Hair Clinic in Hyderabad, we can give you a quick and accurate diagnosis, identify the specific triggers for your condition, provide treatments that are proven to work and create a personal skin care plan for the ongoing management of any symptoms. Simply contact us today to book a consultation and take the first step towards relief.