Eczema is a Greek word that means to effervesce or bubble or boil over. It is not really a disease but a condition of the skin which causes it to itch resulting in red rashes. Also known as Atopic Dermatitis, it can occur at any age. Both children and adults are susceptible to eczema. In most cases, eczema occurs during babyhood itself. However, symptoms become less severe as children grow into adults. Sometimes it may continue into adulthood but it is less likely to occur during adulthood. [1]
Eczema rash can vary from person to person, look different and even affect different parts of the body from time to time. There are some methods that can be employed to take care of the condition.[2] [3]
Some novel ways to keep Eczema in control include:
- Ditch the soap:
The use of soap for bathing should be avoided because soap can cause the skin to get dry and thereby act as an irritant. Instead of soap, use an Oat sock, that is, take a couple of Oats and tie them into the toe of one of a discarded pair of socks. An Oat sock can be used during a shower. However, it is important to ensure that the water is not too hot as overheating can give rise to itchiness.
- Moisturise well:
Apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing to lock in the moisture as dryness aggravates the symptoms of eczema. Emollients, oil free moisturisers and cream moisturisers work best. Also, applying a light moisturiser helps. It has antibacterial properties and it counters the low-grade bacterial infection which is accompanied by Eczema. Such moisturisers help reduce itching. An Aloe Vera gel can also work well. [4]
- Pick the right fabric:
While dealing with eczema, it is necessary to wear the right kind of clothing. Loose-fitting clothes made of soft, open-weave fabrics, such as cotton, help in not letting the skin itch. Irritating fabrics like wool or coarsely woven materials should be avoided as much as possible. Before wearing new clothes, they must be washed in order to remove chemicals like formaldehyde. [5]
- Try creams:
Topical creams and ointments are commonly used to treat eczema. Doctors may prescribe immunosuppressants, which act like steroid creams to reduce inflammation on the skin. These may be used over an extended period of time. Creams with coal tar and anthralin can also be suggested. [5]
- Talk to your dermatologist:
To reduce the burning sensation on the skin, certain tablets and other medications are now available in the market. These may be obtained on a doctor’s prescription. Self-medication should strictly be avoided at all times.
