How long does an eczema flare-up typically last. What are the healing stages of eczema. Can eczema go away permanently. What are the most effective treatments for managing eczema symptoms. How does age affect the duration and severity of eczema.

Understanding Eczema: Symptoms and Causes

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects approximately 10% of the global population. This prevalent skin issue is characterized by red, rough, and intensely itchy skin resulting from a compromised skin barrier.

The primary symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry, sensitive skin
• Intense itching
• Red, inflamed skin patches
• Scaly or flaky skin texture
• Potential skin cracking or bleeding due to scratching

Is eczema caused by allergies? While the exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Allergies can certainly play a role in triggering or exacerbating eczema symptoms for many individuals.

The Lifecycle of an Eczema Flare-Up

Eczema is characterized by periods of remission and flare-ups. During a flare-up, symptoms intensify and can cause significant discomfort. But how long does a typical eczema flare-up last?

The duration of an eczema flare-up can vary greatly from person to person and depends on several factors:

• Severity of the condition
• Trigger exposure
• Treatment efficacy
• Individual skin healing rate

On average, an eczema flare-up can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Without proper treatment, flare-ups may persist for extended periods, potentially leading to complications such as skin infections.

Stages of Eczema Healing

Understanding the healing stages of eczema can help manage expectations during treatment. The typical healing process includes:

1. Inflammation reduction
2. Itching subsidence
3. Skin rehydration
4. Skin barrier repair

How can you tell if your eczema is healing? Signs of improvement include reduced redness, decreased itching, and the gradual return of skin to its normal texture and appearance.

Factors Influencing Eczema Duration

Several factors can impact how long eczema lasts and the frequency of flare-ups:

• Age
• Genetic predisposition
• Environmental triggers
• Stress levels
• Overall health and immune function

Does eczema improve with age? For many individuals, particularly those who developed eczema in childhood, symptoms often improve as they grow older. Studies indicate that approximately 60% of children with eczema experience symptom improvement by age 6. However, it’s important to note that eczema can persist into adulthood or even develop later in life for some people.

Effective Eczema Treatment Strategies

While there is no cure for eczema, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and reduce flare-up frequency and duration:

Topical Treatments

• Corticosteroid creams and ointments
• Calcineurin inhibitors
• Moisturizers and emollients

How do corticosteroids help in treating eczema? Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune response in the skin, providing relief from itching and redness.

Systemic Treatments

• Oral antihistamines
• Immunosuppressants
• Biologic drugs

Light Therapy

Phototherapy, particularly narrowband UVB treatment, can be effective for some eczema patients.

Lifestyle Modifications

• Identifying and avoiding triggers
• Maintaining proper skin hydration
• Using gentle, fragrance-free skincare products
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques

How quickly can you expect to see results from eczema treatments? Response times vary, but many people experience symptom improvement within a few days to weeks of starting treatment. Consistent application of treatments and adherence to a proper skincare routine are crucial for optimal results.

The Role of the Skin Barrier in Eczema Management

A key factor in managing eczema and reducing flare-up duration is maintaining a healthy skin barrier. The skin barrier plays a crucial role in retaining moisture and protecting against irritants and allergens.

How can you strengthen your skin barrier? Some effective strategies include:

• Regular moisturizing with ceramide-rich products
• Avoiding harsh soaps and detergents
• Using lukewarm water for bathing
• Patting skin dry instead of rubbing
• Applying moisturizer immediately after bathing

By focusing on skin barrier repair and protection, you can help reduce the frequency and severity of eczema flare-ups.

Eczema Remission: Is It Possible?

While eczema is generally considered a chronic condition, periods of remission are possible. Remission refers to extended periods where symptoms are minimal or absent.

Can eczema go into permanent remission? For some individuals, especially those who developed eczema in childhood, long-term or even permanent remission is possible. However, it’s important to note that even during remission, the skin may remain sensitive to irritants due to underlying barrier dysfunction.

Factors that may contribute to eczema remission include:

• Age-related changes in immune function
• Improvements in gut barrier function
• Normalization of gut microbiota
• Successful identification and elimination of triggers

How can you increase your chances of achieving eczema remission? Consistent adherence to treatment plans, rigorous trigger avoidance, and maintaining overall health can all contribute to longer periods of remission and potentially permanent symptom improvement.

When to Seek Professional Help for Eczema

While many cases of eczema can be managed with over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle modifications, there are situations where professional medical advice is necessary.

When should you consult a dermatologist for eczema? Consider seeking professional help if:

• Symptoms persist despite consistent home treatment
• Flare-ups are severe or frequent
• There are signs of skin infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus)
• Eczema significantly impacts quality of life
• You need help identifying triggers or developing a management plan

A dermatologist can provide personalized treatment recommendations, prescribe stronger medications if needed, and help develop a comprehensive eczema management strategy.

Living with Eczema: Long-Term Management Strategies

Managing eczema is often a lifelong journey that requires patience, consistency, and a multifaceted approach. Long-term management strategies focus on both symptom relief and flare-up prevention.

What are some effective long-term eczema management techniques? Consider incorporating the following into your routine:

• Keeping a symptom and trigger diary
• Developing a consistent skincare routine
• Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist
• Exploring stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle
• Joining support groups or online communities for emotional support and tips

How can you prevent eczema flare-ups in the long term? Prevention is key in managing eczema. This involves identifying and avoiding triggers, maintaining skin hydration, and promptly addressing any early signs of a flare-up.

Remember, while eczema can be challenging to live with, many individuals successfully manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. With the right combination of treatments, lifestyle modifications, and support, it’s possible to minimize the impact of eczema on daily life and potentially achieve long periods of remission.

How Long Does Eczema Last?

Dermatitis is a form of skin inflammation, and its most common type is eczema. Eczema initially appears as an episode of itching and redness of the skin. You may also have tiny bumps or blisters. Most people, if not all, who suffer from this skin condition, wonder how long does it last.

Chronic eczema develops into a long-term condition. It leads to:

There are various forms of this skin issue. It depends on the cause, shape, and location of the rash.

Does Eczema Go Away?

There is no known cure for eczema, and the rashes won’t go away if left untreated. For most people, it is a chronic condition that requires careful avoidance of triggers to help prevent flare-ups.

Age may play a role in how long it lasts. About 60 percent of people who have the condition got them as infants. If you develop it as a child, then you may experience improved symptoms as you get older.

Eczema Remission

Though eczema is usually a chronic condition, eczema remission is possible. If you find the cause, you can cure it by removing the cause. For example, if a particular soap brings about an allergic reaction, cutting off contact can deal with it.

As for those with eczema or atopic dermatitis from less clear causes, a variety of outcomes is possible. Studies show that 60 percent of those with the condition improve by the age of 6; however, some experience a progression from atopic dermatitis to allergic rhinitis to asthma as they age. Also, even those who experience eczema remission often still have a sensitivity to irritants. Examples are hair products and prolonged water exposure due to abnormal skin barrier function.

Improvement in the Duration of Eczema 

Some experts believe that the gut barrier improves as a child age. Thus, there is less entry of foods that cause an allergic reaction. Some think that the gut bacteria normalize after some time, or the immune system matures, making it more discerning about what is an enemy to the skin.

For anyone struggling with eczema, a trip to the dermatologist is critical. If symptoms are adverse, it is essential to calm inflammation and stop the itch-scratch cycle. Medications can help, as can moisturizing the skin and avoiding soaps and detergents with fragrances.

Eczema Treatment

Your dermatologist may give you a corticosteroid cream or ointment to apply to your rash after bathing. It will help in reducing itchiness and soothe inflammation. Follow directions for using the medicine. Call your dermatologist if your skin does not get better after three weeks of using the drug.

Antihistamines reduce itching. They help make it easier to fight the urge to scratch. Immunomodulators are useful if you have a severe rash. These drugs stop your immune system from overreacting when stimulated by an allergen. However, they can affect your immune system. Thus, the Food and Drug Administration recommends these drugs only when other treatments are ineffective.

Do your best not to scratch the irritated area, even if it is itchy. Scratching can damage the skin, making it easier for bacteria to enter and cause infection. Moisturizing your skin will help prevent itchiness.

Other treatments include light therapy, wet dressings, and other skin creams.

Eczema Healing Stages: What to Expect

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that affects roughly 10% of the worldwide population. A chronic condition, it typically develops during childhood, although it’s possible that adults may develop it as well. In this post, we’ll describe the healing stages of eczema so that you know what to expect when treating this condition.

Please keep in mind that although what we discuss in this post can relieve eczema, we are in no way medical professionals. If you’re experiencing severe eczema symptoms like an infection, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.

