October: Skin is IN | Health Blog

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Or should I title this: Eczema: The gift that keeps giving?

Well, let?s celebrate it! (If you can?t beat it?) October is Eczema Awareness Month and recognizes this common inflammatory skin condition that affects approximately 15 million Americans.

That itch, that rash; no matter what you do, it will never permanently go away. Perhaps a skin cr?me here or there can temporarily calm the irritation, but it will never truly disappear. Perhaps it is worse in the colder months or perhaps worse when your respiratory allergies flare. Either way, it is annoying.

Eczema is characterized by a recurrent/chronic red, scaling, oozing and itching skin. Perhaps you have experienced eczema but never thought to review this uncomfortable condition with your doctor. Symptoms are simply irritating (literally).

However, in more severe cases (atopic dermatitis), discomfort can make for a poor quality of life especially if there is an additive bacterial infection complicating the condition. This scratchy rash affects both adults and children. I have cared for kids in my practice with atopic dermatitis that is so severe and physically debilitating that it causes them social isolation. Many people will develop more skin redness and irritation due to an infection in addition to inflammation.

If the steroid cr?me the doctor prescribes is not working, then it is time to take a different approach. In the old days, we would recommend a bleach bath. But that takes too much water and who has time for a daily bath anyway? Alternatives include using an antibacterial shower gel (CLN BodyWash is an effective product) which is a far more convenient and water-conserving method.

The cold months are coming, so keep the skin well-hydrated. If the dryness becomes more flakey, red and persistent, get to your doctor. If you are ?itching? to know more about eczema, refer to the web site www.nationaleczema.org.

Source: http://healthblog.dallasnews.com/2012/10/october-skin-is-in.html/

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