Atopic eczema Flashcards
What is eczema?
An autoimmune condition where the skin becomes dry, itchy, cracked and sore. This can be localised or widespread .
This will be red of pale people and purple, grey or paler than the natrual skin tone on darker skin.
What conditions are typically coupled with eczema?
It occurs in those with allergies as it is autoimmune so they often also have athsma or hayfever?
Is eczema genetic?
Yes, it runs in families.
What can trigger an eczema flare up?
• Scented soaps
• Detergents
• Stress
• Weather
• Soya
• Dairy
• Citrus
• Dust
• Pet fur
• Pollen
• Moulds
• Dry air
• Sweat
• Temperature
• Being ill
How can you treat eczema?
• Emollient
• Corticosteroid
• Diet
What is an emollient and how does it treat eczema?
This is a medical moisturiser which soothes, moisturises and protects the skin.
It does this by providing an oily layer on the skins surface to trap in moisture and prevent irritants and bacteria from getting into the skin.
What is a corticosteroid and how does it treat eczema?
This is a topical steroid for flare ups, that is used alongside emollients for short periods of time.
There are different strengths for different ages, severity and body area.
It works by reducing inflammation, speeding the healing process, cooling the skin and making the area less itchy and sore.
Side effects: skin thinning, more susceptible to bruising.
How can a diet be used to treat eczema?
Certain foods can increase itchiness, like soya, dairy, wheat and citrus.
You may be asked to make a food diary to identify the causes of your flare ups. This is when you take a certain food group out of your diet for 4-8 weeks and then take your food diary to a dermatologist to analyse it.
When does eczema usually occur?
It’s common in childhood and atopic eczema is the most common form.
It can also develop in adults for the first time.
It can disappear in some children as they get older.
What do children with eczema often go on to develope?
Hay-fever or athsma.
What causes eczema?
It usually occurs in people with allergies to various types of allergens, like food, dust, mites or other substances in the environment.
There is a genetic element as there is often a family history of it.
How does eczema affect different ages?
They can be relatively mild, affecting the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children.
In adults the feet and hands are most affected.
Skin can become unbearably itchy.
What can scratching affected areas result in?
It can cause damage to the skin and increase the risk of infection.
