What is Eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition in which the skin becomes dry, itchy, and bumpy, sometimes with scaly patches and blisters. There are over 20 different types of eczema, including Atopic Dermatitis, Dyshidrotic Eczema, Neurodermatitis, also known as Lichen Simplex Chronicus, and the two types of contact dermatitis, Irritant Contact Dermatitis and Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

"Having a family history of Asthma, Food allergies, Allergic rhinitis, or autoimmunity can be an indicator that you may have a genetic predisposition to getting eczema."

Causes

The cause of eczema is unknown, but it is believed to be a problem with the skin's barrier function, which results in increased water loss and decreased defense against pathogens. Also, in a hyperimmune state, the immune system attacks the skin cells and damages collagen bands. The damaged skin becomes vulnerable to bacteria that usually live on it, turning them into pathogens.

Symptoms of Eczema

The clinical characteristics of eczema are dry, itchy, and scaly skin. In light-skinned people, it starts red and inflamed and gradually darkens to a brown hue. In dark-skinned people, it can be darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. In some cases, the skin is cracked with oozing and crusting. Common locations for eczema are on the face, inner elbow, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. The symptoms depend on the phase of the eczema. Eczema has

three phases.

The Acute Phase:

The acute phase of eczema is characterised by small blister lesions with a red base and a distinct border.

The Subacute Phase: The subacute phase consists of itching, which causes patients to scratch off the heads of the blisters, making the skin look raw. Eventually, the skin gets scared.

The Chronic Phase: The skin is scratched or rubbed over a long period, increasing the skin's thickness. It has a leathery appearance (Lichenification) that is thick, smooth, and shiny.

Family History

Having a family history of Asthma, Food allergies, Allergic rhinitis, or autoimmunity can be an indicator that you may have a genetic predisposition to getting eczema.

Eczema Triggers

• Weather: (cold and dry, or hot and dry)

• Environmental allergens and pollution

• Dampness

• Oversoaking of skin

• Irritants such as soap, detergents, shampoo, cologne, perfume, metals like nickel and copper

• Food trigger: Cow's Milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat

• Tight clothing or Wool clothing

• Synthetic fibres such as polyesters

• Hormonal changes in women, especially during their monthly cycle or pregnancy

• Skin infection

• Stress

• Lack of sleep

Daily Routine

1. Gently cleanse the skin using lukewarm water and avoid harsh soaps that can irritate the skin.

2. Use a moisturiser immediately after showering to lock in moisture. Avoid products with fragrances, both natural and synthetic, because they can cause allergic reactions.

3. Wear sunscreen on exposed areas of the skin.

To treat an eczema flareup, use doctor-prescribed creams such as corticosteroids on the affected area.

Our Recommended Brand

For over-the-counter eczema treatment, we recommend CeraVe skincare products labelled for eczema.

Lifestyle Change

Identify and eliminate your triggers. Ensure that soaps, costume jewelry, perfume, and detergents do not cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Practice stress management.

Eczema Diet

There is no specific diet for eczema. Each patient must develop a unique diet by removing foods likely to trigger their eczema symptoms.

Things to eat:

Eczema patients should eat foods that build collagen, such as bone broth. Bone broths are foods that contain the bones, cartilage and ligaments of animals. They provide the body with the raw material to renew the skin and rebuild the skin barrier function.

Local examples of bone broth are:

• Bull foot soup

• Fish water

• Goat water

• Chicken soup

• Pepperpot

Aloe vera gel is an excellent addition to the eczema patient's diet. It is a stem cell mobiliser that calms the immune response. They should also consume fresh local fruits and vegetables and avoid processed foods with preservatives and additives that can cause allergic reactions. Coconut in all forms and local wild-caught fish are excellent additions to the eczema patient's diet.