Eczema Symptoms and Flare-Ups

Eczema is characterized by red, rough, and incredibly itchy skin that results because of a damaged skin barrier. The skin barrier’s inability to retain moisture is what leads to the chronically dry skin. The skin may also appear scaly or flaky. If relentless scratching occurs, the skin may crack or bleed, which can lead to infection. Symptoms may come and go with varying degrees of intensity. This means that there may be times when your eczema is barely noticeable and others where you’re experiencing severe flare-ups.

Will My Eczema Go Away?

Eczema is a life-long condition for which there is currently no cure. That being said, there are ways to manage and treat symptoms so that life is more comfortable. One of the best ways to do this is by avoiding the many triggers that can lead to flare-ups. Another thing to note is that age may have an effect. 

For many, symptoms subside as they grow older. So if you develop eczema as an infant or child, it’s possible that your symptoms may improve and flare-ups may be less frequent as you age.

How Long Do Flare-ups Last?

If you’re wondering when your eczema flare-up will subside, the truth is that it’s different for everyone as each person is unique. That being said, your eczema healing time depends on the underlying cause. For example, if your eczema is triggered because of direct contact with a certain substance in the environment, you can expect the rash to disappear within a few weeks of treatment. 

Common triggers include fragrances, animal dander, dust mites, cosmetics, and pollen. An allergic trigger, on the other hand, may result in a longer flare-up.

Healing Stages of Eczema

There is no set timeline for eczema healing and the progression of eczema through the various stages isn’t always linear. For example, the same rash may cycle through the same stage over and over again.

Acute: This refers to an eczema rash at its beginning phase. You can expect this short-term eczema to last for a few weeks before your skin heals. It typically comes about as a result of the skin coming into contact with an irritating substance. Itchiness is one of the first signs of acute eczema, and is often very intense at the beginning.

Subacute: Consider this the transitional phase between acute and chronic stages. In this stage, itching may be more subdued by a burning or stinging sensation. You may notice that the borders of your rash are not as distinct as they were in the acute stage and that your skin may be more flaky or scaly.

Chronic: These eczema flares are long-lasting and may take three to four months to appear. Symptoms of the chronic stage include thick, leathery looking skin also known as lichenification. Skin may also appear dark or discolored, with more cracks. Itching tends to be intense again.

At-Home Treatments

Moisturize: Use our Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream to hydrate even the driest of skin and soothe itchy patches of eczema. Made with just six ingredients – all natural – this nourishing oil-based balm is gentle enough for babies and adults alike.

Oatmeal Bath: Soothe itchy skin by soaking in our Conqueror Oatmeal Bath for Eczema. Made with simple, effective ingredients it helps fight skin sensitivity and reduce visible redness.

Elimination Diet: If you need help identifying your food triggers, try an elimination diet for eczema. This involves removing certain foods from your diet from a set amount of a time (usually a month) and then slowly incorporating them back in to see which caused a reaction.

References:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/eczema-stages-1069256

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-eczema-last

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Bio: Laura is a contributor and content developer for The Eczema Company. She is in no way a medical professional. Her comments, suggestions, and reflections are not intended to replace any medical advice. Always seek the help of a medical professional before undertaking any diet or lifestyle changes.

Worried About Your Next Eczema Flare-Up?

Living with eczema or atopic dermatitis can be difficult at best. Unpredictable flare-ups with intense itching, swelling and skin lesions can affect your day-to-day activities, mood and even your confidence. While eczema is most often diagnosed in early childhood, it can also develop in adults.

Because eczema symptoms come and go, you may think you need to treat your skin only during times of flare. But it’s important to understand that eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition that can last many years. A proactive approach to managing your eczema may help clear your skin and keep it clear for long stretches of time.

Your first step? Get to know everything you can. Today, I’ll answer some of the most frequent questions I get as a dermatologist about eczema from my patients — and my friends and family!

Can I outgrow eczema?

Even when your skin is clear, inflammation is still active under the skin and you may go into remission. About half of those who are diagnosed with eczema before the age of 2 develop immunity against substances that cause allergic reactions and their eczema symptoms resolve. Others go into remission by the age of 12. Still, many continue to have symptoms into adulthood.

Can adults develop chronic eczema?

Yes, you can be diagnosed with eczema as an adult. There are even cases of people over the age of 60 who develop it, even if they’ve never had symptoms before.

As an adult, going through your daily life with eczema can be challenging. Flares are different for everyone but typically are itchy, uncomfortable and can even be painful. Rubbing and scratching your itchy skin results in an itch-scratch cycle that can lead to lesions and thickened, leathery skin.

Adults with eczema may struggle with self-confidence issues due to feeling embarrassed about their skin appearance. You may also experience interruptions with your regular activities, such as sleeping or working. The effects of this chronic skin condition can cause excess stress and irritability.

What causes adult eczema?

Although the cause is not completely understood, it’s thought that variations in certain genes affect your skin’s ability to protect itself from irritants. Certain environmental substances trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation in and on the skin.

Triggers may include:

How can I prevent flare-ups?

Although chronic eczema does not have a cure, a proactive treatment approach may help you prevent flares and take control of your eczema symptoms.

Here are some tips and treatments I offer my patients:

1. Moisturize your skin regularly.

Because constant scratching tends to break down and damage the protective layer of your skin, it’s important to moisturize twice daily — even when you’re not having a flare-up.

Talk to your dermatologist about the best type of over-the-counter emollient (cream, ointment, moisturizer, etc.) for your skin. Be sure to select unscented options.

Other skin care tips:

• Ask your doctor which skin cleansers are best.
• Keep your skin as clean as possible to avoid Staph infection.
• Avoid taking bubble baths or using scented bath salts.
• When you do bathe, use lukewarm water.
• Moisturize within 3 minutes of exiting the bathtub or shower.

2. Avoid environmental and emotional triggers.

Eczema flare-ups can be brought on by environmental and emotional triggers. Make note of when your eczema symptoms start to appear. Do symptoms usually increase during the Spring and Fall when seasonal allergies are at their peak? Are there certain fabric materials that make you itch?

Self-knowledge and awareness will help you identify your own set of triggers so you can avoid them, if possible.

3. Control inflammation under your skin.

If your eczema is mild, your dermatologist may advise you to use hydrocortisone or topical ointment made with corticosteroids to help reduce symptoms.

If you’re experiencing an infection from a flare-up, then you may also receive a prescription for antibiotics.

In moderate to severe cases, stronger prescription steroid ointments may be needed to prevent flares and calm inflammation under the skin.

Additional therapies for chronic eczema include:

• Immunomodulators — medicines that suppress the activity of your immune system
• Biologics — medicines made from substances that naturally occur
• UV light or phototherapy

4. Make lifestyle adjustments.

Other than medication, there are some important lifestyle changes you can make and preventive actions you can take to help manage chronic eczema.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Avoid staying in water for long periods of time.
• Manage stress levels and get enough sleep.
• Wear clothing that isn’t too tight or itchy, or will make you sweat.
• Look for hypoallergenic and scent-free laundry detergent, soap, body wash and other personal care items.
• Use sunscreen to protect your skin.

Find the Right Treatment for Your Eczema

Everyone’s case is unique, so I always recommend that people consult with a dermatologist to help figure out which methods may work best for your eczema.

Temple dermatologists are committed to helping you relieve symptoms. To find the right treatment for your eczema, call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or request an appointment today.

About Eczema – The Eczema Society of Canada

COMPLICATIONS

Some complications of eczema include skin infections, eczema herpticum, neurodermatitis, and eye complications.

SKIN INFECTIONS

Scratching that is associated with eczema can break the skin causing open sores which can then become infected. This can cause mild or more serious infections. See a physician if there is swelling, pain, crusting, or oozing of the eczema.

ECZEMA HERPETICUM

Skin that becomes inflected with the herpes simplex virus (the virus that causes cold sores) is called eczema herpeticum. The symptoms may include painful pus or fluid filled blisters or sores, which may be accompanied by fever, tiredness, and swollen glands. Prompt treatment is very important, as the infection can spread to the eyes or internal organs, causing serious problems.

Caution should be taken around anyone with a cold sore; kissing and skin-to-skin contact should be avoided. Take extra caution with infants and children, especially those with eczema and/or open areas on their skin. Sometimes, with infants and small children, contact with the herpes simplex virus can be fatal. See a doctor immediately if there are concerns.

NEURODERMATITIS

Long term itching and scratching of the skin can lead to an increased sensation of itch, which could possibly lead to neurodermatitis (also known as lichen simplex chronicus). These areas of the skin that are frequently scratched become thick and leathery in appearance, and the patches can be red and darker than the rest of the skin. Persistent scratching can lead to permanent changes in skin colour. See a physician if experiencing intense itch and/or there are noticeable changes in the skin.

EYE COMPLICATIONS

In rare cases, severe atopic dermatitis can lead to eye complications, which could potentially cause permanent eye damage. See a physician if experiencing eye watering, inflammation around the eye, and eye discharge.

Eczema in Babies and Children

By: Sarah Stein, MD, FAAD, FAAP

At least one in 10 children have
eczema (also called
atopic dermatitis), an ongoing skin problem that causes dry, red, itchy skin. Children with eczema have more sensitive skin than other people. Here’s what parents need to know about the condition.

What causes eczema?

Eczema is caused by problems with the skin barrier. Many children with eczema do not have enough of a special protein called “filaggrin” in the outer layer of skin. Filaggrin helps skin form a strong barrier between the body and the environment. Skin with too little of this protein has a harder time holding in water and keeping out bacteria and environmental irritants.

Both a person’s genes and their environment play a role in eczema. It often runs in families and tends to occur with other
allergic conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever and seasonal allergies). Many children with eczema also have
food allergies, but foods themselves do not cause eczema.

What does eczema look like?

Eczema rashes can be different for each child. They can be all over the body or in just a few spots. The eczema rash often worsens at times (called “exacerbations” or “flares”) and then gets better (called “remissions”). Where the rashes develop may change over time:

• 
  In babies, eczema usually starts on the scalp and face. Red, dry rashes may show up on the cheeks, forehead, and around the mouth. Eczema usually does not develop in the diaper area.

• 
  In young school-aged children, the eczema rash is often in the elbow creases, on the backs of the knees, on the neck, and around the eyes.

Is eczema contagious?

No. Children with eczema are more prone to skin infections, but
eczema is NOT contagious. The infections that children with eczema tend to get are often from germs that usually live harmlessly on everyone’s skin. These germs cause more problems for children with eczema because their skin doesn’t always have a strong barrier to keep them out.

How do I know if my child’s skin is infected?

Occasionally bacterial or viral infections develop on top of eczema rashes.
Talk to your doctor if you see yellow or honey-colored crusting and scabbing, weepy or oozy skin, blisters or pus bumps, or rash that is not getting better even with the usual treatments.

Do children outgrow eczema?

For some children, eczema starts to go away by age 4. However, some children may continue to have dry, sensitive skin as they grow up. It is hard to predict which children will outgrow the condition and which ones will have eczema as adults.

Remember

Eczema can be frustrating for children and their parents, especially when the itching makes it difficult to sleep. Your pediatrician and pediatric dermatologist can help you manage your child’s eczema symptoms with a good treatment plan and a healthy skin maintenance routine.

Additional Information:

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

How the seasons affect eczema | How hot or cold weather can make eczema worse

“Usually eczema improves in summer with some natural sunlight and gets worse in winter when it is cold and damp,” explains Dr Anton Alexandroff, a consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation. “Skin can also get drier with central heating in winter, especially for those with asteatotic eczema, which is more common in senior people and is mostly due to skin drying out too much.”

While every person with eczema has their own triggers, in many cases flare-ups can follow a seasonal pattern. (So much so, in fact, that asteatotic eczema is often known as ‘winter itch’.) It’s not uncommon to find that your eczema lies dormant most of the year, only to re-ignite in response to cold or heat.

So why is this the case? And other than waiting stoically till summer, is there anything people can do?

What is eczema?

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a common itchy inflammatory skin condition, often associated with an abnormal skin barrier. It looks different for every person, but you may experience patches of dry scaly skin, small raised bumps, and severe itching. This might occur in just a few small patches or may be more widely spread across the body.

There are several variants – for instance, allergic contact dermatitis (in which the skin flares up in response to external agents like metals, fragrances or preservatives) or irritant contact dermatitis (caused by a persistent irritation of the skin).

However, the most common type is atopic (allergic) dermatitis, which usually begins in infancy or childhood and affects up to 1 in 3 children, and 1 in 10 adults, in the UK. Although many children find the condition clears up naturally as they get older, many people continue to experience flare-ups throughout their lives.

“It’s due to a genetic predisposition which affects the integrity of the skin barrier, and is often associated with a mutation in the so-called filaggrin gene,” explains Alexandroff. “As a result, environmental and/or microbial allergens penetrate the skin barrier more easily and cause inflammation of the skin.”

This condition is associated with asthma and hay fever, meaning that if you or a family member have one of the three, you’re more likely to have the others. A recent Australian study shed some light on why, pinpointing a cluster of genetic risk factors that predispose you to all three allergic conditions.

Despite learning more about the causes, researchers haven’t yet developed a cure. This means, if you or your child have eczema, it’s important to work out the individual triggers and adopt strategies for managing the symptoms.

The winter itch

If your flare-ups happen predominantly in winter, this is likely due to switching between cold and hot environments. Harsh, windy conditions outside – followed by dry, centrally heated environments inside – can wreak havoc on the skin.

As if that were not enough, some people find their eczema triggered by dust mites (which thrive in warm indoor environments). On top of this, many people experience a vitamin D deficiency during winter, which some studies have linked to higher rates of eczema, although the evidence is not conclusive on this front.

“Infections, such as colds, non-specifically flare up dermatitis because they upset the immune system in general,” adds Dr Alexandroff.

Perhaps paradoxically, many winter eczema management strategies come down to avoiding extremes of heat. First up, make sure your home isn’t overheated, and invest in a humidifier if dry air inside is a concern. When you bathe or shower, lukewarm (not hot) temperatures are best for your skin. And, since heavy winter clothing can cause sweating, the National Eczema Society advises layering up – clothing made from cotton or silk is best.

Above all, it’s critical to maintain a rigorous moisturising routine. According to Allergy UK, you should continue this routine all year round, not just during flare ups.

“Greasier moisturisers are more effective so ointments are better than creams and lotions,” says Alexandroff. “Wash with moisturiser and add bath oils to your bath, avoiding soaps, shower gels and bubble bath, which de-grease the skin.”

Eczema at other times of year

Although eczema generally improves in the spring, for some people the opposite holds true. Seasonal pollen can be a trigger, causing eczema flare-ups alongside hay fever. (You may wish to take an antihistamine if this applies to you.) Some people also find their symptoms exacerbated by temperature changes, and get flare-ups during the transitional seasons (spring and autumn).

Others find that their symptoms worsen in the summer months. Typically, this is due to the heat itself, which may cause sweating, coupled with the drying effects of air conditioning once you get inside. There may also be further triggers at this time of year, like swimming in a chlorinated pool or sitting on grass.

In each of these cases, the usual advice applies – try to pinpoint any environmental triggers and minimise your exposure to them wherever possible. Try to stay cool, rinse off chlorine straightaway and always make sure to moisturise.

Further tips

It’s also advisable to see a health professional if anything changes, or your symptoms are proving hard to manage on your own.

“If your eczema suddenly gets out control, it may be possible that you have developed an allergy to something you have come in contact with, such as fragrance, dyes or preservatives,” says Dr Alexandroff. “A dermatologist can arrange a patch allergy test for you to make sure you have not developed allergic contact dermatitis.” It’s worth being aware that this service isn’t always available on the NHS, and that if it is, waiting times can be long.

If your eczema is severe, you may need a prescription treatment.

“See your GP or dermatologist to get more intensive treatment – for example, with appropriate creams and non-steroidal cream like pimecrolimus cream,” says Dr Alexandroff.

Eczema and Food Allergy in Babies and Young Children

What is eczema?

The word eczema is used to describe a number of chronic skin disorders. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, especially in babies and young children. In Canada, about 10 percent of infants and children have the atopic dermatitis form of eczema.

It is common for the word eczema to be used instead of atopic dermatitis. In this resource, the word eczema means atopic dermatitis.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

Eczema is a chronic condition which causes red, itchy areas on the skin. Sometimes the itching is very severe. When skin is scratched it can break open, ooze and then crust over. Symptoms of eczema can come and go. Babies with eczema often have it on their cheeks, forehead and scalp. Older children often have it on their hands, wrists, ankles, feet, and on the inside folds of their elbows and knees.

What causes eczema?

Some children are more prone to eczema due to differences in their skin and their immune systems:

1. Healthy skin acts as a barrier to prevent moisture from getting out and irritants from getting in. This barrier function of the skin does not work very well in children who are prone to eczema. Their skin does not hold moisture very well. As a result, their skin gets dry easily and allows irritants to get in more easily.
2. The immune system of children with eczema reacts more strongly to irritants than usual. When the immune system responds strongly to irritants, it makes the skin red and itchy.

When it is red and itchy, it is even harder for skin to be a good barrier, so it lets in even more irritants. This leads to a cycle of itching, scratching and more irritation, which makes eczema worse.

Eczema belongs to a group of allergic conditions including asthma, hay fever, and food allergy. Allergic conditions tend to run in families. Genetics has a major role in determining who will get eczema. Eczema is not caused by a single gene, rather many genes act together to increase the chance of eczema developing.

An example of one gene that has a role is called filaggrin (pronounced PHIL-a-GRIN). It is responsible for making the skin protein filaggrin. When this gene is not working properly, the barrier function of the skin does not work as well. Many, but not all, children with eczema have a problem with this particular gene.

Eczema usually starts in babies, but it can start at any age. Some children outgrow it, but it can also return later in life.

What is food allergy?

Food allergy results from an abnormal immune response to a food protein. Food proteins that can cause an allergic reaction are called food allergens. Children with food allergy will have an allergic reaction every time they eat the food to which they are allergic. Managing a food allergy involves avoiding the food that causes the allergic reaction. For more information about food allergy, look at: “Reducing Risk of Food Allergy in Your Baby” and “Severe Food Allergies in Children”. If you suspect your baby or child is reacting to a food, stop giving that food and talk to your child’s doctor. Your child’s doctor can refer your child to a pediatric allergist if help with a diagnosis and a treatment plan are needed. If you are concerned about your child’s nutrition, talk with a registered dietitian.

Can food allergy cause eczema?

Although food allergy is more common in children who have eczema, they are separate conditions.

Food allergy does not normally cause eczema, but having eczema may increase the chance that a food allergy develops. For a description of how eczema may increase the risk of food allergy, please refer to the section on the next page called: How can good eczema control help prevent food allergy?

What are the differences between the skin symptoms of food allergy and eczema?

An allergic reaction to a food typically happens quickly. Symptoms of an allergic reaction then go away, usually after several hours, as long as the food is not eaten again. Eczema is a chronic condition that does not go away quickly. Eczema tends to show up in predictable places, such as on the cheeks of young babies or elbow creases of older children. The places on the skin where symptoms of an allergic reaction to food appear are more unpredictable. Hives, redness and itching from an allergic reaction can show up just about anywhere on the body and even in different places each time the food is eaten.

Why is it important to control my child’s eczema?

When eczema is not well controlled, it can affect a child’s quality of life and health. It increases the chance of skin infections, and it can also be painful. Itching and scratching can be distressing for your child and for you as a parent to watch. Physical comfort, sleep, social interactions and self-image can all be affected. Good control allows your child to feel well and stay focused on childhood activities such as learning and playing.

Some new research shows there may be an additional benefit to keeping eczema under good control. Good control might help prevent food allergy. This is especially good news for parents who have babies and toddlers who are at increased risk for food allergy.

How can good eczema control help prevent food allergy?

Since healthy skin acts as a barrier, it also helps prevent substances like food allergens from getting into the body through the skin. Healthy skin helps protect the immune system from being exposed to food allergens. When your child’s eczema is under good control, your child’s skin is better at preventing food allergens from getting in.

New research suggests that when your child’s skin is scratched open, food allergens can get into the body more easily to make contact with the immune system. Direct contact between open skin and food, such as peanuts, may increase the chance that an allergy will develop to that food. The immune system may be more prone to developing a food allergy if the first exposures to the food are through scratched open skin.

The opposite may be true if the immune system is first introduced to the food by eating it. If the first exposure to a food is through the digestive tract, the immune system may more likely tolerate the food.

For more information about controlling eczema, please refer to the section on the next page called: How can I help control my child’s eczema?

What are other ways to help prevent food allergy?

Many health professionals now think there are two steps parents can take to help prevent food allergy.

1. Avoid unnecessary delays when introducing new solid foods to your baby.
2. If your baby tolerates a new food, continue to offer it regularly. “Regularly” means about once per week, or more often if you prefer. Offering foods regularly may remind the immune system to tolerate the foods rather than develop an allergy to them.

Health Canada recommends introducing solid foods to babies starting at six months of age. Babies with eczema should also be offered solid foods starting at six months.

You can introduce boneless fish, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame seeds in age appropriate forms starting at six months of age if you wish. Whole tree nuts and big globs of peanut butter are choking hazards. You can start by offering peanut, tree nut and sesame seed butters mixed into infant cereal.

When your baby is ready for finger foods, you can offer these foods spread thinly on small strips of toast. For more information about introducing solid foods to babies, see “Baby’s First Foods” and “Reducing Risk of Food Allergy in Your Baby”.

Since 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends delaying the introduction of foods such as fish, eggs and foods that contain peanut protein beyond 4 to 6 months of age to babies at increased risk for allergy.

In 2000, it was thought that delaying the introduction of new foods into a baby’s diet decreased the chance of a food allergy. However, the delay may increase the chance that the first exposures to the food will be through skin that has been scratched open. Therefore, delaying the introduction of new foods may actually increase the chance that a food allergy will develop.

A few recent studies suggest introducing certain foods even before 4-6 months of age may help prevent food allergy, but more research is needed before this can be recommended. An example of a study currently being done is called the LEAP Study. LEAP stands for “Learning Early About Peanut Allergy”. For more information visit: www.leapstudy.com

How can I help control my child’s eczema?

Although eczema cannot be cured, three main steps can be taken to help control it:

1. Follow a daily bathing routine and apply moisturizer right after the bath to help moisturize your child’s skin.
2. Use skin medications to calm the immune response when needed.
3. Avoid contact with personal irritants

1. Keep skin moisturized

Keep your child’s skin well moisturized at all times. This helps improve the skin’s barrier function and helps break the cycle of irritation, which leads to itching and scratching. Even after skin has healed after an eczema flare-up, continue with the daily steps that keep skin well moisturized. This will help prevent new flare-ups.

Allow your child to soak in bath water every day. Soaking for about 10 minutes is best. Use lukewarm water not hot water.

Use mild soap and only on skin surfaces that need cleaning, such as underarms and the diaper area. Do not use strong soaps, which can be too drying. Use soap and shampoo at the end of the bath to prevent your child from soaking in products that cause skin to dry out. Wash skin gently. Scrubbing can irritate skin prone to eczema.

After the bath, gently pat your child dry and apply any medicated creams prescribed by your child’s doctor. Apply moisturizer within 3 minutes of the bath. The moisturizer helps to “lock-in” the water absorbed by the skin during the bath.

Applying moisturizer immediately after the bath is probably the single most important thing that you can do to help your child’s skin.

Always wash your hands before applying moisturizer. Apply moisturizer generously to all skin surfaces. Avoid rubbing. Use moisturizer after every bath, after hand washing and after swimming.

2. Use skin medications when needed

For some babies and children with eczema, daily bathing and moisturizing is not enough for good control. These children also need a medical treatment plan, which often includes medicated creams or ointments that calm the immune system in the skin and control irritation. Medical treatment plans also include instructions on how often and when to apply the cream or ointment.

There are a variety of skin medications available for eczema, each with a different strength. The strength of the medication prescribed should be right for the area of the body that needs medication. For example, a child may have one medication prescribed for the face and another one for the elbows and knees. Do not use the percent on the label to judge the strength of your child’s medication. Speak to your child’s doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about medication strength.

Follow the treatment plan provided by your child’s doctor, so your child gets the most possible benefit from the medication. It is especially important to follow your doctor’s advice about how much of the medication to apply, so you do not use too little or too much. Some doctors recommend applying a layer of medication to eczema patches every day for about two to four weeks. The medication is more effective if you apply it to skin immediately after the bath, while the skin is still damp.

The treatment plan may need to be adjusted from time to time, based on the severity of the eczema and the response to the skin medication. You may be the first to notice that the plan needs to be adjusted. Let your child’s doctor know if you think the plan needs adjustment.

3. Help your child avoid personal irritants

Some substances can irritate skin and start the cycle of itching and scratching. If you notice that your child’s eczema gets worse after being exposed to something, help your child avoid it. Irritants are not the same for all children. If a common trigger does not bother your child, there is no reason to avoid it. Here are some examples of possible triggers that can cause eczema flare-ups in some children.

Perfumes and fragrances, including the skin care and bathing products that contain them

Harsh soaps

Bath salts or bubble baths

Rough clothing, including wool fabrics

Temperature extremes, including hot and cold, dry air

Skin Infections

Children with eczema often have more bacteria on their skin. Even when it does not cause an infection, the bacteria can make the skin more irritated and can make the eczema worse, so keeping clean is important.

