Eczema Can Be Managed With Proper Treatment, Avoidance Of Triggers:

HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Dec, 2016 ) : Eminent Dermatologist Dr. Zahida Ameer said that abnormal response of body immune system may cause eczema which is not a contagious disease and condition of majority of the patients can be managed with the treatment and avoidance of triggers.

Talking to APP here on Thursday Dr. Zahida Ameer, who is a successful consultant physician of cosmetic transmitted diseases, skin, hairs and nails, informed that eczema appears after encircling various inflamed skin conditions and the food and environmental allergens, stress, irritants, heat or cold and genetic predisposition could be the factors to precipitate or aggravate the condition.

Dr. Zahida said eczema occurs in both children and adults, however, it usually appears during infancy. Although there is no known cause for the disease, it often affects people with a family history of allergies, she said and added that those who are genetically predisposed and then exposed to environmental triggers can develop eczema.

Many people who have eczema also suffer from allergic itches and asthma or have family members who do, she added. Dr. Zahida said although eczema looks different from person to person, dry, red, extremely itchy patches on the skin most often characterize it.

Eczema is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes," since the itch, when scratched, results in the appearance of the rash, she said. About the eczema itch Dr. Zahida said that many substances have been identified as itch triggers in patients with eczema and triggers are not the same for every person as many times it is difficult to identify the exact trigger that causes a flare-up.

Dr. Zahida Ameer emphasized upon the parents to keep their children's bedroom and playing areas free from dust mites, a common trigger.

She also underlined using mild soaps both for children skin and their clothing.

The parents should dress their children in breathable, preferably cotton clothing, she said and added that if these methods fail to help their children, they should seek further advice from a dermatologist and after consultation, use the prescribed cream, ointment, antihistamines, or antibiotics.

About prevention Dr. Zahida remarked that eczema could be avoided by adopting some simple precautions including frequent moisturizing, avoiding sudden changes in temperature or humidity, sweating or overheating as well as scratchy materials like wool or other irritants and reducing the stress.

She also suggested the patients to avoid harsh soaps, detergents and solvents, environmental factors that trigger allergies like pollen, molds, mites and animal dander and also be aware of any food that could cause an outbreak.

About the treatment, Dr. Zahida informed that one of the most important components of an eczema treatment routine was to prevent scratching as it is usually dry and itchy. The most common treatment was the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible, she said.

The dermatologist said that the skin affected by eczema might frequently become infected and if it happens to patients, they should visit to their doctor so that he could prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

About the importance of Phototherapy in eczema disease, Dr. Zahida said that besides other methods of treatment, Phototherapy was also used and could have positive effects however Phototherapy requires special equipment as well as skilled person to conduct the process.