How to Treat ECZEMA | Black Brown skin | Dry Skincare Routine| The #1 Best Remedy for Eczema

Summary

In this educational video, Dr. Noosa, a UK-based medical doctor, discusses eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition that can affect self-confidence. She explains the defective skin barrier's role in causing dry, itchy skin and highlights differences in eczema presentation on various skin tones. Dr. Noosa offers practical advice on managing eczema through lifestyle changes, skincare routines, and medications, emphasizing the importance of emollients and steroids for treatment. She also suggests keeping a food diary to identify triggers and recommends antihistamines for itch management. The video aims to educate viewers on how to cope with eczema effectively.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Noosa is a UK-based medical doctor who discusses eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, a common skin condition.
• 🌐 Eczema affects the skin barrier, causing dryness, itchiness, and potential infections due to its impaired function.
• 🏼 Eczema's appearance varies with skin tone; it appears red on lighter skin but can be brown, purple, or gray on darker skin tones.
• 🔍 Darker skin tones may experience hyperpigmentation, while hypopigmentation is more common in lighter skin tones affected by eczema.
• 🚫 Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers and managing stress, are crucial in complementing medical treatments for eczema.
• 📝 Keeping a food diary can help identify food triggers for eczema flare-ups, especially common allergens like eggs, wheat, soy, and peanuts.
• 💧 Emollients are essential for managing eczema; they come in ointments, creams, and lotions, with creams being a comfortable middle ground for many.
• 💊 For inflammation, steroid ointments or creams are often prescribed, with the strength depending on the severity of eczema.
• 🛁 Bathing with oil or using a soap substitute like E45 can help retain moisture in the skin and reduce dryness.
• 🧴 Applying emollients immediately after bathing or showering, using a pump dispenser to avoid contamination, is key for effective skin hydration.
• 📉 Regular use of emollients, ideally four times a day or more, even after eczema clears, is necessary to maintain skin health.

Q & A

What is eczema also known as?

Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis.

What is the primary function of the skin barrier in relation to eczema?

The skin barrier in eczema is defective and doesn't function properly, allowing too much water to leave the skin, which results in dry, itchy, cracked, and sore skin.

How does eczema appear differently on lighter versus darker skin tones?

In lighter skin tones, eczema-associated inflammation appears red, but it's harder to see redness in darker skin tones where it appears more as a darker brown, purple, or even gray color.

What are some common triggers of eczema flare-ups?

Common triggers of eczema include soap, detergent, fragrance products, cold weather, and certain foods like eggs, wheat, soy, and peanuts.

Why is it important to keep a food diary when managing eczema?

A food diary helps identify potential food triggers for eczema flare-ups by noting what foods were consumed prior to flare-ups, allowing for dietary adjustments to reduce symptoms.

How does stress impact eczema?

Stress has been proven to trigger eczema, so managing stress through self-care and mindfulness can help in managing eczema symptoms.

What is the recommended skin care product for eczema management?

A good emollient or moisturizer is recommended for eczema management, with creams being a good middle ground between ointments and lotions for most people.

What is the role of steroid ointments or creams in treating eczema?

Steroid ointments or creams help manage eczema by reducing itching, swelling, and redness associated with eczema flare-ups. The strength of the steroid prescribed depends on the severity of the eczema.

Why should antihistamines be considered for eczema treatment?

Antihistamines can help with the itching associated with eczema, with non-drowsy options like cetirizine or fexofenadine suitable for daytime use, and drowsy antihistamines like chlorpheniramine for nighttime relief.

What is the recommended frequency for applying emollients or moisturizers for eczema?

It is recommended to moisturize at least four times a day, even when the eczema clears, with the goal of using approximately 500 grams of cream per week for effective management.

Why is it advised to use a soap substitute for eczema-prone skin?

Soap substitutes like bath oil or pre-wash are recommended because they are less likely to dry out the skin compared to traditional soaps or shower gels, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms.