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| Eczema | Doctors usually prescribe some of the following measures:
• antihistamines to suppress itching and reduce scratching
• corticosteroids applied to the skin
• moisturizing agents
• antibiotics for secondary infections
• non-alkaline cleansers (instead of soap, which dries the skin).
If you or your children suffer from eczema you needn’t be desperate. We can give you some useful advice to help you overcome the disease:
Firstly you have to identify the thing that causes the eczema and avoid it. If the symptoms after eating some food eliminate the food etc. this is a very important stage and your observation plays here the vital place.
Secondly, remember to moisturize the skin regularly. The moisturized skin doesn’t itch so much.
Thirdly, don’t scratch! Scratching causes rash. It damages the skin, worsens inflammation, irritates surface nerves, and leads to even more intense itching than you had before. In fact some eczematous rashes completely disappear without any treatment if you just stop scratching. If you can’t help itching, use anti-histamines. Though, they are not advised for everybody. Drivers and heavy machinery operators can’t use them at work as they cause sedation. If your child scratches the skin and you can do nothing keep his/her nails as short as possible.
Fourthly, use steroid creams to control eczema, but not on the face.
Fifthly, pay attention to the clothes your child is wearing. Don’t put on too much clothes. Wear the natural cotton fabrics rather then synthetic, and woolen.
Sixthly, read the labels of the washing powders you use. Do not use enzyme powders on bed-linen, clothes or towels. Use soaps or non-enzyme detergents. Bathe in neutral soaps. Avoid perfumed soaps.
And the last, if you seem to control eczema and suddenly it goes out of control, you should consult the doctor. You may have a skin infection and it is very dangerous for your health.
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