Eczema by Trish Wallace
Posted by Trish Wallace on
Part 1
Eczema is non-contagious skin condition affecting 1 in 10 children and 1 in 20 adults. Skin becomes red, dry, itchy or scaly and can sometimes weep, bleed or form a crust. In most cases, atopic (allergy) dermatitis is the culprit. The exact cause of eczema or atopic dermatitis is unknown; basically your skin’s barrier function (which holds water in and blocks out allergens and irritants) weakens causing the skin to dry out.
Babies and children often grow out of it during their teens. There are three main types of eczema (and 2 rarer forms of eczema called nummular eczema and gravitational eczema which need more specialist intervention).
Atopic eczema (most common type) can run in families and generally accompanies other atopic conditions like asthma and hayfever. It’s characterised by the typical red, itchy, dry patches of skin especially at back of the knees and elbows. Experts such as dermatologists agree that regular skin moisturisation is key to prevent and control. La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5® balm is one of the best products for flare ups. It is suitable for everyone, including babies, and will not only help clear up the irritated areas, but also relieve skin from itching. Our pharmacy team recommend it as they find it often delays or prevents the need for subsequent use of stronger prescription medicines like steroid creams
More than just for Eczema
Whelehans health and beauty team find La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5® cream not only has excellent healing powers for eczema but also for chapped lips, dry or cracked skin, skin tightness, minor everyday injuries caused by daily aggressions or sensitive and irritated baby skin.
Part 2
In Part I gave a brief description of atopic eczema, but there are two more forms of eczema pretty common amongst us Irish.
Contact Dermatitis
This is an allergic reaction where little red, itchy spots or bumps appear in groups, usually on the hands, but can be found anywhere where skin is in contact with allergens. Many hairdressers, beauticians and chefs are prone to this but all of us can get it from washing detergents, nickel and some skincare and cosmetic products. Again, La Roche Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5® multi-purpose protecting balm is perfect for easing the itchiness and irritation of contact dermatitis. It contains panthenol, which is amazing for soothing skin and helping repair skin surface damage.
Seborrheic dermatitis
This is common in babies and men. There is no specific cause; there is evidence that a fungus called malassezia has an influence. It presents as yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face (especially above nose and forehead) and occasionally other parts of the body. It’s not normally itchy, but usually runs in families. Cradle cap in babies is a type of seborrheic dermatitis; warm olive oil is the best cure for babies. For adults, La Roche Posay® has a range of Kerium shampoos and moisturisers which specifically target seborrheic dermatitis and clear it up quickly. For anyone with eczema, I recommend investing in a really good shower gel and body lotion designed for dry and itchy skin. La Roche Posays Lipikar® body range are fantastic options; you can feel the difference after only a couple of uses!
Free Eczema skincare consultation at our Eczema Clinic
Whelehans Pharmacy offer free Eczema skincare consultations at our Eczema Clinic on Saturday July 16th with skincare expert Trish Wallace. Learn how to reduce redness and irritation and how to reduce frequency of flare-ups. Whelehans offer a range of effective products that give clearer skin in a safe and effective way without the need for stronger and potentially damaging prescription medicines like steroid creams. Book your free appointment; call Whelehans at 04493 34591 to discover clearer skin.
Written by Trish Wallace, Beauty Consultant at Whelehans Pharmacy Mullingar. For skincare and makeup tips and advice including free consultations, call in to Whelehans or call us at 04493 34591 or check www.whelehans.ie