October is Eczema Awareness Month.

October is Eczema Awareness Month. If you are a parent, you most definitely have heard of it, because this skin condition is very common among children. Does Atopic dermatitis sound familiar? It’s the same! Eczema is a long-lasting skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin and tends to flare sometimes. On top of this we need to keep an eye open, because people with atopic dermatitis are at risk of developing food allergies, hay fever and asthma. 

The truth is that this condition is still very stigmatized, although 10% of the global population has it. There are still people that believe that Eczema is contagious, but that is far from the truth. The truth is that for this skin condition there is a genetically inherited predisposition. People from every race may develop eczema. It appears differently in different skin tones; pale skin can become bright red, whereas darker skin tones can appear pale. On top of this, the patients are in a very uncomfortable situation because the flares itch and hurt, therefore they face problems falling asleep. 

For many patients new to eczema, the search begins immediately to identify the triggers, to avoid them as much as possible. Unfortunately, there is yet no cure for eczema, but there are many ways to treat and manage it. Moisturizing regularly and following other skin care habits can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks (flares). Treatment may also include medicated ointments or creams, prescribed and/or suggested by your health care provider. 

We want to share some practical suggestions that will help you deal with Eczema flare ups. Keep your nails short since scratching can make an inflamed patch of skin even worse. Keep a washcloth in your refrigerator or freezer for those times when itching feels out of control. Choose clothes and sheets that let your skin breathe, made of materials such as cotton or silk. When it comes to clothes, it’s not only the fabric, but also the cut! Choose a looser fit to avoid possible flare ups. Cotton gloves will be your “best friend”. Lather your hands in cream and let your skin heal while you rest at night. Use a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water when you shower. Don’t stay in there more than 15 minutes. Pat-dry your skin, leaving in moist and apply your moisturizer as soon as possible, to lock in all the moisture. Last but not least, relax! We got you!