Eczema/ Dermatitis Skincare

So what exactly is Eczema/ Dermatitis and what causes it?

Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a group of diseases that results in inflammation of the skin. These diseases are characterised by itchiness, red skin and a rash. In cases of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long term cases the skin may become thickened. The area of skin involved can vary from very small to the entire body. In 2015 dermatitis was estimated to affect ~245 million people world wide and is a group of skin conditions which include: 

Atopic Dermatitis

Most commonly referred to as eczema and affects about 20% of people at some point in their lives is more common in younger children and affects males and females equally. The cause of Atopic Dermatitis is not known, although there is some evidence of genetic, environmental, and immunologic factors.

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Irritant Contact Dermatitis

A form of contact dermatitis, in which the skin is injured by friction, environmental factors such as cold, over-exposure to water, or chemicals such as acids, alkalis, detergents and solvents.

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Allergic Contact Dermatitis

A form of contact dermatitis which created by a hypersensitive reaction that is atypical within the general population.

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Stasis Dermatitis

Skin inflammation that develops in people with poor circulation. Stasis dermatitis often occurs in the lower legs because that's where blood typically collects. When blood collects or pools in the veins of your lower legs, the pressure on the veins increases.

The diagram above shows how skin affected by dermatitis differs from healthy skin

How can dermatitis/ eczema be treated?

Treatment of dermatitis is typically with moisturisers and steroid creams. the steroid creams are generally mid-high strength and to be used for less than two weeks at a time as side effects can occur. Antibiotics may be required if there are signs of skin infection. Contact dermatitis is typically treated by avoiding the allergen or irritant. Antihistamines may help with sleep and to decrease nighttime scratching.

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Many people struggle to find products to put together a dermatitis skincare routine or to supplement stronger/ prescribed products. Given the characteristics of dermatitis/ eczema you should look to put together a routine with products which as a group have the following qualities.

• Itch Relieving

• Anti-inflammatory

• Skin Barrier Repairing i.e. contain; cholesterol, ceramides and/or essential fatty acids to help rebuild the damaged skin barrier.

• Moisture Boosting i.e. contain humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin which bind water to the upper layers of the skin.

Recommended Eczema/ Dermatitis Skincare Products

Below are a some of our favourite fragrance free skincare products which have the properties listed above and which we hope will help you in your fight against dermatitis/ eczema: