ECZEMA
Itch that rashes: No scratch=No rash
Possible Triggers: Dryness, heat, pressure, rubbing/scratching, pet allergies, dust mite allergies
Treatment
Keep Skin Moist:- MOISTURIZE at least twice daily especially after showers/baths
- Examples of moisturizers:
- For hand eczema: Barrier Creams: ie. Barriere, Prevex, Herbacin, Glysomed
- Bath better then showers:
- Use no or little soap (Dove or Oil of Olay soap best, least drying)
- Pat dry with towel, do not rub (will irritate skin if rub)
- Put medicated cream on red itchy spots (see below)
- Moisturize rest of skin right away to lock in water from bath
Prevent Itch:
- Use antihistamines
- No fabric softener (can use (non-chemical) dryer balls instead)
- If have to use: liquid softener better & should double rinse
- Keep nails short
- Wear soft, comfortable fabrics i.e. cotton, but NO wool
Medication:
- Steroid Creams/Ointments:
- Topical (on surface of skin only)
- Can cause thinning/bruising of the skin therefore use only on red itchy areas, not on normal skin
- For face: Hydrocortisone 0.5-1% ONLY. No stronger steroid creams.
- Non-Steroid Creams/Ointments:
- Protopic and Elidel
- Topical
- No thinning of the skin
- Safe to use on face
- When first using, you may feel a burning sensation
- This usually gets better with continued use
- If burning occurs: can put in fridge.
- Antihistamines
- Reactine (Cetirizine) 1/day
- Aerius (Desloratidine) 1/day
- Allegra (Fexofenodine) 1/day
- Claritin (Loratidine) 1/day
WET WRAP INSTRUCTIONS - for moderate to severe eczema
ECZEMA PERSONAL CARE PRODUCT GUIDE
*** Created by Dr. Ellie Tsai MD, FRCPC Kingston Allergy and Asthma 613-546-6673***