SKIN PROBLEMS

ECZEMA
Rashes are a very broad topic, but this Advisory has a narrow focus: dry skin and eczematous rashes. Dry skin is a problem faced by almost all of us on occasion, but it’s always a problem if you have eczema.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a term used for a group of skin conditions having several things in common: dryness, itching, inflammation and thickening of skin, and recurrence. See the table below for descriptions of the usual types.

What Causes It?

Nobody knows exactly why some people are affected by these rashes and others with the same exposure aren’t. Those with atopic dermatitis often have non-skin allergies (like hay fever and asthma) but their rashes aren’t caused by skin allergies. On the other hand, those with contact dermatitis do have true skin allergies, but usually not other allergic problems like someone with atopic dermatitis. Contact dermatitis occurs at all ages, whereas atopic dermatitis is most often a problem in kids. Hand dermatitis is caused by skin irritants such as detergents or chemicals. Dry (chapped) skin occurs because of lack of water in the stratum corneum (see diagram). If your skin surface doesn’t have enough oil, there’s more evaporation of water which contributes to the dryness

Scratching can actually trigger eczematous rashes. Initial mild itching makes you want to scratch, of course. But scratching damages the skin, worsens inflammation, irritates surface nerves, and leads to even more intense itching than you had before. This cycle aggravates and prolongs all of these rashes. In fact some eczematous rashes completely disappear without any treatment if you just stop scratching.
As you can tell, these rashes differ in many ways. So why do we lump them together? Because the underlying chronic inflammation makes them all look, feel and respond to treatment in the same ways.

PREVENTION

If you have eczema or dry skin, you’ll probably have it again unless you take preventive steps. Advice in the table below applies to all varieties of eczema and dry skin.

• Avoiding Eczema and Dry (chapped) Skin
• DO use moisturizers twice daily (more often on hands) to hydrate and soften skin, and reduce itching.
• try to determine what exposures aggravate your rash and avoid them (click here for Common Culprits of Skin Irritation/Allergy).
• humidify dry air, especially in your bedroom.
  clip fingernails short and even wear light cotton gloves to stop "sleep scratching."
• use soapless cleansers or non-alkaline (neutral) soaps (see Recommended Products section).
• wear gloves when washing dishes or clothing, and don’t allow your hands to be constantly wet.
  
  DONT...........................!
• scratch the itch!
• use regular bath soap.
• use any skin products or laundry products with added fragrances.
• shower daily. If you must, use recommended cleansers only (see Recommended Products section).
• allow wool clothing or blankets against your skin.
• expose your skin to very cold or hot air.