Dry Skin & Eczema
People who live in dry climates, such as Colorado, appear more likely to develop eczema. Eczema is a general term for several types of inflammation of the skin.
- Atopic Dermatitis: Itchy, rashy skin which typically begins in childhood, often coexists with asthma and hay fever.
- Allergic contact eczema: a red, itchy, weepy reaction due to a contact allergy, such as poison ivy.
- Irritant eczema: a localized reaction where the skin has come into contact with something irritating, such as an acid, cleaner, or other chemical.
- Dyshidrotic eczema: clear, deep blisters on the palms and soles that itch and burn.
- Nummular eczema: coin-shaped patches of irritated skin that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy.
Treatment of Eczema
Individuals with eczema must develop a good skin care routine, avoid things that lead to flares, and treat symptoms when they occur.
Skin Hydration
Taking a lukewarm bath for 20 minutes, using a soap-free cleanser, followed by the application of an occlusive moisturizer can retain water in the skin and give relief from itching. The newer ceramide-containing moisturizers can be very helpful (e.g. Cerave cream or lotion). In Colorado, moisturizing is particularly important, and humidifiers in the winter are recommended.
Protection from Flares
Some people can improve their eczema by avoiding allergens such as certain foods (eggs, peanuts, milk, and wheat), dust mites, mold, pollen, and dog or cat dander. Eczema may also be worsened by irritants such as wool, soaps, perfumes, makeup, chlorine, dust, or cigarette smoke.
Patch Testing
At Dermatology and Laser Institute, we offer extensive, non-invasive patch testing to help identify which substances may be triggering a person’s eczema.
Medications
Topical steroids are a first-line treatment for atopic dermatitis and are highly effective. Alternatively, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory topicals (Protopic and Elidel) may be used. Two new steroid-free products, Mimyx cream and Atopiclair cream, provide additional options. If an individual has infected eczema, an oral antibiotic may be necessary. Oral antihistamines are sometimes used primarily for the sedating effect to help with sleeping and to stop nighttime scratching. Occasionally, an oral steroid, prednisone, is prescribed in resistant cases for a short period of time.
