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Eczema Treatments Include:

eczema specialist Advice IN CANTERBURY

Eczema is a long-term condition which causes the skin to become dry, red, itchy, and cracked. It is most common in children and can improve over time, although many adults find that they still have flare-ups of eczema during periods of stress. The most common form of eczema is atopic eczema, which can affect any part of the body but is often found inside the elbows, knees, on the neck, hands, cheeks, and scalp.

Eczema and dermatitis mean the same thing; inflammation of the skin characterised by redness, swelling, itching and excoriation (scratch marks) in the acute form. In the chronic or persistent form, regular rubbing of the skin through itching and scratching, leads to thickening or ‘lichenification’, scaling and post-inflammatory darkening of the skin.

Alternative names: Atopic eczema, dermatitis, skin allergy, contact dermatitis, lichen simplex, nodular prurigo, sensitive skin, seborrhoeic dermatitis, asteototic eczema, constitutional eczema, allergic eczema, irritant dermatitis, venous eczema, stasis dermatitis, dishydrotic eczema, popholyx eczema.

WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA?

The cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but it often runs alongside other conditions including asthma and hay fever, and flare-ups are triggered by things such as soap, laundry detergent, stress, the weather, and occasionally food allergies. There are many different causes for the different types of eczema.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS/TYPES OF ECZEMA?

There are many different types of eczema, all of which cause the irritating symptoms of dryness, itchiness and redness. It is important to identify which type of eczema you have so you can identify the triggers and the right treatment can be provided. A consultant dermatologist will be able to diagnose your eczema and recommend the most suited treatment for you.

The most common form of eczema is atopic eczema, which can affect any part of the body but is often found inside the elbows, knees, on the neck, hands, cheeks, and scalp. The cause of atopic eczema is unknown, but it often runs alongside other conditions including asthma and hay fever, and flare-ups are triggered by things such as soap, laundry detergent, stress, the weather, and occasionally food allergies.

This occurs in oval or circular patches on the skin. This eczema is usually found on the arms, body or legs and doesn’t tend to be seen on the face of the scalp. Unlike other forms of eczema, discoid eczema is most common in adults and starts with a few spots which join up to form pink or red patches which are swollen, blistered and very itchy.

Varicose, or gravitational eczema appears as red, blistering, cracked or crusted skin in the lower legs where blood has collected and caused swelling which places pressure on the skin. Varicose eczema most commonly affects the lower legs and is caused by circulation problems so you are at higher risk of developing this condition if you have had a blood clot, varicose veins or if you are overweight.

This occurs when the skin comes into contact with a particular substance. Common substances which cause contact dermatitis include soaps, detergents, bleach, paint, jewelry and certain plants or raw foods. The appearance of the eczema is very similar to atopic eczema, but you will notice flare ups in response to contact with particular irritants.

Seborrhoeic eczema appears as red, scaly patches which develop on the scalp, ears, eyebrows, and the sides of the nose. Unlike many forms of eczema, this is not the result of an allergy and people of any age can develop the condition. Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes and dry or cold weather.

This form of eczema is characterised by tiny blisters that erupt on the palms of the hands and is caused by allergies, having damp hands and feet or stress. It creates watery blisters found on the fingers, toes, palms, and soles of the feet, which can be very itchy and painful if they burst.

HOW CAN ECZEMA BE TREATED?

Although eczema isn’t a life-threatening skin rash, it can impinge on the quality of life of the sufferer significantly, and the appearance of the rashes can cause embarrassment. Flare-ups of eczema can be very itchy and uncomfortable; scratching the skin provides immediate short-term relief, but ultimately prolongs the problem by introducing bacteria to the broken skin and causing further infection and inflammation.

Here at The Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic we specialise in treating skin conditions and rashes including eczema. We can provide you with a course of eczema treatments to deal with flare-ups and ongoing symptoms, as well as providing advice on how you can manage your eczema and minimise flare-ups in the future.

There have been recent advances in the types of treatment for eczema that are available. Topical ointments and emollients can help to clear up an existing rash, whilst specialist moisturisers can help to prevent the skin from drying out. Oral treatments can also be prescribed to help clear a flare-up and aid in the long-term management of the condition.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Acute eczema is red with swelling of the skin, sometimes to the point of tiny blisters or vesicles appearing. It is often symmetrically distributed. Chronic eczema that has been rubbed repeatedly might be thickened and darkened.

The key feature of eczema is that it is itchy. This can be a minor distraction or a major feature that interferes with your life and prevent sleeping, working and concentration. In children it can prevent sleep which causes unhappiness at home. The condition can cause redness and thickening of the skin which might affect one’s appearance and confidence.

There is currently no known cure for eczema, though many articles in the media suggest otherwise. Treatment is focussed on the symptoms and minimising the triggers.

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What our Customers Say

WHY TREAT YOUR ECZEMA AT CANTERBURY SKIN AND LASER CLINIC?

Although eczema isn’t a life-threatening skin rash, it can impinge on the quality of life of the sufferer significantly, and the appearance of the rashes can cause embarrassment. Flare-ups of eczema can be very itchy and uncomfortable; scratching the skin provides immediate short-term relief, but ultimately prolongs the problem by introducing bacteria to the broken skin and causing further infection and inflammation.

Here at The Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic we specialise in treating skin conditions and rashes including eczema. We can provide you with a course of eczema treatments to deal with flare-ups and ongoing symptoms, as well as providing advice on how you can manage your eczema and minimise flare-ups in the future.

There have been recent advances in the types of treatment for eczema that are available. Topical ointments and emollients can help to clear up an existing rash, whilst specialist moisturisers can help to prevent the skin from drying out. Oral treatments can also be prescribed to help clear a flare-up and aid in the long-term management of the condition.

Eczema Treatment Process:

Book Eczema Assessment


Contact us to arrange a no-obligation consultation with our experienced acne specialist who will examine and discuss your stage of eczema.

Appropriate Treatment Identified


There are a wide range of eczema treatment options available depending on the severity and location of your eczema. Our experienced dermatologist will explain all of your treatment options and help you to decide the best programme for you.

Treatment Begins


Once an appropriate treatment has been agreed upon, the treatment programme begins, and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, happier skin. Results will likely appear within the timeframe suggested by your eczema specialist.

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