ECZEMA/DERMATITIS--CLINICAL GUIDELINES

• Use Luke warm and not hot water for bath as hot water will dry up the skin further.
• Use mild soap or soap less soaps or bath lotions. In case of disease affecting the hands, avoid contact with detergents& chemicals. Use gloves if contact is unavoidable.
• Avoid friction & rubbing of affected skin. Do not scratch. All this leads to exacerbation of the disease.
• Avoid stress, smoking & alcohol as they have a worsening effect on eczema/dermatitis.
• Avoid taking painkillers.
• Apply moisturizer/white soft paraffin/homoeopathic skin care cream immediately after bath to keep the skin hydrated. Reapply if required. This is especially important in winters as in winter the skin tends to become dry, flaky& itchy.
• It is essential to take care of the skin or else pus formation can occur due to infection. Do not scratch at all.
• Apply a soothing homoeopathic lotion/cream.

DO'S AND DON'TS

• Do not scratch especially with long nails. It may lead to secondary infection.
• To soothe the irritation apply non-medicated ointments like petroleum jelly.
• A diet rich in Vitamin A and zinc help in regeneration of skin.
• Avoid foods you are allergic to.
• Avoid nickel plated jewellery, cosmetics, and other articles that give you skin complaints.
• Relax and de-stress yourself through yoga, disciplined sports and meditation.
• If you are suffering from varicose veins or swollen feet, then relieve by elevating the leg. This reduces the chance of gravitational eczema.
• Do not self medicate.

SYMPTOMS

• Patches of chronically itchy, dry thickened skin usually on wrists, face, knees, and elbows.
• Occasional redness and scaling, small eruptions and blisters that may ooze fluid.