Babies and children with eczema are also prone to skin infections. Infections make the eczema even worse and need to be treated by a doctor. An oral antibiotic, antibiotic cream or very small amount of bleach added to bath water might be prescribed. Bleach should not be added to bath water without guidance from your child’s doctor. Signs of possible infection include: increased pain, tenderness or swelling, hot skin, fever, pus, or red streaks extending from the affected skin.

Stress

Emotional upset, frustration and embarrassment are stressful and can trigger itching that leads to more scratching in children with eczema. Help your child learn to cope with stressful events.

Environmental allergens

Environmental allergens include animal dander (skin flakes) and saliva, dust mites, pollens, and moulds. Children with eczema may also have environmental allergies. For these children, being exposed to these allergens may make the eczema worse. If your child is allergic to specific environmental allergens, reduce your child’s exposure to them when possible. 

Foods that are not allergens

Some foods that are not allergens can irritate inflamed skin through contact. To reduce irritation, avoid food contact with eczema when possible. You may apply ointment to your child’s skin before offering food to reduce skin contact. If food does make contact with your child’s inflamed skin, wash it off gently and re-apply moisturizer.

Foods that irritate eczema through contact do not cause any problems when they are eaten, unless your child also has a food allergy to them.

Many parents report foods such as tomato, strawberry and citrus fruits (such as oranges) irritate eczema. If your child’s eczema is not bothered by these foods continue to offer them to your child.

What else can I do to help control my child’s eczema?

• Keep your child’s finger nails short and clean. This can help prevent an infection if skin gets scratched
• Use unscented laundry products and avoid dryer sheets.
• Wash new clothes and remove tags before your child wears them.
• Dress your child in loose rather than tight clothes.
• If your child’s eczema is hard to keep well controlled, get help from health care providers who have expertise in eczema care.

What should I look for when selecting skin care products?

Choose soaps and moisturizers made for sensitive skin. Although there is no single group of products that are right for every child, generally, products with fewer ingredients are best. Expensive products are not always better. If you need help finding products for your child, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Products for bathing

You do not need to add anything to your child’s bath water. Choose a gentle soap for cleaning skin. Avoid harsh products and those containing perfumes or fragrances.

Moisturizers

Choose a thick moisturizer without perfumes or fragrances. Thick products are more effective for moisturizing than thinner ones that pour easily. Thick moisturizers include creams and ointments, and these are usually available in jars or in tubes.

Moisturizers can be divided into three categories based on the amount of oil or grease in comparison to the amount of water present. These three groups are called ointments, creams and lotions. Ointments are just grease, and do not contain much water. They are usually very thick, clear and nearly colourless. Creams are usually a half-and-half mixture of oil (or grease) and water. They are typically too thick to pour, come in jars and often white in colour. Lotions are creams with much more water added. They are pourable or come with a pump dispenser, and they are normally white in colour.

Examples of product ingredients that help keep moisture locked in skin:

Petroleum jelly and petrolatum: These are greasy ingredients and very good at keeping moisture locked in the skin.

Silicone and dimethicone: These are non-greasy ingredients and also good at locking moisture in the skin. They feel silky to the touch and are added to many moisturizers.

Ceramides: These are moisture holding substances and naturally present in the skin. People with eczema lack normal amounts of ceramides in their skin. Applying ceramides to skin helps keep moisture locked in. Some newer moisturizers have ceramides added to them. Products made with ceramides may be more expensive than other moisturizers.

Resources

The EASE Program: www.eczemacanada.ca provides information and resources on eczema for Canadians.

Reducing Risk of Food Allergy in Your Baby: www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthy-eating/reducing-baby-food-allergy-risk

Baby’s First Foods: www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/babys-first-foods

Last updated: July 2011

How to treat eczema – “Orenburg region” newspaper

Is it possible to get rid of it once and for all? The competent answer to this and other questions is given by the head of the polyclinic of the regional clinical dermatovenerologic dispensary Larisa Shchugoreva.

Immediately see a doctor

– Larisa Vyacheslavovna, will you please us or disappoint? Is a complete cure possible?

– In most cases, this disease is not completely cured, since it is chronic.However, eczema is eczema different. If a skin rash was examined by a doctor at an early stage, the patient was prescribed medications, a diet was prescribed, a conversation was held about what to run out of and what to give preference to, and he really did all this, then the result can be very good. Of course, there will be no cure once and for all. But remission can last for many years and even for life.

– It turns out that the most important thing for a person is to notice the rash and get to the doctor on time.Is it possible not to notice and skip the initial stage?

– This is out of the question. The main symptoms of eczema are rashes and itching, so the disease will not go unnoticed. You should not contact a pharmacist, but a dermatologist. It is very important not to self-medicate. For example, do not take herbal teas. They themselves are often allergens.

Will have to change habits

– Larisa Vyacheslavovna, in addition to medications, what will be recommended for a patient with eczema?

– The disease is of an allergic nature, so you will have to seriously reconsider your diet.Eliminate or minimize allergenic foods. From meat, preference is given to low-fat varieties of beef, turkey, chicken is suitable. Refuse sausages, canned food, ham and broth.

Fish is also a strong allergen. We exclude it. Caviar, seafood, any spicy and salty dishes from them are not recommended. As for cereals, there is a wide choice: oatmeal, buckwheat, rice, corn, crushed barley. It is very good to cook soups from vegetables and cereals. But it’s better to forget about semolina and pasta.

Now about bread. It is better to choose products made from wholemeal flour. For example, bread made from second-grade wheat flour, rye, with the addition of bran, wheat germ and rye.

I would also like to say a few words about baking. Sweet teeth will be upset, but what to do, all confectionery is contraindicated. Also banned are chocolate, cocoa, coffee and honey.

For dairy products, fresh milk, cheese and sour cream are not permitted. But fermented milk derivatives such as bifidok, narine, bifilife, kefir – please drink to your health.Only they should not contain dyes, flavors, sugar.

Yes, it is difficult to find products without harmful additives in our stores. But there is always a way out. For example, some patients prepare fermented milk drinks themselves from sourdough and milk. It is convenient for someone to purchase ready-made drinks in a children’s dairy kitchen. By the way, the shelf life there is limited to only two days, which means that all lacto- and bifidobacteria will be in place.

What can be made from vegetables and fruits? That which has white and green color.For a patient with eczema, radishes, sauerkraut, avocados, red and orange vegetables are undesirable. You also need to be wary of eating strawberries, strawberries, pineapple, melon and kiwi.

Alcohol is strictly prohibited. Carbonated drinks, kvass, anything containing dyes and preservatives are not recommended. Green tea is useful. It contains such a useful element as fluorine. It is not enough in our area. So drink to your health at least every day, if there are no contraindications. I want to warn you: only without artificial flavors and colors.When buying, read the composition of the product on the package. If there is something other than tea leaves, do not take it.

I have already spoken about herbal tea – it is an allergen. Of course, not all herbs will be harmful to a particular patient. But how can this be verified? Only at the risk of getting an exacerbation of the disease. And this is better not to be allowed.

Each has its own power circuit

– Larisa Vyacheslavovna, to be honest, I’m somewhat puzzled. So many prohibitions and so little remains of what can be safely eaten and drunk … Here you will not only have to limit yourself, but fundamentally change the habits and traditions of food in the family.How can, for example, a working family woman cook two different soups every day – for herself and for the household? And two different main courses, two different teas? Agree, this is unrealistic. How do patients usually get out of the situation?

– There is no need to be afraid of the recommendations given. This is just a basic power plan. The doctor, after meeting the patient, after a thorough examination, conversation, selects an individual diet.

I repeat once again that eczema is eczema different.There are people who just need to exclude milk from their diet – and the skin becomes clear. Or stop eating tomatoes – and everything comes back to normal. In addition, in the clinic with an allergist, you can take a test for the dependence of an allergic reaction on a certain product. For example, you are an avid fisherman and cannot imagine how you will live without fish. Take the test. If it’s negative, eat fish for health!

What to wear and what to breathe?

– Well, thank God! It means that not everything is so hopeless.We can still get pleasure from food. And what about clothes, what should they look like for allergy sufferers with eczema?

– Natural. Cotton or linen fabric should be close to the body. Natural wool is undesirable.

– What should be in an apartment to speed up the healing process?

– Air humidifier. Especially during the heating season, when the humidity level in the room is extremely low. After showering, it is recommended to use an emollient moisturizer.

In addition to what we have already listed, it is very important to try to avoid stress, not to worry about every occasion. An even emotional and psychological environment at home and at work will contribute to a long remission. And the goal of treating this disease, as you understand, is precisely this – from delaying the onset of an exacerbation. Accordingly, reduce the number of medications taken.

