How to treat eczema in children

Eczema is an allergic reaction expressed in the skin, most commonly found in infants and young children. It consists primarily of itchy, inflamed patches on the face, elbows, knees, and wrists. Many children with eczema also develop hay fever and asthma. Treatment of eczema may require some attention from parents because children can’t figure it out of on their own.

Eczema Cream

The simplest alternative treatment for eczema is to apply an herbal topical cream made from German chamomile and/or licorice. Representative trade names are Simicort and Camocare. However, according to the experts, topical steroid creams are significantly more effective than these herbal substitutes in real life. According to them, zinc supplementation can be moderately effective. The proper dose is 30 mg. of zinc picolinate daily. In long term zinc therapy, always add 1 mg. of copper daily for balance.

Using Flax Oil

The experts recommended flax oil as well, taken in a dose of one tablespoon a day. Flax oil should not be cooked, although it can be added to soups after they are removed from the stove. Unfortunately, children hate the taste.

Digestive Enzymes

Finally, digestive enzymes sometimes alleviate eczema. Theoretically, such enzymes decrease the possibility of developing allergic reactions to foods, which may explain their usefulness here. The proper dose is 500 mg. of pancreatin 10X USP with each meal. For children 30 to 60 pounds, this should be reduced to 250 mg. of pancreatin; children under 30 pounds should only take 100 mg. (Before any treatment and for patients with ulcer should use pancreatin only under doctor’s supervision.)

A related technique involves increasing stomach acid with betaine HCL.

Get to Know Your Child’s Diet

A more difficult but perhaps ultimately more effective approach in getting rid of eczema involves identifying and eliminating food allergens. Milk is the most common culprit, although wheat, eggs, and corn are only a little way behind. According to the experts, when combined with the treatment mentioned above, food allergen identification and avoidance reduced symptoms of eczema in most children.

However, placing a child on a severely restrictive diet can produce serious emotional complications. I recommend it only as a last resort.

What is Stasis Dermatitis and how to treat it

Stasis dermatitis is a common eczematous eruption of the lower extremities occurring in order persons. It is usually preceded by varicosities and poor circulation. With the reduction in venous return from the legs, substances normally carried away by the circulation remain in the tissues, causing irritation. The skin often brawny colored associated edema. Itching may or may not occur. Scratching may produce breaks in the epidermis, which can become secondarily infected.

The most important treatment for stasis dermatitis is prevention by careful attention to the treatment of peripheral vascular conditions and prevention of constriction of the circulation to the extremities. Treating lower extremity edema with elevation, compression stockings and Unna boots where applicable ultimately decreases the dermatitis skin changes. Topical corticosteroid improve the eczematous changes. Domeboro soaks may be useful when weeping lesions are present.

How do you get stasis dermatitis

Almost any drug can cause a drug hypersensitivity reaction. The rash occurs because of gradual accumulation of the drug or because of antibodies that develop in response to a component of the medication. Skin manifestations from drugs may have a nonallergic or allergic basis. Some commonly seen skin reactions are maculopapular lesions, purpura, vesicles, bullae, ulcers, and urticaria. The reactions can appear at any time, but the onset is usually sudden.

More about stasis dermatitis

Type I anaphylactic (urticaria, angioedema), type II cytotoxic (ceullar injury), type III immune complex (serum sickness), or type IV cell-mediated (allergic contact dermatitis, allergic photosensitivity) hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Some drugs may have combined reactions; for example, penicillin may produce both type I and III reactions. Allergic contact dermatitis is commonly seen with drugs used topically. The rash is often bright red, semiconfluent, macular, and popular, generalized and bilateral. Hypersensitivity occurs early when previous sensitization has taken place.

Photosensitivity may occur with certain drugs and may take one of two forms: phototoxicity or photoallergy. Phototoxicity may occur in any person taking a photosensitive drug and results from the reaction of the drug with radiant energy, particularly UV light. Broad-spectrum sunscreen (e.g. zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or avobenzone) which cover the spectrum of UVA, may reduce potential photosensitivity reactions. Photoallergic reactions are cell-mediated (type IV) hypersensitivity reactions; therefore they effect only a small group of persons after several sensitizing exposures of drug and sunlight.

Caring for stasis dermatitis sufferer

Treatment of drug hypersensitivity reactions consists of stopping the drug and treating the symptoms with cool, moist compress, antihistamines and topical or systemic corticosteroids. Avoiding direct sunlight, using broad-spectrum sunscreens, and wearing photoprotective clothing may also help.

Patient/Family Teaching

The primary goal of patient education is prevention by making sure patients know the drug to which they are allergic. The patient or family member should know the specific drug name and type of reaction. A Medic-Alert bracelet may be beneficial. Allergy information should be documented on the patient’s record. Nursing care also focuses on helping the patient comply with treatment.

What is Atopic Dermatitis how to treat it

Atopic dermatitis is genetically based skin disorder that is both chronic and relapsing. It is linked to a larger group of atopic diseases that includes asthma and hay fever. Approximately 40% to 50% of persons with atopic dermatitis develop manifestations of asthma or hay fever. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with atopic dermatitis are from families with one or more atopic diseases. Exacerbating factors include sudden changes in temperature or humidity, exercise, psychologic stress, fibers such as wool, fur, or nylon, detergents and perfumes. Controlling environmental influences such as climatic changes and humidity levels can prove challenging for both patient and caregiver.

Atopic dermatitis is most common in children. Up to 75% of children with atopic dermatitis develop symptoms by 6 months of age. It usually disappears or becomes less severe between the ages of 2 and 3 years but can recur in late childhood or adolescence. Resolution of symptoms is seen by age 30 in a large number of adults.

The major symptoms of atopic dermatitis is intense pruritus chronic rubbing and scratching produces eczematous skin, followed by skin thickening and alteration in pigmentation (hypo pigmentation and hyperpigmentation).

How do you get atopic dermatitis

The protective barrier function of the skin is diminished greatly in the atopic population. Lipid content changes in the epidermis permit water loss from the cells, resulting in dry skin. Persons with atopic dermatitis are highly sensitive with a lowered threshold to pruritus. Even minor stimuli can produce intense episodes of itching.

Atopic dermatitis results from an immunologic irregularity involving cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. There is a marked tendency toward vasoconstriction of superficial blood vessels, and the skin blanches readily. Cold and low humidity are poorly tolerated because of drying effects. Heat and high humidity are also poorly tolerated because vasodilation increases the inflammatory reaction, thus aggravating the dermatitis and causing increased itching and discomfort. The initial clinical presentation for atopic dermatitis is rough, dry skin that may appear as early as the first month of life. Infants may develop moist, oozing, crusting lesions on the scalp and face, with spread to the trunk and extensor aspects of the arms and legs. Later, the lesions become localized to the flexures of the neck, wrists, antecubital, and popliteal fossae, eyelids, and behind the ears. The erythema is dusky and excoriations may become secondarily infected. By late twenties or early thirties the lesions usually disappear, but they may recur later as chronic hand or foot eczema.

The compromised barrier function of the skin in atopic dermatitis places individuals at increased risk for acquiring viral, fungal and bacterial infections of the skin.

Caring for atopic dermatitis suferrer

Atopic dermatitis has no cure, but symptoms can be controlled. Hydrating the skin is the cornerstone of therapy. Applying an occlusive moisturizing agent three or four times a day (preferably emollients in a water-in-oil base) works to reestablish a well-hydrated stratum corneum. Topical corticosteroid therapy is the principal pharmacologic agent used. Weaker potency corticosteroids are selected for the pediatric population. More potent topical corticosteroid should be reserved for adults, with education regarding method application, duration of use, and potential side effects. Topical corticosteroid may be used in concert with wet wraps, which can enhance drug absorption and help decrease pruritus. Systemic corticosteroid may be given for a limited period to selected individuals with severe atopic eczema.

Protopic ointment (tacrolimus) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) cream are two topical immunemodulators specifically developed for treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. They are highly selective agents that block T-cell activation, thus targeting immunologic overactivity and halting the inflammatory cascade. Itching, burning, and irritation may occur within few days of start of treatment, but they proven safe for use, even though both child and adult patients should avoid natural and artificial sunlight for long periods.

Systemic therapy with sedating antihistamines at night (when itching is more intense) can be helpful. Treatment of secondary bacterial skin infections with appropriate antibiotics may be warranted. In some instances patients may benefit from phototherapy with Ultraviolet B (UVB) or Ultraviolet A (UVA) plus psoralen (PUVA).

Patient/Family Teaching

Successful management of atopic dermatitis is achieved through patient, family and health care provider collaboration. Provision of comprehensive written skin care instructions and demonstration of techniques for application of topical drugs are critical nursing measures. Addressing social and emotional concerns of patients with atopic dermatitis is another challenging area for intervention. Chronic manifestation of this skin disease can set the stage for social isolation, poor self-esteem, anxiety and sleep disturbance.

Teaching should include information about the disease, prescribed medications, and the following instructions:

Use only gentle cleanser and soaplike products.
Take a relaxing, warm bath for 15 to 20 minutes; gently pat away excess water and immediately apply a moisturizer. Reapply moisturizers throughout the day when skin is dry.
Use wet wraps in place of tub soaking if desired; wraps permit evaporation which cool the skin, thus decreasing pruritus.
Apply topical medication in a thin layer and rub in well.
Avoid wool, fur, or rough fibers against the skin; they act as irritants and cause itching.
Avoid overheating, which increases sweating, leading to itching. Wear loose, light clothing in hot weather. Air conditioning promotes comfort.
Avoid sunburn; wear a sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 15.
Avoid excessive cold, which dries the skin.
Wash all new garments before wearing to remove potentially irritating chemicals.
Consult health care professional if eczema worsens.

What to do if you have contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis (or commonly known as eczema) is a particularly important consideration in people with skin disease. Skin disease means that there are more likely to be breaks in the skin, and an individual is at higher risk of developing an allergic contact sensitization as the allergen can easily penetrate the skin’s protective layer. Also, atopic individuals (those with underlying atopic eczema) are 13.5 times more likely to develop contact dermatitis than those without atopic eczema. Clear distinctions needs to be made between the different mechanisms that cause contact dermatitis.

What happens during allergic reactions?

Allergic reactions involve an immunological response to contact with an external substance. A type I reaction is immediate; histamine is released, causing hives, rhinoconjunctivitis (streaming eyes) and, more seriously, angioedema and anaphylaxis. The reaction can last for up to two hours and can be clearly life threatening. A type IV reaction, which more common, involves the body becoming sensitized to a substance (antigen) over a period of time. The substance penetrates the skin barrier where the Langerhans cells attach to the antigen and present it to the T lymphocyte helper cells. These are then expanded in the lymph node so that T-effector and T-memory cells are released into the bloodstream. This process of sensitization can take between 5 and 21 days. Following this first exposure there is no outward reaction, but on subsequent exposure the sensitized T cells migrate to the point of contact, causing inflammation. This normally takes 48-72 hours. An allergic reaction may cause an overall rash rather than one just at the point of contact.

What to do if you have irritant reaction?

An irritant reaction is a non-immunological reaction that occurs when a substance comes into contact with the skin. An acute reaction occurs immediately following contact with substance such as acids and alkalis, whereas more cumulative effects occur following prolonged contact with such things as soaps and solvents.

It can be difficult to distinguish between allergic and irritant dermatitis, and indeed difficult to ascertain exactly what is causing the dermatitis. Patch testing is a way of determining what is causing contact dermatitis, although this usually needs to be done within a dermatology department. It involves taking an in-depth history to gain a picture of the sorts of things someone may be reacting to. Then number of chemicals commonly found in everyday substances, alongside substances related to an individual’s occupation, are placed in small metal chambers and stuck onto the back (Plates 1 and 2). The concentrations and quantities are such that irritant reactions should be kept to a minimum, but these can still occur. Readings are taken 48 hours and then at 72+ hours, the time lapse allowing the allergic reaction to occur. This is why, when trying out a new cream or ointment on a patient, a small patch test should be performed and left for 48 hours to be sure that an allergic reaction is not going to take place.

Patients with chronic leg ulcers are particularly at risk of developing allergic reaction When the skin barrier function is breached, there is a particular risk of absorbing allergens from dressings and topical applications. A study showed that 23 per cent of leg ulcer patients were allergic to wool alcohols found in lanolin, but more recent work has shown that modern techniques have allowed lanolin to be “purified” to the extent where it has virtually no allergenic properties. However, there is still concern about the use of cream emollients for patients with leg ulcers, as their preservatives can act as allergens. Using ointment-based lotion emollients for patients with leg ulcers is always safest.

Although patch testing is a very useful way of identifying substances that might be causing contact dermatitis it is not infallible, as placing a small amounts of chemical on the back of individuals does not create the environment they find themselves in at work. However, it positives are found then advice must be given about avoiding this substance. This can be particularly difficult if the substance is a very common one like latex.

Is latex the culprit why I have contact dermatitis?

Latex allergy is becoming more common, and is real problem for many nurses. For some, the allergy is caused by the leaching out of chemicals that are used during the manufacture of the gloves. This is likely to lead to Type IV reactions of contact dermatitis. A type I allergy is likely to occur in someone who has allergy to latex itself, and for these people the only solution is to wear latex-free gloves. It is worth noting that some brands of glove claim to be hypoallergenic, which means they contain lower amounts of chemicals from manufacture, but they are not latex-free. Some patients are allergic to latex and will react when touched by a latex glove, and normally these people will carry a warning card. However, it is becoming more common practice for health care workers to avoid latex gloves altogether.

How do you protect yourself from contact dermatitis?

When it is possible for an individual to avoid the substance that causes the contact dermatitis (e.g., car mechanic who is sensitized to oil), other strategies must be employed. These involve wearing protective gloves, careful washing of hands, and wearing barrier creams or ointments. It can be very distressing for patients to find that is their job that is causing the skin problem, especially if an acute allergy means that the only option is to give up the job. However, it can also be a major relief to find the cause of what is some cases amounts to years of suffering. For most people, discussion with the occupational health department in their workplace and careful skin care can lead to a solution that allows the individual to carry on working.

What is Contact Dermatitis how to treat it

Contact dermatitis or contact eczema (commonly known) is caused by exposure to substances in the environment. Contact dermatitis occurs in both irritant and allergic forms. Irritant contact dermatitis is a nonallergic reaction occurring in any person on contact with a sufficient concentration of an irritant. It occurs four times more commonly than allergic contact dermatitis. Mechanical irritation may result from wool or glass fibers. Chemical irritants include acids, alkalis, solvents, detergents, and oils commonly found in cleaning compounds, insecticides and industrial compounds. Biologic irritants include urine, feces, and toxins from insects or aquatic plants. Persons engaged in wet work such as food handlers, health care workers, and child care providers are more prone to irritant contact dermatitis.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a cell-mediated type IV delayed hypersensitivity immune reaction from contact with a specific antigen. Many compounds can cause sensitization under specific condition. Typical antigens include poison ivy, synthetics, industrial chemicals, drugs (e.g., sulfanilamide or penicillin), and metals (especially nickel and chromate). Once the skin has been sensitized, further contact with the sensitizing substance will produce an eczematous reaction. The sensitizing allergen may reach the site by direct contact; by direct contact such as transmission from animals, from one part of the body to the other by the hands, or from clothing; or by the air, as in smoke. Investigation of possible exposures, including medications, products (e.g., household cleaning, cosmetics, hobbies), occupational environment, and recreational activities, may provide insight into the contact event.

Pathophysiology

The characteristic lesions of contact dermatitis appear sooner in an irritant contact than in the allergic type; however, the onset and appearance vary, depending on the type and concentration of the irritant. The rash develops on the exposed areas, particularly the more sensitive areas, such as the dorsal rather than the palmar surface of the hands. When contact dermatitis is suspected but the agent is unknown, patch testing may be carried out. And the environment manipulated to exclude suspected agents.

Collaborative Care Management

Weeping vesicular lesions are treated with Domeboro soaks one or two times a day. Crusts and scales are not removed but are allowed to drop off naturally as the skin heals. Topical corticosteroids (middle to potent range) are applied twice a day to affected areas for approximately 2 weeks. Face, genitals, and skin fold sites warrant weaker steroid formulations such as hydrocortisone 0.5% to 1%. Oral corticosteroids may be prescribed for generalized rash or significant hand and face involvement. Oran antibiotics are used only when secondary infection ensues. Oral antihistamines, topical antipruritic agents, or colloidal oatmeal baths and lotions may ease itching.

Patient/Family Teaching

The primary focus of patient teaching is prevention. Contact dermatitis can be prevented by avoiding the irritating or sensitizing substance whenever possible. Patients and family members should be educated to recognize the leaves of Rhus plants – poison ivy, oak and sumac. Persons walking in the areas where these plants grow need to protect the skin by wearing appropriate clothing. If contact with the plant is suspected, symptoms may be averted by immediately rinsing the skin for 15 minutes with running water to remove the resin before skin penetration occurs, and carefully removing clothing to avoid skin contact.

The person who develops sensitivity to material encountered in the living or working environment may need to consider a permanent change of environment if other measures are unsuccessful. Gloves may be used if the person is handling irritant or allergenic substances. Persons sensitive to detergents may need to wash their clothes and bathe with a mild soap product.

