Eczema

Eczema is a collective name for several types of skin disorders with similar symptoms. Eczema will result in red itchy bumps appearing on the skin. The bumps are often accompanied by flaky skin, fissures, scabs or dry skin. The underlying cause is an inflammatory reaction of the skin. Anyone can get eczema, but it’s most common in children. The severity of the symptoms will vary from person to person.

The most common types of eczema are:

• Constitutional or atopic eczema. This form is hereditary and chronic. The bumps are mainly located in the back of your knees, on your elbows, in your neck and/or around your eyes.
• Eczema due to an allergic reaction. Possibly because you’ve been in contact with cleaning products or make-up which you can’t tolerate.
• Eczema due to irritation. For example, through frequent use of water and soap.
• Eczema blisters. You’ll then mainly suffer from blisters on your hands, fingers, toes and soles.
• Eczema caused by skin fungus.

These different types of eczemas can also occur simultaneously.

Eczema may result in you suffering from:

• Red bumps on the skin.
• An itch. The severity will vary from person to person.
• Blisters on the skin.
• Flaky skin.
• Fissures.
• Skin fungus.
• Sleeping problems due to the itching.
• Feelings of embarrassment.

You can do a number of things to reduce the symptoms of eczema. We recommend you:

• Hydrate your skin well. Apply an oily ointment to your skin twice a day. Especially do this after washing.
• Don’t shower too often and don’t use products which will dry out your skin. It’s better not to use soap at all.
• Don’t scratch. You can prevent this by wearing gloves or covering the eczema areas.
• Avoid stress. Stress can make the symptoms worse.
• Getting enough sunlight. Sunlight can effectively reduce the symptoms. But do make sure you don’t burn. Avoid direct sunlight on hot days and cover your skin with cotton clothing. It’s also important for you to apply unperfumed sunscreen to your skin.
• Wear loose and cotton clothing. Wool and heat can actually worsen the eczema.
• Contact your company doctor if you frequently work with water or irritating substances. It may well be a good idea to discuss any possible adjustments to your work.

You should contact your GP if you’re experiencing severe symptoms. Your GP will then determine whether you have eczema. He or she can then ascertain what has caused the eczema. You should investigate what you’re allergic to if the eczema was caused by an allergic reaction. Once you know this, you can make sure you don’t come into contact with that particular substance.

Eczema can be treated with the following products, depending on the cause and severity:

• A soothing and protective cream, such as lanette cream or a cooling ointment. These products are available from pharmacies or chemists.
• An ointment or cream against skin fungus. This will be prescribed by your GP if the eczema is caused by a skin fungus.
• Hormone ointment or cream. This will be prescribed by your GP if the eczema is persistent and/or causes many symptoms. The hormone in the ointment or cream will stop the inflammatory reaction and soothe the itching. You won’t be able to simply stop using hormone ointment or cream. That’s why you will need to visit your GP once a week for a check-up. Your GP will help you to reduce the use of the ointment or cream once your symptoms start improving.

Have the symptoms not gone away, or have they worsened? Then you should contact your GP again. He or she will refer you to a dermatologist in the hospital if necessary.