I’M SUFFERING FROM ECZEMA
Q
I’ve been suffering from eczema for a few years. I break out in rashes as soon as I eat chocolate or cheese. My doctor suggests I use steroidal creams. What is your opinion?
A
You are suffering from atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema. This skin condition is a genetically mediated inflammatory skin disorder mostly affecting children and adolescents. Both genders are equally predisposed to this type of eczema.
Allergic rhinitis (runny nose), eye and throat irritation and bronchial asthma in addition to atopic dermatitis is commonly seen in sufferers. Any of these disorders can occur either individually or in some unfortunate situations can cause all these disorders together at the same time.
Topical steroidal creams/ ointments are the mainstay in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. However, I personally prefer to avoid continuous long-term use of such steroidal preparations because of their potential side effects, mainly thinning of the skin.
In children, long-term use of potent topical steroids on extensive body areas can result in partial growth retardation. In recent years, some equally effective nonsteroidal preparations are available. These alternative medications are also not 100 per cent safe for long-term widespread use.
I would strongly encourage you to frequently use oil-based emollients as a regular skincare regimen, which will definitely keep your eczema activity under control and will reduce the need for use of steroidal or other medicated preparations.
During winter, atopic dermatitis tends to flare up because of cold and dry weather. This can be further worsened by taking hot showers which, in turn aggravate the skin dryness as well as the eczema activity.
Also, there is a wide range of dietary ingredients in the suspected list of food allergens, therefore a food allergies blood test is highly recommended to shortlist the real culprits so they can be avoided in future.