Treating Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy scaly thick inflamed skin, mostly located on the arms, behind the knees, antecubital area, chest, feet hands.

Cause: main cause a genetic defect that affects the ability of the skin to protect against outside irritants, bacteria, toxins, allergens

Symptoms:

• • Dry skin
  • Itching, which may be severe, especially at night
  • Red to brownish-gray patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and in infants, the face and scalp
  • Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
  • Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
  • Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratchingTreatment:
  • Anti-inflammatory topical creams
  • Antihistamines for itching
  • Calcineurin inhibitors — such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel)
  • Medications for fighting infectionsPreventionTo help reduce itching and soothe inflamed skin, self-care measures that might help :
  • Moisturizing skin at least twice a day.
  • Applying an anti-itch cream to the affected area.Taking an oral allergy or anti-itch medication.Options include nonprescription allergy medicines (antihistamines) — such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) or fexofenadine (Allegra). Also, diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others)
  • Avoiding scratching.
  • Applying bandages.Covering the affected area with bandages helps protect the skin and prevent scratching.
  • Taking a warm bath.
  • Choosing mild soaps without dyes or perfumes.
  • Using a humidifier.
  • Wearing cool, smooth-textured clothing.
  • Treating stress and anxiety.

Trying to identify and avoid triggers that worsen the condition

• Taking shorter baths or showers.
• Taking bleach bath.
• Drying oneself  carefully.
• rying oneself carefully
• Foods to eat:Foods that contain natural source of omega-3fatty acids that can fight inflammation in the body.
  Foods high in probiotics,Examples include miso soup, and tempeh. Other fermented foods and drinks, such as kefir, kombucha
  Foods high in inflammation-fighting flavonoids. Examples of these include colorful fruits and vegetables, such as apples, broccoli, cherries, spinach, and kale.Foods to avoid:
  • • citrus fruits
    • dairy
    • eggs
    • gluten or wheat
    • soy
    • spices, such as vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon
    • tomatoes
    • some types of nuts

  For more information please call our office at (703) 992-9815

AUTHOR
Dr. Anteneh Roba