Eczema is a skin condition that affects numerous individuals of all ages, and it can be difficult to cope with each day. This itchy skin condition is often diagnosed during childhood, and it also tends to occur in family groups. The rash from eczema may develop on any area of the body or the face, but it is more common in the folds of the skin. Fortunately, there are several types of treatments to alleviate the symptoms from the inflammation in the skin, and healthcare is making great strides every day to improve treatments for eczema.
Avoiding Irritants that Cause Skin Inflammation
The skin of an eczema patient is often very sensitive, so it is important to avoid any irritants that can lead to additional inflammation. These types of irritants might include certain laundry detergents, bath soaps or skincare products. However, these irritants are becoming less and less as modern manufacturers opt for natural, scent-free detergents and cleansers. The more our culture turns away from mass-produced dyes and fragrances, the more non-irritating cleansers are created, which helps eczema sufferers avoid irritants. Additional irritants to avoid are particular fabrics, especially wool that many individuals are allergic to because it contains an animal-based fiber. Modern innovation is creating many smoother, natural products that help eczema sufferers. Some individuals tend to have more eczema rashes after eating certain foods, such as dairy products or nuts, so it’s important for healthcare providers to be aware of diets that can help lower eczema rashes.
Using Ultraviolet Light Therapy for Eczema
One of the most modern innovations in regards to eczema treatment is the use of ultraviolet light therapy, often referred to as phototherapy. Many of the individuals with eczema are using ultraviolet light therapy to reduce the incidents of skin rashes. It is possible for patients to buy ultraviolet light therapy products that they can use at home to improve the condition of their skin. With exposure to sunlight, patients are also exposed to ultraviolet light, but there are other dangers for skin from too much sunlight exposure. The use of an ultraviolet light gadget at home is safer than sitting in the sun for several hours and has less of a chance of causing sunburn or cancer. The most common form of ultraviolet light therapy used by facilities to treat patients is narrowband ultraviolet B light. Phototherapy has a 70% success rate and often puts eczema in a remittive state post-treatment. Providers should look into phototherapy options for patients with severe eczema as this technology becomes more common.
Researching Eczema
Having eczema on the hands is especially difficult because patients can’t hide the redness and peeling skin from others. In addition, most people must use their hands throughout the day at home or at work, and this can lead to additional skin irritation. It is essential to provide patients with resources that give them hand eczema information to help them determine what is causing the skin problems along with finding an effective remedy. In addition to learning more about alleviating the skin rash from medical experts, patients can understand how other individuals with the condition care for their hands. Some simple ways to handle hand eczema include taking somewhat cooler showers, wearing gloves while washing dishes, using gentle soaps, and soaking your hands in a diluted bleach bath.
Using Products that Contain Coal Tar
Products that contain coal tar are one of the most popular eczema treatments available, and patients can find these products at local and online stores. Professionals should understand that coal tar is in the class of drugs known as keratoplastics, and causes the skin to shed dead cells. These skincare products contain emollients that will moisturize sensitive skin tissue while also reducing the rate of skin cell growth that often leads to the itchy eczema rash.
Last, doctors can prescribe oral medications. Antihistamine medication can reduce the feeling of itchiness in a patient’s skin, but a prescription steroid medication can alleviate intense skin inflammation. The NEA formed a scientific advisory committee task force to review topical steroid addiction in patients, and found that more studies and research are needed to understand addiction and withdrawal in patients. Health care professionals are advised to look into the current research before prescribing steroidal medications. As more technological and scientific advancements are made in our understandings of eczema and its treatments, we will better be able to treat it in our communities.
