Eczema: The unknown disorder

PREVENTION-If the condition becomes infected, treatment with an anti-fungal cream may be necessary.

NAME-Varicose eczema-

DEFINITION- varicose eczema affects the lower legs of those in their middle to late years, being caused by poor circulation. Commonly the skin around the ankles is affected, becoming speckled, itchy and inflamed.

PREVENTION- Treatment is with emollients and steroid creams. If left untreated, the skin can break down, resulting in an ulcer.

NAME- Discoid eczema-

DEFINITION- is usually found in adults and appears suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red skin, normally on the trunk or lower legs. They become itchy and can weep fluid.

PREVENTION- Usually discoid eczema is treated with emollients (and steroid creams if necessary).

So we know what eczema is and the different kinds of the disease. The bad news is that there is no cure. So if you have eczema there are things that you can do to treat it. Of course going to a dermatologist is the first thing to do if you need a definite answer and information about it. Other ways to live with it is (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2000):

1- Limit your contact with things that can irritate your skin

2- Wear gloves to protect the skin on your hands

3- Wear clothes made of cotton or a cotton blend

4- Care for your skin in the bath or shower

5- Use the medicine your doctor has prescribed for you

6- Use a moisturizer on your skin every day

7- Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy area

8- Avoid getting too hot and sweaty

9- Learn how to manage stress in your life

10-Continue skin care even after your skin has healed

The point of this article was to bring to light a disease that is rarely heard about within the African American community, but it is there. So in the future if you hear about somebody who is affected by this disease than you will know a little more about it.

Sources

"Eczema: Tips on how to care for your skin". American Academy of Family Physicians October 2000 http://www.familydoctor.org/handouts/176...

"Eczema: Frequently Asked Questions". The National Ezcema Society http://www.eczema.org/

Lang, Pearon. "Dermatoses in African Americans". Dermatology http://www.ajj.com/services/pblshng/dnj/...

"What is Eczema". Eczema Association of Australia, Inc http://www.eczema.org.au/what_is_eczema....

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