Posts Tagged ‘Hay Fever’

There are three kinds of rashes that babies tend to develop. If the cause is not chicken pox or poison ivy it has to be eczema. In such a case the skin will turn scaly, red and it will develop sores. If the itching exceeds a limit the skin will start shedding in the form of scales. Eczema is also known as Dermatis. Dermatis means skin inflammation and here the skin tends to turn sore and pink. This is a very common problem. It has been found out that one in every ten children tend to suffer from this problem and this is below the age group of five. Once the child becomes a teenager there are less chances of this problem occurring.

Dry skin is just one of the problems that eczema creates, the other is the fact that the skin tends to itch terribly. Eczema is chronic and it can occur periodically. A special kind of cell that is present in the body will react to any foreign body that comes in contact with the skin. Here the skin inflammation takes place only to protect it. Some of the foreign bodies that are harmful may cause the skin to over react as they trigger out the reaction in self-defense. This can make the skin terribly sore, red and itchy. These special cells are present in large quantities in children who have eczema.

Generally if diseases like asthma, general allergies or hay fever are present in the family, the baby has a higher chance of getting eczema. This problem is passed down from the parents and is present in the genes. Researchers have found out that babies who have eczema have smaller chances of developing hay fever or asthma later in life. One good thing about eczema is that it is not contagious. There are many symptoms that help in identifying eczema. The first and foremost is the rash. Initially it might seem like the rashes are disappearing but they are sure to return back. Though eczema rashes are known to itch badly, this need not be the case always. These rashes always start from inside the elbows and behind the knees and then gradually spread to the other body parts.

There are many other kinds of rashes that can be formed besides eczema; only a doctor would generally be able to distinguish a normal rash from eczema. If it is confirmed that the rashes are due to eczema the child will have to use lotions or moisturizing creams in order to stop the skin from drying and also to stop the itchiness. In case the rashes do not stop the doctor may prescribe corticosteroids. This can be in the form of cream or ointment, which has to be applied to control the inflammation of the skin. Antihistamine can also be taken for severe swelling. This is available in either in the form of a liquid or as a pill. The doctors will definitely prescribe an antibiotic in case the itching has produced infection.

Certain substances trigger eczema. Children who are prone to eczema should avoid these substances. These substances could be soaps, detergents, hot and sweaty skin, dry air (during winters), and perfumes. Skin irritation can increase when it comes in contact with certain fabrics or dust mites. Even if there is severe itching the child must refrain from scratching it severely since it will only cause the skin to itch more and it will also help in spreading infection. In case of severe scratching the skin can sometimes break and bleed and this is what causes the infection to spread. The best remedy to this is to wet a cloth with cool water and place it on the area where there is severe itching. Parents should ensure that the nails of the children are cut short in order to avoid the skin from tearing when the child scratches it. Most importantly the patient should drink lots of water since this helps in keeping the skin moist.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/eczema-in-children-useful-remedies-to-beat-eczema-740061.html

Technorati Tags: Age Group, Allergies, Asthma, Babies, Chicken Pox, Dry Skin, Eczema, eczema in children, Elbows, Foreign Bodies, Genes, Hay Fever, Kn, Poison Ivy, Quantities, Rash, Rashes, Scales, Self Defense, Skin Inflammation

Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic form of dermatitis, itchy skin condition that is very common in children but may occur at any age or people having atopic tendencies. This means they may develop any or all of three closely linked conditions; atopic dermatitis, asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis).  It is also known as eczema and atopic eczema. Often these conditions run within families with a parent, child or sibling also affected. Atopic dermatitis is not contagious! It arises because of a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. These include skin irritants, the weather, temperature. Most people have acute flares with inflamed, red, sometimes blistered and weepy patches. In between flares, the skin may appear normal or suffer from chronic eczema with dry, thickened and itchy areas. However, ongoing researches have proved that eczema can be cured anytime in the foreseeable future with very effective treatments. Several treatments are available that will control the eczema so the skin looks and feels normal.