Genetics and air conditioning

– Larisa Vyacheslavovna, I can’t help but ask a question about the causes of eczema that are not related to products.

– There are many reasons. The main one is genetic predisposition. If one of the parents has eczema, then the child is 40 percent likely to have it. Both parents have 50 percent. An important role in the appearance of eczema is played by the pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. Other provocateurs include chemical agents, plants, medicines, bacterial and fungal flora. The influence is exerted by the ecological situation, the raw materials from which the furniture is made, even the air that blows from the air conditioner.

In a word, if you want to treat a disease well, firstly, go to the doctor who will not only conduct an examination, but also ask about the nature of work, the situation in the family, and ask how many times a day you eat and what kind of food you eat.

Secondly, in addition to consulting a dermatologist, you will most likely need a consultation with a gastroenterologist. Simply put, until you cure your gastritis, there can be no talk of a full treatment for eczema. Treatment should be comprehensive and aimed at eliminating the causes, not the consequences of disruption of the body.

Cheilitis – what is it, classification and treatment

Cheilitis is an inflammation of the red border, mucous membrane and skin of the lips. In the common people, the disease is called a jam. The inflammatory process can be long-term, periodically exacerbated. In healthy young people, it often goes away on its own, but in children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases, it should be subject to drug treatment. The elderly have a high risk of leukoplakia and malignancy of the process.

A dentist is involved in cheilitis therapy, and if necessary, a therapist, pediatrician and other narrow-profile specialists – endocrinologist, infectious disease specialist, etc. are involved in drawing up a treatment plan.

Causes of cheilitis

Cheilitis can be an independent disease and a manifestation of other pathologies of the mucous membranes and internal organs. The most common causes of the disease include:

• Dermatoses. The mucous membranes and skin of the lips can be involved in the pathological process with lichen planus, psoriasis, erythematosis and other skin diseases.
• Adverse factors. Exposure to hot and cold air, wind, excessive exposure to UV rays is especially often the cause of cheilitis in people working outdoors and under special weather conditions.
• Allergic reactions. Allergies can be provoked by chemical factors, ultraviolet rays, cosmetics, etc.;
• Other diseases. Secondary cheilitis often develop against the background of atopic dermatitis, eczema, neuritis of the facial nerve, etc.

Factors such as hypothermia, previous surgical interventions, long-term antibiotic therapy, hypovitaminosis, etc., weaken the natural defense mechanisms.

Symptoms and types of disease

Cheilitis on the lips can manifest itself in different ways depending on the form of the disease.So, exfoliative type of inflammation often appears in women, its main symptom is peeling. The ailment is based on neurological and endocrine disorders. Peeling occurs on the red border of the lips and does not affect the skin and mucous membranes. The disease rarely spreads to the entire red border, so part of it remains unchanged.

With severe dryness of the skin, peeling is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• feeling of dry lips;
• burning;
• Formation of easily detachable scales.

The disease is long-term, sluggish in nature, from time to time there are periods of exacerbation. It rarely goes away on its own. With an exudative form, soreness, swelling of the lips, and the formation of large crusts can be added.

Glandular cheilitis develops against the background of the growth of small salivary glands and their subsequent infection. With congenital pathologies, signs of such inflammation of the lips are present in almost all cases. Acquired proliferation can be associated with chronic diseases of the periodontal tissues, tartar, multiple caries – diseases that lead to infection of the dilated ducts.Lesions of the lower lip with this form of cheilitis are more common. The disease develops with the appearance of dry lips, which at first can be easily corrected with the help of cosmetics. In the future, cracks begin to form, which deepen and begin to bleed. The condition is aggravated by the constant desire to lick dry lips – cracks and ulcers can become weeping, become permanent due to the inelasticity of the skin of the lips.

Contact allergic cheilitis develops after exposure to an allergen – an irritant.The most common of these are components of lipsticks and other care products. Allergies can also be associated with bad habits, for example, the constant presence of pencils, pens and other foreign objects in the mouth. Musicians can develop professional cheilitis due to constant contact of wind instrument mouthpieces with their lips. The main symptoms of the disease include:

• severe itching;
• burning;
• swelling of the lips;
• redness of the skin and mucous membranes.

Manifestations are aggravated by contact with an allergen. Bubbles of different sizes can form, their spontaneous or accidental opening leads to the formation of ulcers and cracks. Chronic forms of allergic disease are accompanied by scaling, slight itching and the absence of other signs of inflammation.

Actinic cheilitis belongs to the category of diseases based on increased sensitivity to weather and other external factors. Usually occurs in response to sun exposure.Exudative forms of such a disease are accompanied by the formation of crusts. Sometimes small bubbles form, the opening of which leads to the appearance of painful erosions. In the absence of exudate, the main symptoms are pain, dryness, and burning of the lips. Actinic cheilitis often degenerates into precancerous diseases.

With atopic cheilitis, the main cause of the disease is the dermatitis of the same name, or neurodermatitis. It appears in people with an allergic predisposition, and drugs, cosmetics, food products, as well as microorganisms and their metabolic products can serve as a triggering factor.The disease is accompanied by redness of the lips, itching and peeling of the red border, damage to the corners of the mouth. After the removal of acute symptoms, peeling and thickening of the skin may occur. Dryness stimulates the formation of cracks.

Macroheilitis is part of the Rossolimo-Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. Appears against the background of neuritis of the facial nerve and a symptom of a folded tongue. It develops due to infectious and allergic effects against the background of a genetic predisposition. It manifests itself in the following symptoms:

• lip augmentation;
• severe itching;
• swelling of other parts of the face;
• bluish-pink color of the edematous areas of the lips.

One or both lips, cheeks, upper parts of the face may be affected. Neuritis leads to facial asymmetry, and the nasolabial fold is smoothed out.

Hypovitaminous cheilitis of the lips develops against the background of a deficiency of B vitamins. Burning and dryness of the oral mucosa and lips appear. The mucous membranes become swollen and red, peeling occurs on the red border, cracks appear. They are prone to bleeding, which is also associated with a lack of vitamins. The tongue can grow in size, teeth imprints easily remain on it.

In candidal cheilitis, the inflammatory process is accompanied by the formation of white plaque on the mucous membranes. The cause of this disease is the multiplication of the fungus of the genus Candida, infants, people after radiation, chemotherapy, and also patients with immunodeficiencies often suffer from it. Cheilitis develops with prolonged use of antibiotics and immunosuppressants.

Diagnostic Features

In case of inflammation on the lip, it is advisable to visit a therapist, for children, a pediatrician, if there are indications, an infectious disease specialist, a dentist, and other narrow specialists.Diagnosis of cheilitis is usually not difficult – a specialist will conduct an examination, listen to complaints and prescribe a set of studies. If you suspect the allergic nature of the disease, allergy tests can be recommended, and when plaque appears, it is advisable to take a scraping. To detect endocrine and other disorders that can cause an illness, biochemical blood tests and other diagnostic methods are often prescribed. In rare cases, a biopsy is required to differentiate cheilitis from other pathologies.This will help exclude the malignant or precancerous nature of the inflammatory formations and prescribe the correct treatment.

Treatment methods

The treatment plan for cheilitis is developed individually, depending on the form of the disease, the severity of symptoms, and the characteristics of the state of health. So, in the treatment of the exfoliative form of the disease, the key link in effective treatment is the impact on the psychoemotional sphere: an appeal to a neurologist, a neuropsychiatrist will be required to prescribe sedatives, antidepressants according to indications.Consultation with an endocrinologist may be required.

Local treatment may include the use of laser or ultrasound physiotherapy, local anti-inflammatory drugs, less often – radiation therapy. Elimination of excessive dryness is possible with the help of hygienic lipsticks. To speed up recovery, the doctor may prescribe vitamin therapy, UFOK and other methods of maintaining the body’s defenses.

Therapy for glandular cheilitis consists in the use of anti-inflammatory local agents.Antibacterial, antiviral, hormonal ointments can be used. A radical method of therapy is electrocoagulation of the salivary glands or their surgical removal, as well as laser ablation. These methods are used when conservative methods are ineffective. After the main course, the doctor will prescribe remedies for the prevention of relapses – they will eliminate dryness or wetness of the skin. It is important to sanitize the oral cavity in a timely manner and undergo professional teeth cleaning.

Treatment of atopic cheilitis consists in eliminating irritating factors.Antipruritic and anti-inflammatory agents can be used locally; therapy with antihistamines with a systemic effect is also carried out. The use of glucocorticosteroids allows you to get quick relief, but it is important to strictly adhere to medical prescriptions – they can be used only for a short time. It is important to follow a hypoallergenic diet, remove allergenic foods from the diet.

