‘Avoid cleansing agents to protect skin’ 

LAHORE

Eczema can be avoided and the severity of this skin disorder can be lessened by avoiding excessive bathing and all types of contact irritants including antiseptic soaps, detergents and cleansing agents. 

“Clothing next to the body should be of cotton with avoidance of extremes of temperature and dust,” said Dr Sabrina Pal, prominent dermatologist and retired Professor of Dermatology, King Edward Medical College, Mayo Hospital, in a statement issued on Tuesday.

She added that many types of fragrance free emollients and moisturisers will help skin protection, especially in low humidity season. Proper use of moisturisers would improve the skin barrier function of eczema patient.

It is to be noted that last week of November is being observed as International Eczema Awareness week. Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a reactive disorder. It is of several different types. Cause is combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

One of the common type is Atopic dermatitis (AD), also known as atopic eczema. Many patients have family history of allergies as eczema, asthma and hay fever. It usually starts in infancy and is seen both in children and adults. Synthetic & woolen clothing, excessive use of detergents, dust and extremes of temperature precipitate eczema.

Atopic dermatitis is a very itchy disorder with rashes on different parts of body. Skin appearance depends on the stage of the disease and is usually dry. Rashes include redness, scales, weeping, bleeding, cracking, even small blisters at times and thick dark skin due to constant rubbing. Skin infection worsens the situation. Life usually becomes miserable. Overwhelming number have difficulty in falling asleep and are frustrated. Many feel embarrassed about their appearance.

“The disease in general can be successfully managed and in some cases even prevented. Qualified dermatologists provide explanation on lifestyle, preventive measures, medical management and psychological support enabling the patient to lead a quality life,” she concluded. It is pertinent to mention that 84pc patients of eczema have difficulty in falling asleep, while 47pc patients feel frustrated.