In general topical treatments are used first as they are effective for most patients if used correctly and have the fewest side effects. Most people with eczema use topical treatments (lotions, creams and ointments). When the surface of skin is inflamed, cracked or raw, many of these sting or burn when first applied. This irritation will lessen as the eczema gets cured. Oral medications may be offered to those with severe or treatment-resistant eczema. Although these are usually effective, they have side effects and risks that make them unsuitable as first line of treatment. Lotions and creams provide moisture to the skin and help prevent further water loss. Creams are most commonly used. Lotions are easy to apply but evaporate quickly and may not be oily enough.

Topical steroids are the mainstay of treatment for mild to moderate eczema. They are very effective and safe if used correctly, that is, use correct strength of steroid accordingly as the severity of the eczema changes. Yet, many people are concerned about potential side effects from topical steroids. Mild eczema is likely to respond to low potency topical steroids within a few days, often with complete clearance of eczema within one or two weeks. Moderate eczema may require more potent topical steroids for at least two weeks before improving and may require several weeks of treatment before clearing. Severe eczema may show only partial improvement with potent topical steroids alone even after several months of use.

As eczema tends to be persistent, most people will have to use topical steroids for many years. If used continuously topical steroids may lose their effectiveness after a few weeks (this is known as tachyphylaxis). If tachyphylaxis occurs, treatment needs to be tailored to the individual patient. Changing to a different topical steroid of the same strength can be helpful. Moderate and severe eczema are more difficult to manage. The eczema may not have completely cleared with a potent topical steroid after three to four weeks and then it seems to lose its efficacy. Treatment of infection, if present, may again make the topical steroid effective. A stronger topical steroid or an additional treatment such as phototherapy may be required. Phototherapy or ultraviolet (UV) treatment is reserved for severe eczema has potential side effects. It involves controlled exposure to UV-B and/or UV-A for a few minutes two to three times each week. A treatment course may continue for several months.

Antibiotics are sometimes very important in the management of atopic dermatitis, most often when there are signs of bacterial infection. The antibiotics are mostly given orally, penicillin derivatives are usually prescribed, or erythromycin, those allergic to penicillin. On discontinuing the oral antibiotic, the patient may suffer another flare so antibiotics may be required for several months. There is a low risk of side effects from such treatment. Antihistamines are sometimes helpful in stabilizing atopic dermatitis and may reduce the itch. They tend to be used more commonly in children.

Despite the potential long-term side effects of these agents, most patients who take them for severe eczema are satisfied with the result as it frees them from otherwise disabling eczema.

Bryan Morris
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/atopic-dermatitis-treatment-conditions-and-cures-695783.html

Technorati Tags: Allergic Rhinitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Atopic Eczema, Chronic Eczema, Dermatitis, Dermatitis Treatment, Eczema, Environmental Factors, Flares, Further Water, Hay Fever, Itchy Skin Condition, Lotions And Creams, Ointments, Oral Medications, Skin Irritants, Topical Steroids, Topical Treatments, Water Loss, Weather Temperature

In addition to the dry skin you also do feel itchy. The breaking of the skin comes out in the form of rashes. This condition does come and go quite frequently and hence it is chronic. There will be some sort of a reaction when the body is in contact with other kinds of foreign objects. What it does to the skin is protect it by inflating it. These foreign objects hence make the skin over react and cause more trouble. This makes it sore, red as well as itchy.

People who live with others who are allergic to many things or do have hay fever or asthma are more prone to have this problem. In comes in their genes and gets passed over form one generation to another. Many of the doctors do feel that those children who were affected by eczema when they were young are more likely to catch hay fever or problems of asthma. Allergies do add to the trouble. One good thing about this problem of eczema is that it is not contagious. The development of rash is the first sign of this problem. Many a times the rashes will seem to disappear but will cum back quiet quickly. Eczema does itch. Insides of elbows and the knees are the first to get affected. It then goes on spreading to the rest of the body.

