Eczema Dr Vanita Rattan | What causes eczema on hands/ face | Eczema treatment | atopic dermatitis

Summary

This video script delves into the common misconceptions and proper treatments for eczema, a chronic skin condition characterized by dryness and inflammation. It highlights the importance of genetic and environmental factors, the role of natural moisturizing factors, and the pitfalls of using Vaseline without a humectant. The speaker also emphasizes the significance of a proper skincare routine, including the use of hydrating soaps, avoiding synthetic fabrics, and the application of creams in the correct order for optimal skin health.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, irritated skin prone to itching and scratching, potentially leading to secondary infections.
• 👶 About 15-30% of children suffer from eczema, with most outgrowing it by adulthood, affecting only 1-2% of adults.
• 🧬 Eczema has genetic factors, including a reduction in natural moisturizing factors (NMF) which helps skin cells retain water, and a decrease in antimicrobial peptides leading to increased bacterial presence.
• 🌿 Environmental factors, such as soap which strips the skin of lipids, can exacerbate eczema, emphasizing the need for hydrating soaps in specific areas only.
• 🛌 Dust mites can also contribute to eczema by producing proteins that damage skin proteins, causing inflammation.
• 🩺 Eczema diagnosis is clinical, requiring itchy skin along with other symptoms like dryness, rash, or a history of hay fever or asthma.
• 💊 Treatment involves improving the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection, with a focus on proper skincare routines.
• 🚿 After showering, it's crucial to hydrate the skin with emollients and avoid applying steroid creams immediately to prevent dilution.
• 🌙 For severe dryness and itching without infection, bandaging the area at night can provide a secondary skin layer to trap moisture.
• 💤 Antihistamines can help with itchiness and improve sleep quality, which is essential for managing eczema.
• 🚫 The single biggest mistake in treating eczema is using Vaseline alone, which only occludes the skin without hydrating it; humectants should be used first to draw water into the skin.

Q & A

What is eczema?

Eczema is a chronic relapsing inflammation of the skin characterized by dry skin, irritation, and a tendency to scratch, which can lead to secondary infections.

What percentage of children are affected by eczema?

About 15 to 30 percent of children get eczema, which is a significant portion of the pediatric population.

Do most people outgrow eczema as they become adults?

Yes, most people outgrow eczema by adulthood, with only 1 to 2 percent of the adult population having eczema.

What are the two main causes of eczema?

The two main causes of eczema are genetic and environmental factors.

What is the role of natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in eczema?

NMF helps skin cells retain water. A reduction in NMF can lead to water evaporation from the skin, raising the skin's pH and allowing the top layer to separate, creating gaps that allow irritants in and leading to a vicious cycle.

How does a reduction in antimicrobial peptides contribute to eczema?

A reduction in antimicrobial peptides can lead to an increase in bacteria on the skin, particularly staph aureus, which produces toxins causing inflammation and exacerbating eczema due to the pre-existing skin barrier issues.

What environmental factors can contribute to eczema?

Environmental factors include the use of soap, which can strip the skin of its natural lipids, and dust mites, which produce proteins that damage skin proteins and cause inflammation.

How is eczema diagnosed?

Eczema is diagnosed clinically by fulfilling certain criteria such as itchy skin, dry skin, rash or inflammation in specific areas, and a history of hay fever or asthma.

What are the three main aspects of treating eczema?

The three main aspects of treating eczema are improving the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and preventing or reducing infections.

Why is applying Vaseline directly to the skin considered a mistake in treating eczema?

Applying Vaseline directly to the skin is a mistake because it is an occlusive that prevents water evaporation but does not hydrate the skin. It's better to use humectant ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid first to draw water into the skin, then apply an occlusive to retain the moisture.

What are some tips for reducing eczema symptoms in children?

Tips for children with eczema include washing bedding at high temperatures, using fragrance-free detergents, and considering a skin care routine specific to children's needs.