Therapy for meteorological cheilitis begins with limiting harmful effects such as sun exposure.Local treatment is usually carried out – the doctor prescribes hormonal agents, protective creams, including those with SPF. The course of treatment is supplemented with vitamins – vitamin and mineral complexes or individual drugs (B, PP, C, etc.).

In the treatment of macrocheilitis, immunocorrective and antiviral therapy is of particular importance. The doctor can prescribe:

• hormonal anti-inflammatory systemic action;
• novocaine blockade;
• antihistamines, etc.

Laser therapy can have a positive effect on the correction of the entire triad of symptoms. Other physical therapies have been successful in treating neuritis of the facial nerve.

Possible complications

Late access to a doctor often causes serious complications. The disease is often not a serious health hazard in and of itself. But only an experienced specialist can tell how to treat cheilitis. Self-medication can lead to unpleasant consequences, provoke the onset of a chronic form of the disease.In addition, cheilitis is dangerous because malignant tumor processes can be masked behind its symptoms. It is important to remember that some forms are prone to malignancy – precancerous conditions can follow cheilitis.

Forecast and prevention

With timely initiation of treatment and the absence of malignant processes, the prognosis is almost always favorable. If the therapy has caused noticeable cosmetic defects, you can resort to methods of correcting the appearance of the lips.

To prevent complications, it is important to understand if you are at risk.The presence of allergic diseases and dermatoses, chronic endocrine diseases, wearing dentures increase the risks of developing pathology. In order to prevent the appearance of cheilitis, it is important to adhere to several rules:

• to regularly visit the dentist, to sanitize the oral cavity, remove tartar;
• timely replace obsolete fillings and orthopedic structures, apply after chips and injuries to the teeth in order to prevent injury to the lips by sharp edges of fillings and enamel;
• for the manufacture of prostheses, contact only professionals;
• eat properly and fully in order to prevent hypovitaminosis;
• try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and use products with SPF, including for lips;
• to be attentive to your health and timely treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine, nervous system, internal organs.

Eczema on the hands: causes and treatment

How to treat eczema on the hands and other parts of the body

Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to stop contact with allergens, get rid of neuropsychological overstrain, revise the diet, eliminate foci of chronic infection and influence other factors that provoke an exacerbation of the underlying disease ^1.2 .

Ointments and creams are used to treat eczema, usually glucocorticosteroid preparations.

1) Glucocorticoids. This group of hormonal drugs is prescribed with the development of pronounced clinical signs, for example, during periods of exacerbation. After improving the patient’s condition, the dosage of these drugs is reduced, up to their complete cancellation. The most commonly used are betamethasone dipropionate, hydrocortisone.

In the presence of signs of infection or suspicion of it – vesicles and purulent crusts – it is most rational to prescribe combined agents (GCS and antimicrobial drugs) in order to simultaneously affect the infection and inflammation.

The original combination drug Triderm® can help to cope with the manifestations of eczema 3. Thanks to its triple action – anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal – Triderm® helps to relieve itching and rashes, and also fights infection.

In studies, a pronounced decrease in itching and edema was found already on the second day, and after ^7-10 days of using Triderm® in the form of a cream and / or ointment, a complete regression of acute inflammatory phenomena was noted and night sleep was restored3.When comparing the original Triderm® and the reproduced drug in laboratory studies, the activity of Triderm® cream and ointment was higher, and the minimum required concentration of the original drug against fungi and bacteria was ^2-4 times lower4. This may be due to differences in the quality of the starting substances and the base of the preparations. The composition of the base determines such important properties as solubility, uniformity and thermal stability ^3.4 . Thus, Triderm® is a modern, original complex remedy for combating eczema.

2) Sedatives are prescribed in cases where the itching of the affected skin greatly disturbs the patient, which affects the state of sleep and the nervous system as a whole.

3) In the treatment of dry eczema, in addition to medicinal products, care products are used, for example, moisturizers, which prevent flaking and cracking of the skin.

Other methods that may be effective in combating the disease are: plasmapheresis, vitamin therapy, cryotherapy, ozone therapy, laser treatment, ultraviolet irradiation and other methods of physiotherapy.It is important to give up bad habits and regularly follow the rules of diet and hygiene.

In order to understand how to cure eczema on the hands, you need to contact a dermatologist for an examination and the necessary examination. After the cause of eczema on the hands is established, the doctor will draw up a treatment plan. These principles are followed when localizing the disease to other parts of the body.

Eczema refers to chronic diseases with frequent relapses, therefore, the aim of maintenance therapy is to prolong the state of remission and reduce the incidence of relapses.With the right treatment and adherence to preventive measures, remission can last for several years, and in some cases – for life ¹ .

90,000 symptoms and treatment in adults

Chronic tonsillitis is a disease characterized by prolonged inflammation of the tonsils. It develops after untreated acute tonsillitis (tonsillitis) or an inflammatory process of the structures of the nasopharynx and oropharynx. As a rule, pathogenic bacteria on the tonsils are in a “dormant” state, but with hypothermia of the whole body or the oral cavity, with injuries of the oral cavity, decreased immunity or due to other factors, they are activated and cause an acute inflammatory process.

Having found the symptoms of the disease, you must immediately consult a doctor: the lack of treatment leads to serious complications requiring surgical intervention, and even to damage to internal organs, since the infection spreads further throughout the body.

Reasons for the development of chronic tonsillitis in adults

1. Infections, including tonsillitis . They are especially dangerous if the patient has self-medicated and selected the wrong therapy, or if he has not completely cured the disease.
2. Frequent pharyngitis . If you have a sore throat, we also recommend that you do not self-medicate, and make an appointment with a doctor, especially if you suffer from pharyngitis several times a year.
3. Allergy . It can also cause injury as it affects the immune system and reduces the body’s ability to fight off infections.
4. Diseases of the dentition . Caries, periodontitis and other diseases of the teeth and gums are characterized by the development of infections in the oral cavity.If left untreated, the infection can spread to other organs and tissues.
5. Low immunity . The body’s ability to resist infection decreases after an illness (for example, measles, scarlet fever, etc.) or in other stressful situations for the body (for example, hypothermia, overwork, unhealthy diet, regular stressful situations, prolonged use of certain medications).
6. Inflammation in the sinuses, adenoids, sinusitis, polyps, etc. We recommend that you do not ignore even frequent runny nose and consult a doctor promptly.
7. Curved nasal septum . Such a violation can lead to impaired ventilation of the nasopharynx and the accumulation of pathogenic bacteria.
8. Heredity . In about 3% of cases, tonsillitis is not caused by external factors, but is inherited from close relatives.

Symptoms and complications of tonsillitis

Symptoms of chronic tonsillitis in adults

1. Regular or persistent sore throat, pain or discomfort while eating or in the morning after sleep, sensation of a foreign object in the throat.
2. Inflammation, enlargement, soreness of the lymph nodes.
3. White bloom or yellowish lumps in the throat, abscesses, etc.
4. Frequent cough, frequent (three times a year) sore throats.
5. An increase in body temperature in the absence of other diseases, especially if it rises only in the late afternoon.
6. Irritability, fatigue, drowsiness, lethargy and other signs of decreased immunity.
7. . Shortness of breath, heart rhythm disturbance.
8. Bad breath. This effect is exerted by accumulating bacteria.
9. Other pathologies. Parasitic microorganisms can easily enter the body and cause damage to other tissues and organs, therefore patients often complain of pain and “aches” in the joints, pain in the kidneys, persistent allergies and skin diseases, tingling and pain in the heart.

Complications

The most common complication is paratonsillar abscess.It is initially similar to angina, since at the initial stage it is characterized by an increase in body temperature and severe sore throat. But in the absence of timely treatment, the amygdala swells, and the pain becomes stronger: often patients cannot not only swallow, but even sleep or open their mouths. An abscess requires hospital treatment.

But this is not the only complication. The infection can easily spread throughout the patient’s body, which is fraught with a variety of pathologies and lesions of internal organs.The most common complications include skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, etc.), diseases of the genitourinary system, changes in the functions of the thyroid gland, arthritis (inflammation of the joint tissue), inflammation of the heart tissue (endocarditis, myocarditis).

Diagnostics

The doctor makes a diagnosis not only on the basis of complaints, medical history and general condition of the patient, but also taking into account the results of the tests – this is the only way to be sure of its correctness.

First of all, the specialist conducts palpation of the lymph nodes and a visual examination under special lighting (pharyngoscopy).If the tonsils are enlarged, their tissue is loosened, reddened, there are thickenings, swelling, scar tissue, grooves, pus (especially with an unpleasant odor), curd-like discharge, etc., this may indicate the presence of chronic tonsillitis.