Rashes may be due to a number of other reasons and hence doctors will have to make a close study of it. If it is for sure eczema then the child has to apply lotions or moisturizing creams to keep the skin from getting dry. Corticosteroids are recommended to those who are highly affected by this. This helps in keeping a check on skin inflammation. If the itchiness goes on then you can take antihistamines in the form of pills or a liquid. If an infection is caused due to scratching then antibiotics also need to be taken. This does not mean the problem gets solved. It just means that it does not trouble you at the moment.

There are a few things those children who are affected by eczema very frequently should keep away from. Detergents, perfumes, soap, hot and sweaty skin and dry air in winters have to be kept away. Scratchy fabrics and dust mites do increase irritation. Do not scratch were you feel itchy. This will increase it further. Due to bleeding and skin breaking the skin may get infected with bacteria. Cool water can be put in those areas with the help of a cloth. Nails need to be cut short. Finally, plenty of water has to be taken in to provide the skin with moisture.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/eczema-in-children-all-about-it-in-here-740062.html

Technorati Tags: Antibiotics, Asthma, Asthma Allergies, Corticosteroids, Detergents, Dry Skin, Eczema, eczema in children, Elbows, Genes, Hay Fever, Itchiness, Knees, Lotions, Many Things, Moisturizing Creams, Perfumes, Rash, Skin Inflammation, Sweaty Skin

In addition to the dry skin you also do feel itchy. The breaking of the skin comes out in the form of rashes. This condition does come and go quite frequently and hence it is chronic. There will be some sort of a reaction when the body is in contact with other kinds of foreign objects. What it does to the skin is protect it by inflating it. These foreign objects hence make the skin over react and cause more trouble. This makes it sore, red as well as itchy.

People who live with others who are allergic to many things or do have hay fever or asthma are more prone to have this problem. In comes in their genes and gets passed over form one generation to another. Many of the doctors do feel that those children who were affected by eczema when they were young are more likely to catch hay fever or problems of asthma. Allergies do add to the trouble. One good thing about this problem of eczema is that it is not contagious. The development of rash is the first sign of this problem. Many a times the rashes will seem to disappear but will cum back quiet quickly. Eczema does itch. Insides of elbows and the knees are the first to get affected. It then goes on spreading to the rest of the body.

Rashes may be due to a number of other reasons and hence doctors will have to make a close study of it. If it is for sure eczema then the child has to apply lotions or moisturizing creams to keep the skin from getting dry. Corticosteroids are recommended to those who are highly affected by this. This helps in keeping a check on skin inflammation. If the itchiness goes on then you can take antihistamines in the form of pills or a liquid. If an infection is caused due to scratching then antibiotics also need to be taken. This does not mean the problem gets solved. It just means that it does not trouble you at the moment.

There are a few things those children who are affected by eczema very frequently should keep away from. Detergents, perfumes, soap, hot and sweaty skin and dry air in winters have to be kept away. Scratchy fabrics and dust mites do increase irritation. Do not scratch were you feel itchy. This will increase it further. Due to bleeding and skin breaking the skin may get infected with bacteria. Cool water can be put in those areas with the help of a cloth. Nails need to be cut short. Finally, plenty of water has to be taken in to provide the skin with moisture.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/eczema-in-children-all-about-it-in-here-740062.html

Technorati Tags: Antibiotics, Asthma, Asthma Allergies, Corticosteroids, Detergents, Dry Skin, Eczema, eczema in children, Elbows, Genes, Hay Fever, Itchiness, Knees, Lotions, Many Things, Moisturizing Creams, Perfumes, Rash, Skin Inflammation, Sweaty Skin

Whether your physician says that your child has eczema or Atopic Dermatitis, you will need to know more. It is important for you to know and understand the disease, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and what can be done at home. It is important to know that the disease is not contagious.