In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of scientific research into the medical application of zinc and considerable work has been done on the relationship of zinc to various skin disorders. While I don’t know of any major studies showing that zinc either helps or doesn’t help eczema, many people have gone ahead and tried zinc supplements for their eczema. The average dose seems to be about 30 milligrams a day. Here are some of the experiences I heard about:

“A few months ago my dry, itching, some facial skin sent me to a dermatologist. It did not take him long to tell me that the condition was eczema. He prescribed a medicated cream and charged me $25. But it didn’t help at all.

Then I heard all of the articles I had read about zinc and skin problems. I tried some zinc immediately (50 mg a day). Soon not one of those little blisters or pimples remained. I discontinued the medicated cream and still my complexion was clear. I did not run out of zinc, my problem was gone again. “ – XXX XXX

“For the past four months I have had eczema on my hands – itching, blistering and scaling. I tried many different remedies without success.

I began taking six zinc tablets a day along with Vitamin A. In one short week, I can type this letter without any soreness in my fingers. I have been able to discard my rubber gloves when doing housework. This has been the best Christmas gift for me” – XXXX XXXX

“The Mailbag in Prevention contained an item about using zinc to heal eczema. My wife had been suffering with eczema on her hands for a year, a bad case. Not one of several remedies helped at all.
Suffice it to say she took zinc as the letter suggested and the eczema cleared up dramatically in a week and was gone within the month. Amazing.” – XXX XXXX

“For many years I have had eczema on my hands. My condition became extremely aggravated during the time I was nursing my first baby. Although I tried various ways to treat my hands, nothing was really effective.

I began to take zinc, 50 mg., three times a day, Within a month my hands showed a remarkable improvement. I have continued to take the zinc. If I take less, my eczema reappears.” – XXXX XXX

Atopic eczema is most prevalent in children, with 14 per cent of those under 12 years of age suffering from it. Although some adults continue to suffer with atopic eczema, 90 per cent of affected children who suffer from asthma and hay fever seem to be more prone to this type of eczema.

Symptoms of atopic eczema Atopic eczema presents in a number of different ways. Chronic eczema presents as dry, scaling skin, often with exaggerated skin markings known as lichenification. Acute eczema is inflamed, red, often weeping, and sometimes has vesicles or blisters.

In infancy eczema often appears initially on the face, but other common locations in later childhood are the flexures of the elbows and the knees, and on the wrists and ankles. In adults, eczema is often seen on the hands. In the older patient venous stasis causes eczema on the lower legs, often accompanied by ulceration.

The degree to which people suffer with the following will vary, but most people with atopic eczema will report:

1. Irritation. This is a major problem for everyone with eczema. Scratching is a common response and is often subconscious, and the results of scratching include: a. Worsening itch (itch-scratch cycle) b. Smooth shiny nail from rubbing and scratching c. Shortened, stubby body hairs that have broken due to constant scratching d. Infection as the scratching causes breaks in the skin.

2. Soreness. As a result of the above the skin becomes sore; some people would rather have sore than itchy skin, and therefore scratch until their skin becomes painful. Acute eczema is often sore without having been scratched.

3. Stress. The appearance of eczema can be very embarrassing, particularly if it is weeping. It is not uncommon for eczema to be so irritating that it disrupts sleep patterns. In families where children have eczema it can put enormous strain on family relationship as members struggle to cope with treatments and sleepless nights.

Get Rid Of Eczema Now

How to treat eczema in children

Eczema Cream

Using Flax Oil

Digestive Enzymes

Get to Know Your Child’s Diet

What is Stasis Dermatitis and how to treat it

How do you get stasis dermatitis

More about stasis dermatitis

Caring for stasis dermatitis sufferer

Patient/Family Teaching

What is Atopic Dermatitis how to treat it

How do you get atopic dermatitis

Caring for atopic dermatitis suferrer

Patient/Family Teaching

What to do if you have contact dermatitis

What happens during allergic reactions?

What to do if you have irritant reaction?

Is latex the culprit why I have contact dermatitis?

How do you protect yourself from contact dermatitis?

What is Contact Dermatitis how to treat it

Pathophysiology

Collaborative Care Management

Patient/Family Teaching

People who found sucess getting rid of eczema using Zinc

Symptoms of atopic eczema

My Story As Eczema Sufferer

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