Is an allergic disorder of the skin.

FEATURES

The affected skin looks

• Dry/ Scaly
• Red/ Cracked
• Is Very Itchy

• Knees/ Elbow joint ( Inner and outer surface)
• Neck
• Face/ Scalp

• There is no permanent treatment.
• Measures to support the symptoms ( Itching/ pain) helps to control the disease.

• The treatment has to be tailored to each individual through series of trial attempts
• You can try the available non-steroid products yourself and then and choose the best that works.
• Find the triggers and avoid them.( Skin prick test to find triggers can help- ask your doctor)
• Skin gets dry because it loses moisture ( so use suitable  moisturiser regularly)
• This is allergic response( so Steroid lotions are used- steroids decrease allergy reaction)

• Oral– Allergy Syrups to reduce itching
• Local Emollients– Lotion/ Cream/ Ointment(Lotion is less greasy and Ointment is most). Paraffin is an important component of emollients.
• Steroids or other drugs-(to be decided by doctor)

• Oral syrups– Anti-allergic syrups are used(Chlorphenamine). They suppress the urge to scratch and may cause sleep
• Emollient– the more greasy the product the more moisturiser property.
  Use the emollients as many times each day to keep skin moisturised( Specifically after bath and before sleep)
• Apply little and often and don’t vigorously rub them in.
• Apply along the line of the hairs on the skin.
• Use Bath Oils in water each day. Avoid soaps (they generally dry the skin)
• After applying the emollient you can wrap the area lightly with a clean bandage. It helps prevent scratching and helps better absorption of the cream.
• Never Bandage an area you think is infected( See below)

• If signs of infection ( see below)
• If severe unresponsive eczema

SIGNS OF INFECTION ( see your doctor)

• Becomes more red, worse itching and soreness.
• Discharge of clear or yellow fluid.
• Fever or generalised Unwell