Eczema is often used as a synonym for Atopic Dermatitis, even though it is a general term which covers any inflammation of the skin. Neither race nor gender has any correlation with the disease, which affects 10% of people worldwide. Instead, a combination of environment and heredity tend to be the culprits causing the disease.

Eczema is characterized by skin that is scaly, dry, inflamed, and itchy. It is possible for the affected areas to form blisters which break open, becoming open sores. Scratching does not alleviate the itchiness; rather it becomes worse and can be the cause of the open sores. Determining factors for diagnosis include:

Age, Eczema symptoms usually begin to manifest in early childhood, especially infancy.

Itching
Location, Eczema is usually found on the face, behind the knees, and on the inside of the elbows. It can affect other parts of the body as well, such as hands, feet, or scalp.

Appearance, the skin is usually scaly and dry, but the disease can look different from one person to the next. Skin can have open sores, tiny blisters, or thickening.

Heredity, Children who have a genetic history of asthma, eczema, or hay fever are more likely to have it than others.

Causes

Too many inflammation producing cells are released into the skin when an affected person comes in contact with a trigger. Triggers include: various environmental factors, having too mush stress, or having an infection. This release of cells is a normal bodily reaction, but in eczema patients the cells continue to be released even after the trigger is gone.

What kinds of things make symptoms worse and what can I do?

The different things that set off a flare up (worsening of symptoms) are called triggers and are different for everyone. Different triggers include:

Allergens, These may be food related or airborne. Airborne allergens can be dust, pets, and pollen among other things. Avoiding allergens (possibly having your pediatrician prescribe allergy medication) will help reduce eczema flare ups.

Dry skin, People who have eczema have to keep plenty of moisturizer on their skin because their skin does not moisturize itself like it is supposed to. To help avoid this, use plenty of moisturizer; apply in the morning, at night, after bathing, and during the day when dryness causes itching. Don’t use lotions as they have ingredients that can actually cause further drying. Creams with a petroleum jelly base provide the most relief. These should be applied to wet skin.

Infection, Infections from breaks in the skin (often due to scratching) often trigger flare ups. Keep nails cut short and wash with anti bacterial soap regularly (do not forget to moisturize,as described above, afterward).

Irritants, Man made products that irritate the skin when your child comes in contact with them. Try to not let your child come in contact with chemicals that irritate his skin.

Stress, It has not been determined why, but stress often precludes a flare up. A good support network is important, as is learning stress management techniques. Make sure your child knows about and understands his eczema.
S
Sweating, Sweat tends to irritate the skin of eczema patients. Bath as soon after sweating as possible, remembering to moisturize, as described above.

Temperatures, Extreme heat or cold as well as sudden temperature changes can affect eczema.

What kind of treatments can I expect?

It is important to realize that eczema has no cure. Treatments will alleviate the symptoms, but they will not make the disease go away permanently. Eczema is considered a chronic disease, meaning that it is incurable and it is very long term. Some children seem to outgrow eczema, but often they are actually just in remission for a number of years.

Topical medications, Often the pediatrician or dermatologist will prescribe corticosteroid medications that are applied several times daily. Be sure to apply these exactly as your doctor prescribes. Too few applications or inadequately spaced (in terms of time) applications will not help relieve the symptoms. Likewise, applying too often can cause other problems, such as thin skin and stretch marks.

Antibiotics, Any skin infections may require antibiotics to destroy the bacteria that are causing skin irritation.

Allergy medications, For airborne allergy triggers, your child may have to take an antihistamine regularly.

Louise Forrest
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/is-eczema-stopping-your-child-from-having-fun-107419.html

Technorati Tags: Atopic Dermatitis, Correlation, Culprits, Dermatitis, Different Things, Early Childhood, Eczema, Eczema Patients, Elbows, Environmental Factors, Flare, Genetic History, Having Fun, Hay Fever, Heredity, History Of Asthma, Infancy, Inflammation Of The Skin, Itchiness, Tiny Blisters