Itching to find out more about your skin?

Maybe its eczema

By J. Bergman, MD, FRCPC and D. R. Thomas, MD, FRCPC

Eczema refers to several different conditions where the skin is red, irritated and can sometimes cause small bumps or blisters to form. It is more likely for you to develop atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, if you have family members who also have this condition. Atopic dermatitis typically starts before the age of 2 years and frequently resolves in older children and adults. You can learn on Patient portal for Eczema.

Signs and symptoms

Itching must be present
Dry skin is always present
Location of the rash
For infants, the face is usually involved, but the diaper area and underarms are clear. The arms and legs are often affected because of rubbing against surfaces from crawling.
For children 4-10 years of age, rash is most likely found at the bends of the elbows, behind the knees, backs of the wrists and ankles, sides of the neck and earlobes.
Red and scaly rash is usually seen
Infection is very common

What can make it worse?

Soap, bubble bath, detergents, fabric softeners and products containing perfume
Bathing too often, especially if you don't use a moisturizer after
Sweating can make you feel itchy
Any skin infection can cause eczema
Allergies to certain foods, such as eggs, milk, nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy
Triggers in the environment, such as house dust mites and pet dander

What you can do to help?

Use a mild cleanser
Moisturize often
Use in-shower moisturizing products
Medicines applied to the skin, such as hydrocortisone
Cool bath
Use perfume free products
Antihistamines
Avoid foods that you are allergic to
Avoid triggers in the environment

Mild Cleansers

Use mild soap or nonsoap cleansers like Spectrojel^®, Spectroderm^®, Cetaphil^®, and plain white Dove^®
Use ointments (ask your pharmacist for available brands)

For more skin care information click on www.MildCleanser.ca

Moisturizers

Moisturize regularly, especially within 2-5 minutes after bathing and when your skin is wet. Use thick creams (butter or greasy like) such as Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly, Aquaphor^® ointment, Creamy Vaseline^®, 25% water in Hydrophilic Petrolatum, Aqueous cream, Aveeno^® cream, unscented cold cream, Eucerin^® cream, Cetaphil^® cream, Cliniderm^® cream). Also helpful are in-shower moisturizing products such as Olay Ribbons^®.

Medical treatments are available from your doctor that can help control and even prevent your eczema from getting worse. For more information, please visit Patient portal for Eczema.

About the SkinCareGuide:
The SkinCareGuide Network of dermatology-related websites was founded by a prestigious group of international dermatologists. It provides comprehensive information for patients and physicians about the skin, its care and various skin conditions and treatments. All content is reviewed by an independent Board of Medical Advisors to ensure that the information is accurate, unbiased and up-to-date. This information is not intended to replace a consultation with your own physician.

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