HOW TO MANAGE ECZEMA
IF YOUR skin itches and turns red from time to time, you might have eczema. This skin condition is common in children, but adults can get it too.
“Atopic eczema is incredibly difficult on patients and their families, seriously impacting their daily lives and ultimately affecting quality of life,” says Dr Alicia McMaster, head of medical for Speciality Care at Sanofi.
“An individual’s overall health and well-being can be severely impaired by the disease. Patients and families are at the core of this year’s World Atopic Eczema Day.
“Working together with the Allergy Foundation South Africa, come together and unite for action and recognition of the importance of this disease.
“It connects everyone who shares the consequences of the illness and encourages them to talk about their experiences,” says McMaster.
WHAT IS ATOPIC ECZEMA?
Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterised by unpredictable flareups driven in part by a malfunction in the immune system.
Despite common misconceptions that it’s is “just” a skin condition, it is a systemic inflammatory disease that can have a significant physical and psychological impact on people with AD, many of whom are unable to adequately achieve control of their condition.
Moderate-to-severe AD is associated with inflamed skin and intense itching that can occur all over the body. Common areas
affected include the knees, elbows, ankles, face, neck, feet, hands and wrists. Unpredictable flare-ups, or exacerbations, can include red rashes, skin dryness, cracking, crusting and oozing.
Some people continue to experience debilitating symptoms
despite available topical and steroid treatment options.
AD can take control of people’s lives, causing sleep disturbance, symptoms of anxiety and depression and feelings of isolation. Many people feel that their AD negatively impacts all aspects of their life and influences important life decisions – socially and professionally.
Dermatologist Dr Suretha Kannenberg says that while it is difficult to determine the prevalence of eczema in South Africa, the disease mostly affects children.
“Around half of childhood sufferers will potentially outgrow the condition by the time they reach puberty.
“Of these, more than half will develop flare-ups as adults.
“It’s important to keep in mind that, although less common than in childhood, adults can develop eczema at any age.”
Never dismiss atopic dermatitis, it can affect your daily life socially and professionally
HOW DOES ONE MANAGE ECZEMA?
Never underestimate the importance of gentle skincare and the application of copious amounts of the correct moisturisers, especially in the management of milder cases of atopic eczema.
In cases of more severe eczema, dermatologists may recommend topical corticosteroids, which have rapid, anti-inflammatory and antiitch effects.
This calms the flare-ups and helps break the itch-scratch cycle. There are also non-steroidal topicals.
They are generally less effective during a flare, can cause transient burning or stinging, but are highly effective as maintenance treatment.