Skin rash can be caused by many factors, among which is eczema. Eczema (atopic dermatitis), is a common skin disorder that causes red, itchy, weeping rashes on the skin. This Rash may occur all over the body or partly on the face, neck, back, feet, etc. Nearly 31 million Americans suffer from eczema-related symptoms.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of eczema (atopic dermatitis ) often include:
- Dry skin
- Skin itching
- Red patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, neck, upper chest
- Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
- Thickened, cracked, scaly skin
- Sensitive skin, easy to swell from scratching
Treatments
No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. But treatments and self-care measures can relieve your condition.
Self-care measures
The following tips may help relieve eczema symptoms:
1.Don’t scratch the affected area.
2.Use mild soaps.
3.Avoid washing with hot water.
4.Moisturize your skin. You might use bath oils, creams, ointments or sprays.
5.Use an anti-itch cream on the affected area. A otc hydrocortisone cream can temporarily relieve the itchy feeling. Apply it after moisturizing.
6.Wear cool clothing. Avoid clothing that’s rough, tight or scratchy, otherwise it may irritate your skin.
7.Take an oral allergy or anti-itch medication. The common OTC allergy medicines (antihistamines) are cetirizine, fexofenadine and diphenhydramine.
Medications
It’s important to recognize the condition at early stages. If regular moisturizing and other self-care steps don’t help, your may try the following treatments:
1.Corticosteroid cream or ointment, which can control itching and help repair the skin. Other creams containing calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, which affect your immune system. Apply the cream directly on the skin after you moisturize.
2.Antibiotic cream. If your skin has a bacterial infection, an open sore or cracks. It’s a good choice taking oral antibioticst o treat skin infection.
3.New treatment option for severe eczema. A new injectable biologic called dupilumab (Dupixent) is used to treat people with severe eczema who do not respond well to the conventional treatments.
Jasmine Watson
2018.6.12