Dr. Angela Wingfield Answers The Question: What Is Eczema?

Q: What is eczema?
A: Eczema is a chronic skin condition caused by an irregularity in the immune system cells of your skin.
People with eczema have microscopic breaks in the protective skin layers which allow their skin to lose water more rapidly and become dry. The breaks also allow irritating substances to get in and cause more itching or burning.

Q: What are the symptoms of eczema?
A: The result is red, flaky rashes that usually itch or sting. Symptoms are made worse by sweating and exposure to irritating fabrics, chemicals, detergents or fragrances. It is common for people with eczema to have allergies to foods or plants, and allergy testing (plus allergy shots) is sometimes helpful.

Q: How is eczema treated?
A: There are many different ways to treat eczema.
Prescription cortisone creams and anti-inflammatory medicines are frequently used. For more severe cases, pills that suppress the immune system may be prescribed.
Light treatment (phototherapy) can also be useful under the direction of a dermatologist.
Over-the-counter lotions containing menthol, camphor, pramoxine and lidocaine provide temporary relief from the itching.
Oatmeal baths can be very soothing. Application of ice for five to 10 minutes is a useful way to avoid scratching.
Scratching causes more breaks in the skin and makes you itch even more.
Sometimes it is necessary to use antihistamine pills to help with itching.

Q: Are there other recommendations to care for the skin?
A: Good routine skin care is also very important for people with eczema. They should take brief showers with warm to lukewarm water, use mild soaps, pat dry with a soft towel, and immediately apply a fragrance-free, heavy moisturizer or petroleum jelly. This will prevent further damage to the skin barrier.