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Dos and Don’ts of Childhood Eczema

Dos and Don’ts of Childhood Eczema

Conditions & Symptoms, Eczema, Manage My Itch, Managing Acute and Chronic Itch, Sidebar Feature , ,

If you have a child with eczema (or atopic dermatitis), then you know how difficult it is to weed through all of the advice and old wives tales on how to stop the relentless itching and painful flare-ups. From bleach baths to taping socks on your child’s hands; family, friends and the Internet offer a plethora of “treatments” that are said to cure your child’s eczema. Parents desperate to help their child will try almost anything, but some of the advice is just plain wrong and can actually worsen your child’s skin conditions. So, what is a parent to do?

First and foremost, parents need to understand what causes eczema flare-ups and learn how to prevent them. Many children will experience reactions when the weather changes, especially when the seasons change from being hot and humid to cold and dry. Winter clothing can also worsen the condition. Wool or polyester clothing trap in air causing the skin to overheat and become sensitive. Certain bath soaps, detergents, and even foods can all be contributing factors to your child’s eczema outbreaks. It may take some detective work, but understanding the factors that cause flare-ups can be the key to controlling them.

To help protect a child from flare-ups avoid activities that lead to dry skin. You may want to alter your child’s bath schedule from everyday to every other day and shorten bath time. When you bathe you lose a lot of moisture especially if the water is hot. It is best to take quick baths (10 minutes) in lukewarm water, and immediately afterwards apply a thick moisturizer.

Applying TriCalm on the skin after you apply the moisturizer will help stop the itch. If the skin is open or abraded, TriCalm will sting momentarily, but the stinging sensation should dissipate quickly. Most people generally feel relief between two and 12 hours with TriCalm, but because TriCalm is steroid-free, you can apply it to your child’s skin as often as needed. TriCalm can be used on children 2 and older.

Here is a quick list of do’s and don’ts if you have a child suffering from eczema.

Do

  • Do follow the advice of your dermatologist or pediatrician.
  • Do follow a daily skin care routine.
  • Do keep a record of eczema flare-ups.
  • Do bathe in lukewarm water.
  • Do use a humidifier in the house.
  • Do apply a think moisturizer.
  • Do use an anti-itch cream or gel to soothe skin

 

Don’ts

  • Don’t scratch.
  • Don’t rub the skin dry after a swim or bath. Just pat the skin with a soft towel.
  • Don’t wear wool, nylon or heavy synthetic fabrics.
  • Don’t use petroleum jelly unless it is used immediately after a bath or shower.
  • Don’t wear pajamas or clothing that causes excessive sweating.
  • Don’t use harsh detergents for clothes or bedding.

 

Sources:

http://www.eczemacanada.ca/en/Tutorials/Dos-and-Donts

http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/conditions/a/eczema_kids.htm

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby-eczema-questions-answers

http://www.nationaleczema.org/

 

 

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Skin Tip

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“Every day my patients ask me how they can prevent wrinkles and brown spots. My advice is to first and foremost protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.” –Dr. Gigler

Steroids in Skin Creams – Yay or Nay?

Steroids in Skin Creams – Yay or Nay?

Manage My Itch, Tips for Relief ,

When you see the word “steroid,” what do you think? 

Steroids are naturally occurring substances that are produced in our bodies to regulate growth and immune function. There are many different kinds of steroids, including corticosteroids. Corticosteroids have several functions – one of which is helping to control the inflammation that may cause itch.

There are many topical steroids available for itch, and they differ in potency and formulation. Many skin conditions are treated with steroids, but evidence has shown that they are really only appropriate to treat a small number of conditions (such as eczema and psoriasis). Therefore, you may not need a product containing a steroid.

So – how can you tell if a product contains steroids? Your best bet it to read the ingredient list as you are skimming your drugstore shelves. Groups like the National Eczema Association also provide a list of product names that contain steroids. Also, as the saying goes – there’s an app for that! If you have a smart phone, there are several phone apps that can help you sift through product ingredients simply by scanning a barcode.

While products containing steroids can be effective, there can be side effects, including drying/cracking of the skin, acne, burning and changes in skin color. For that reason, you may want to opt for a more natural way to treat itch. There are several steroid-free treatments available in your drugstore. Home remedies, like cool compresses and lukewarm baths can also help.

References: National Eczema Organization/topical-corticosteroids, AAFP.org/Choosing Topical Steroids

 

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“Every day my patients ask me how they can prevent wrinkles and brown spots. My advice is to first and foremost protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.” –Dr. Gigler

Prep for Success: How to Talk “Itch” with Your Doc

Prep for Success: How to Talk “Itch” with Your Doc

Manage My Itch, Tips for Relief ,

If you are experiencing an itch and have decided it’s time to call in the professionals, there are several things you can do to help prepare yourself for your doctor’s appointment.

