There really is no cure for eczema. However, you can assist your immune system to heal your skin naturally by avoiding using soap (shampoo, detergent, etc.). Instead, try to find a colloidal oatmeal containing soap-free wash for body and face and a shampoo containing the same ingredient. Aveeno or Equate both make those type of products. The other thing is to reduce your exposure to hot water. That means short (5 mins max) showers and no baths. Soap and hot water combine to remove sebum from the pores of the skin and deep into the sebaceous glands, inhibiting sebum production causing dryness and itchiness. Sebaceous glands are controlled by hormones and the immune system, which wheatgrass appears to strengthen naturally. Apply the Dr Wheatgrass Recovery Cream twice daily or more often if necessary. As well as strengthening the skin's immunity, biological actives from the wheatgrass are absorbed into the body and in time, the patient’s immune status becomes stronger. Please see the website for more information or ask Dr. Reynolds a question regarding your specific symptoms.
2006-08-28 17:52:44
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answer #2
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answered by psx5 2
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I am not sure there is a cure, There is treatment though.
Eczema Treatment Guide
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common problem in infants and children. It usually begins between two and six months of age with very dry and sensitive skin that will then become red and extremely itchy. It often starts on the forehead, cheeks and scalp and spreads to the trunk, creases of the elbows, knees, and wrists. With scratching the rash may become raw, crusted and weepy.
It is not yet known what causes it, but it does seem to run in families that have a history of asthma, allergies or atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic disease, but only about a third of children with infantile atopic dermatitis will continue to have problems with it as they get older.
There is no cure for this common condition. The main treatments are aimed at controlling and preventing inflammation and itching and include avoiding triggers, frequent bathing and hydrating of the skin, liberal use of moisturizers and lubricants, and the use of steroid creams for flare ups.
New Warning: A boxed warning from the FDA has been added to both Protopic and Elidel, warning about a possible risk of cancer, even though the reports have been rare and the link is not proven. To be safe, neither should be used in children under age 2 and they should only be used as second line treatments, when other medications have already been tried. And neither should be used for long periods of time. They can still be used though. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology disagrees that the warning is even necessary or that these medicines are at all dangerous when properly used.
Lubricants
To help with dryness, these creams, such as Eucerin, Nivea, Cethaphil Moisturizing Cream, or Lubriderm, should be used every day, even when the eczema isn't flaring-up!
Apply right after baths within 3 minutes (and after the steroid creams) to help trap in moisture and throughout the day as needed.
For severely dry skin, try using an ointment, such as Aquaphor.
Alternative lubricants that some parents find useful include Hydrolatum and Vanicream.
Many experts recommend avoiding moisturizing lotions, as they often don't work as well as a cream or ointment.
Steroid Creams
These are the main treatments for atopic dermatitis when it flares up, and should be applied right after baths (and before a lubricant) and again during the day as directed. When the rash improves, cut back on how often you are using it and then stop until the rash flares up again.
Common steroid creams include Cutivate, Westcort, Lociod Lipocream, Artistocort, and Elocon.
Avoid using prescription steroid creams on the face or in the diaper area, unless specifically instructed to do so. An over the counter 1% Hydrocortisone cream is safer in these areas.
For severe cases of eczema, a steroid ointment may be more effective than a cream.
If your child's eczema improves when he is on a steroid and then quickly flares up again when you stop, it may help to use a 'step down' strategy where you taper the use of the steroid and use it less often, for example every other day and then 2-3 times a week, before finally stopping it. Or use a less potent steroid, like over the counter hydrocortizone after using a prescription strength steroid like Cutivate or Elocon.
You might also ask your doctor about one of the newer non-steroidal medications, like Protopic or Elidel.
Bathing and Eczema
Bathing and eczema is a controversial topic, but many people think the practice of limiting baths is old school or old fashioned. Many experts now recommend a daily bath for kids with eczema.
A daily bath for at least 15-20 minutes helps to moisturize the skin and make it less itchy. Be sure to use a mild, nondrying soap, such as Dove, Neutrogena, Tone, Caress, Dial, Basis, or Purpose, avoid vigorous scrubbing, use a soft towel to pat the skin dry and immediately (within 3 minutes) apply a lubricating cream afterwards.
If your child's skin is not tolerating a daily bath, limit baths to every other day or try using a soap substitute, such as Cetaphil. Avoid using bubble baths, harsh or drying soaps and keep shampoo off the affected areas.
Itching Relief
Atopic dermatitis is a very itchy rash, and scratching usually makes it worse, so it is important to help control itching. You can use an oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl, especially at night to help control irritability and restlessness that the itching may cause. Always apply your steroid cream to areas that itch.
Wet or damp dressings can sometimes help with severe itching. A wet-to-wet dressing can be made by having your child wear wetted pajamas after he takes a bath and then apply a dry layer over this.
Also, keep your child's fingernails cut short to limit the damage caused by scratching.
Eczema Prevention
Help prevent flare-ups by avoiding things that are known to trigger your child's eczema. These may include certain foods (cow's milk, eggs, peanut butter, fish), wool fibers and clothes, rough or tight fitting clothing, dry air, sweating, getting too hot or too cold (avoid hot or cold water), harsh soaps or chemicals, and stress.
Swimming is allowed, but immediately shower or bathe to wash off chlorine and other chemicals and apply a moisturizer to help prevent your child's skin from drying out.
2006-08-26 13:23:55
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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