Analyzes for chronic tonsillitis

1. General and biochemical blood tests. They show the level of leukocytes, ESR, etc., tell the doctor about the degree of the inflammatory process and the reaction of the immune system.
2. Throat swab. As a rule, pus has a slimy structure and smells unpleasant. The analysis also allows you to determine the type of microbes – usually we are talking about streptococcal infection or staphylococcus. The study provides information about the general condition of the throat – a long-term chronic illness can provoke the development of other diseases, and it is important to identify them in a timely manner.
3. Urinalysis. It shows the level of lymphocytes, ESR and protein, helps to determine the activity of parasitic microorganisms and to clarify whether they have penetrated into other tissues and organs or not.

It is recommended to stop drinking alcohol three days before the examination, and two hours before the examination – from smoking and treating the throat with local medications.

Conservative treatment of chronic tonsillitis

The simplest and most popular treatment is tonsil lavage. This is not a one-time procedure, it is passed through a course, and the doctor selects the number of sessions individually. Washing does not always contribute to complete recovery, but even in this case it has a positive effect: it normalizes the patient’s well-being and condition, gives the body strength and reserves for recovery, and avoids surgery and relapses.

Some doctors use syringe flushing. But practice shows that this method does not always allow you to completely clear the affected area from infection, and some bacteria remain, which means that the disease can return. In the Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki, washing is carried out using the Tonsilor apparatus. It uses vacuum and low-frequency ultrasound and works pointwise: with it, the doctor can treat only the affected tissues (tonsils) without touching healthy areas.

The advantages of washing with the Tonsilor apparatus:

1. High efficiency . The device allows you to completely flush the tonsil.
2. Active action . Low-frequency ultrasound exposure inactivates pathogenic bacteria and initiates recovery processes.
3. Complexity . Several antiseptics act on the tissue of the tonsil at once.
4. Safety .Ulcers, pathogenic bacteria and microbes do not come into contact with the patient’s oral cavity.

At the first stage of treatment, “Tonsilor” washes the tonsils, further ultrasound influence on the tissues allows:

• improve blood microcirculation at the site of exposure;
• reduce the formation of scar tissue in the tonsils;
• to improve the regenerative regeneration of the amygdala parenchyma.

All this ensures quick healing.

The doctor can also prescribe medications if necessary. They allow you to normalize body temperature, have an analgesic effect, reduce edema, increase immunity, etc. In some cases, physiotherapeutic treatment is indicated: electrophoresis, laser therapy, UHF, UFO, magnetic therapy, etc.

Full recovery is possible only if the cause of the disease is eliminated, for example, caries, pharyngitis, etc. Proper nutrition, tempering the body, quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, moderate physical activity help to improve immunity and avoid the re-development of the disease.

Contraindications

Any medical intervention, including washing with the Tonsilor apparatus, has a number of contraindications. Therefore, before treatment, each patient is examined by a doctor. He studies the history of the disease, concomitant diseases, the general condition of the patient, the presence of indications and contraindications, and only then selects the optimal treatment program, the most suitable and effective method for washing the tonsils in each particular case.

Rehabilitation clinic in Khamovniki

Chronic tonsillitis treatment in Moscow is carried out by various clinics.Contact the one whose specialists you trust. Doctors of the Rehabilitation Clinic in Khamovniki have extensive experience, regularly improve their qualifications and are attentive to each patient, achieving high results. We use only modern equipment, we follow all the novelties and the latest techniques and use the best of them in our practice.

90,000 HOW LONG DOES ECZEMA LAST IF IT IS TREATED OR NOT TREATED? – LEATHER

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an inflammatory skin disorder that affects about 10 percent of people worldwide.It develops as a result of the immune system’s reaction to a variety of substances, from allergens (substances that cause an allergic reaction) to chemicals.

Eczema causes a rash that can be:

• red
• itchy
• scaly
• dry
• cracked
• hurts or painful

For some, eczema is considered a chronic (lifelong) condition in which flare-ups take several weeks to clear up.Many people, especially children, can expect their symptoms to go away with age.

While you may not necessarily have a specific eczema rash permanently, you may be at risk of flare-ups when you encounter eczema triggers (flare-ups).

Does eczema go away?

There is no known cure for eczema, and the rash won’t just go away if left untreated. For most people, eczema is a chronic condition that requires careful prevention of triggers to prevent flare-ups.

Age is believed to play a role as well, with about 60 percent of people with eczema developing in infancy. If you developed eczema during childhood, your symptoms may improve with age.

How long do eczema flare-ups last?

The healing time for eczema ultimately depends on the underlying cause.

Allergic triggers can lead to more prolonged flare-ups.

Stages of eczema

Eczema can be divided into three stages:

• Chronic. This is the most common stage of eczema and often develops in children under 12 months of age. Chronic eczema usually lasts a lifetime with occasional flare-ups, although childhood eczema can improve with age.
• Sharp. Short-term eczema may result from increased skin sensitivity following contact with an irritant. Acute cases only last a few weeks for your skin to heal.
• Subacute. This is part of the healing phase of eczema, which, if left untreated, can develop into a rash again.

How to prevent flare-ups of eczema

Although there is no known cure for eczema, you can reduce the frequency of flare-ups by taking the following preventive measures.

Avoid triggers

The best way to prevent flare-ups of eczema is to avoid triggers whenever possible. These include any known allergens as well as sensitivity to chemicals or tissues.

Stress and hormones can also aggravate or exacerbate them.

Protect your skin

It is very important to protect the skin barrier with a moisturizing lotion, especially after bathing. Use a preservative and fragrance free lotion.

Another way to protect your skin is to avoid the temptation to scratch any eczema that appears. This will help prevent cracks and cuts that can lead to infection.

Control heat and humidity

Although eczema itself can sometimes be dry, this skin condition is usually aggravated by heat and humidity.Consider keeping your home a little drier and cooler to cope with and prevent outbreaks.

Some people, however, experience flare-ups during the dry winter months. If that’s you, a humidifier can help relieve symptoms of eczema.

Body heat can also play a role. Wearing breathable fabrics such as cotton will help move heat away from your body. A cool shower after exercise can also help.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema is caused by underlying inflammation.Substances that cause negative immune responses are involved in the development of this inflammatory skin condition. These include various allergens as well as hereditary and environmental factors.

One of the most common causes of eczema is allergies. Subsequent rashes can develop in response to certain allergens, including pollen, pet dander, and food.

Another possible cause of eczema is physical contact with chemicals, fabrics and dyes to which you may be allergic.A skin rash that occurs is called contact dermatitis. Possible culprits include:

• perfume
• soaps or detergents with preservatives and dyes
• plants such as poison ivy
• rubbing alcohol
• bleach
• pesticides

Although eczema is generally not contagious , is inherited. You may be at particular risk if a parent or other relative has a history of allergies and associated eczema symptoms.

Digestive problems and food sensitivities may also play a role, although their association with eczema is not well established.

How is eczema treated?

Eczema is treated based on your main triggers. Your doctor may recommend one or a combination of both:

Prescription drugs

Depending on the cause of your eczema, you may need to take oral allergy medications, topical corticosteroid creams, or both.

Although the steroid creams you put on your skin are for short-term use, you may need to take allergy medications that you take by mouth all year round to prevent associated symptoms.

Another option is immunosuppressants, which slow down the immune response in severe eczema.

Antihistamines

Over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce the incidence of eczema.In addition, these medications can help prevent the urge to scratch the rash, especially in children.

Be sure to talk to your doctor about over-the-counter allergy medications before taking them.

Allergy shots

For severe allergies that do not respond well to medication, your doctor may recommend allergen immunotherapy or “allergy shots”. These shots are made up of p quantities of substances to which you are allergic.

Your doctor will gradually increase your dose over several months.The idea is to help build immunity to allergen triggers so you have fewer flare-ups overall.

Natural Home Remedies

In addition to moisturizing the skin, some natural treatments can help heal it.

Oatmeal bath is a natural treatment that can relieve itching and discomfort caused by eczema. Be sure to use warm water and apply moisturizer right away.

There is some evidence that both probiotics and prebiotics can stabilize your microbiome to help treat inflammation.However, more research is needed to support this approach to eczema treatment.

Passage

For most people, eczema is a lifelong condition consisting of episodic exacerbations.

After treatment, it may take several weeks for the rash to disappear. Since these rashes develop due to negative immune responses, there is also a risk of flare-ups if you don’t reduce your exposure to triggers.

Although eczema can sometimes develop in adulthood, it is more common in children.It’s also likely that baby eczema will improve with age.

For more information on treatments that can relieve symptoms of eczema, see your doctor.