“There are numerous causes of pruritus, from bug bites to internal disease to other chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis,” says Vishakha Gigler, M.D. a dermatologist at Comprehensive Dermatology Group in Encinitas, CA and a member of the Cosmederm Bioscience Scientific Advisory Board. “Because of this, it’s important to come armed with information to provide your doctor so they can more accurately diagnose your condition.”

So either the day before or the morning of your appointment, take 15 minutes to write down the following:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms? (Think back: did you use a new cosmetic, cleaning or laundry product or eat something you were allergic to? Were you outdoors recently? Are you wearing a new piece of jewelry or clothing?)
  • How long have I been itching? (Think back: did it start recently or have you been scratching for weeks? Can you pinpoint the date you started itching?)
  • Do I have other health problems the doctor should know about? (Remember: itchy skin is sometimes associated with other conditions or medications you’re taking, so be open and honest with your dermatologist)
  • Where does the itch occur? Everywhere (generalized) or in limited areas?
  • Do I see a rash or does my skin basically look “normal”?

Your doctor also may ask you what you have been doing or trying to help quell your jitters, so you should also be prepared to list any home remedies or over-the-counter treatments you’ve tried. Be prepared to answer the following:

  • Have your symptoms changed at all over the course of your itchiness?
  • What treatments have you tried or are currently taking?
  • Does anything improve (or worsen) your symptoms?

Itchiness may be out of your control, so prepping for the appointment is a good way to take your health back into your own hands.

 

References: Mayo Clinic/ Preparing for your Appointment

 

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Skin Tip

Skin Tip #1

“Every day my patients ask me how they can prevent wrinkles and brown spots. My advice is to first and foremost protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.” –Dr. Gigler

Living with Sensitive Skin

Living with Sensitive Skin

Itch 101, Itch Basics, Managing Acute and Chronic Itch, Sidebar Feature , ,

Living with sensitive skin can be difficult in today’s world. With the plethora of skin care products available to you, navigating through the ingredient list to discern what causes your irritation can be aggravating. Depending upon the level of your skin’s sensitivity, your reaction to an allergen can be a minor skin rash or a traumatizing allergic reaction requiring immediate medical attention.

There are four categories of sensitive skin:

  • Acne
  • Rosacea
  • Burning and stinging
  • Contact dermatitis (this includes allergies and irritants)

Many people determine they have sensitive skin if they frequently experience allergic reactions that can produce redness, rashes or acne outbreaks after using certain soaps or lotions. Some people have severe sensitive skin where they experience redness and tenderness with the slightest touch, inhibiting their ability to live life to the fullest.

The number of people who say they have sensitive skin has increased over the last 30 years. Some doctors credit this to factors such as climate and seasonal conditions, which can have a direct influence on one’s skin. Environmental factors such as UV exposure, frequent contact with water, soaps and cleansers can break down the skin’s natural barrier and leave skin dry, itchy and red.

Some common causes for sensitive skin include:

Allergies: Allergies can be caused by foods you digest or chemicals found in common skin care products. Allergic reactions can include itching, rashes, hives, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, exhaustion, nausea, swelling, redness, pain, stomach cramps diarrhea and vomiting.

Genetics: Research studies have concluded that fair-skinned people tend to develop more severe cases of skin sensitivity. This may be due to the lack of melatonin within their skin, which acts as protection from harmful environmental factors.

Poor Digestion: Poor digestion can also play a role sensitive skin. People with poor nutrition tend to have an inflamed digestive tract. This kind of inflammation can affect many other organs including skin. Studies have also shown that poor nutrition can lead to sluggish elimination. If toxins in you body are not flushed out properly through the digestive tract, they are more likely to penetrate the skin.

Treatments for sensitive skin:

If you have sensitive skin you will want to first determine the source of your reactions. If you are suddenly having acne breakouts, they may be caused by a new cleanser, lotion or even a new food you are eating. The best way to determine what might be causing your allergic reaction is to watch out for certain patterns.

Once you have discovered what might be causing your skin to react, avoid using that product or any other product with those ingredients. If your skin is dry and irritated, finding a thick moisturizing cream will help protect your skin’s barrier allowing it to heal. Using TriCalm hydrogel will help stop the itch, providing you and your skin relief.

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Skin Tip

Skin Tip #1

“Every day my patients ask me how they can prevent wrinkles and brown spots. My advice is to first and foremost protect yourself from the sun and UV rays.” –Dr. Gigler