National Eczema Week, which begins on September 19th aims to raise public awareness about a skin condition that is becoming increasingly prevalent. Here, however, is some general information about this common skin ailment.
Your Skin
It is easy to take your skin for granted if you do not suffer from any dermatological issues. Did you know that your skin is actually the largest organ in your body? Our skin plays a crucial role to our well-being. It provides a waterproof barrier to your insides, and it is also a barrier against infection. It also helps to regulate body temperature. Skin is responsible for creating the vital vitamin D (which is necessary for healthy bones). Also, our skin is a means of removing waste products, in the form of sweat.
What is eczema?
With eczema, your skin can become intensely itchy and dry. As a result, it may crack and begin to weep clear fluid. This is not only painful, but it may also be disfiguring. As well the physical symptoms eczema can cause people to become very self-conscious. Sadly, with children this can lead to bullying.
There are many forms of eczema; the most common is called atopic eczema. With atopic eczema, an individual’s immune system becomes sensitive to various things in their environment that most other people do not react to. These environmental triggers are often referred to as “allergens”. Those who have atopic eczema commonly also suffer from asthma and/or hay fever.
Current medical theory understands that the body’s immune system “over reacts” to common environmental triggers. Why do some people’s immune systems over react? While we don’t know the specific reasons, it is thought that a mix of genetic and environmental factors is to blame. This is why eczema can seem to run in families, though it is rarely inherited in a straightforward parent-to-child manner.
Who does it affect?
Eczema can affect anyone. Figures vary, but it is thought between 3-10% of the UK population suffer with atopic eczema. It is often manifested in children, with only 2% of cases developing after the age of 20. According to the National Eczema Society, 74% of children with eczema will have grown out of the condition by the age of 16. Some of these teenagers may persist with sensitive skin in to adulthood.
Can it be cured?
Unfortunately not, however it can be managed very well with the help of your family doctor, and in some cases, a dermatologist’s input. The two main strategies used in the treatment of atopic eczema are emollients (greasy moisturising creams) and topical steroids. There are many more treatment strategies. Please see the National Eczema Society for more information.
Topical Steroids
As a doctor, I often see patients who end up using topical steroids incorrectly. This usually happens because they are scared of the side effects, or conversely, they are not aware, and over use them. When used correctly, they are effective in treating flare-ups. When used incorrectly, they can be quite damaging.
In general, topical steroids should be used sparingly and for short bursts of time, usually lasting no longer than 7-14 days. Topical steroids are generally not advised for use on the face (unless specifically advised by your doctor), due to the delicate nature of facial skin.
Dr Shazan Chughtai MB BS
