Scratching the surfaceby our resident GP |
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What is eczema?
Eczema or Dermatitis is a general term encompassing various inflamed skin conditions. One of the most common forms is ‘atopic’ and approximately 10-20% of the world population is affected at some point during childhood. In children and adults, it typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. It leads to itching and redness, and may make skin dry and flaky. Sometimes blisters form and when these burst, or when scratching damages the skin, the surface may be left moist and crusty.
Although its cause is unknown, the condition appears to be over-reactive inflammatory response of the immune system. And many things cause it. The commonest is a general allergic over-sensitivity (atopy), another is by direct contact between the skin and substances that irritate chemically, like detergents, soaps and cleaners.
Alternative remedies
Herbal: turmeric is useful. You can either rub it on the affected patch of eczema, (beware of staining clothes) or take it internally: one teaspoon with milk. Try also a paste of ground nutmeg and water applied, and aloe-vera and neem oil.
Aromatherapy: remedies made from pure and organic essential oils, including chamomile, echinacea, nettle, red clover, sarsaparilla and lavender.
Homeopathy: seeing your eczema as a manifestation of lowered immunity, instead of suppressing symptoms it treats them by strengthening your immune system.
Acupuncture: acupuncture with needles is not usually suitable for children under the age of seven, but an Acupuncturist can still treat by stimulating the affected meridians or using acupressure massage.
Easing the irritation
- One of the most important things it to prevent scratching, so keep your child's fingernails short to minimize skin damage and try having your child wear comfortable, light gloves to bed if scratching at night is a problem.
- Because eczema is usually dry and itchy, the most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin moist. This is generally most effective when applied directly after bathing so the moisture is ‘locked in’.
- Avoid giving your child frequent hot baths, which tend to dry the skin and pat skin dry rather than scrubbing and towelling.
- Use warm water with mild non-scented soaps or non-soap cleansers.
- Overheating can lead to flare-ups, and applying cool compresses (such as a wet, cool washcloth) can ease itching.
- If the condition persists, worsens, or does not improve satisfactorily, another effective treatment is the application of steroid creams. As skin affected by eczema may frequently become infected, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics.
Roundabout editor’s recommendation: “My little boy’s infantile eczema was really soothed by Aloe Bee Propolis cream, which is moisturing and anticeptic.”
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Info depot
Try these helpful eczema resources, including orthodox and complementary approaches:Eczema and Your Child
by Dr Tim Mitchell, Dr David Paige, Karen Spowart (£11.99)
Beat your Allergies (52 Brilliant ideas series)
by Dr Rob Hicks (£12.99)
Food Solutions: Eczema
by Patsy Westcott (£12.99)
www.skincareworld.co.uk
great kid-friendly site about the condition
www.eczema.org
news and research-based site
Finding relief for eczema can become all-consuming. For one couple it was a growing concern that led them into business. Paul and Laura McGregor spent hours searching for products that might help their infant son, Jamie. And Paul’s airline job allowed him to sample treatments from all over the world. It was in America that they found Pure Baby products, and began bringing it back by the case-load for Jamie – and then their friends, family and neighbours. When their second son Robbie began to get eczema too, they decided to cut the long-haul short and become Pure Baby’s official importers. It’s just one example of a growing respect for fragrance-free, dye-free and hypoallergenic products for baby skin.
