Because hand sanitizers contain alcohol, they can dry out the skin and trigger an eczema outbreak. During flu season, wash your hands with a gentle soap and tepid water. Since you may feel the need to wash your hands more often than normal, be extra vigilant about moisturizing immediately afterwards.

Hand soaps in public restrooms frequently contain alcohol and can therefore sap moisture from the skin. Carry a gentle liquid cleanser with you in small, refillable travel bottles so you can avoid using harsh restroom soap.

If you are concerned about shaking hands, use an alternate greeting – you certainly won’t be alone in doing this during flu season. Some eczema sufferers also choose to wear 100% cotton, lightweight gloves when they are in public places such as the office or a shopping mall. Be sure to wash the gloves every day with gentle detergent and keep a few spare pairs on hand.

A group of American scientists recently completed a study which found that bathing children with severe eczema and secondary bacterial infections in diluted bleach helped to reduce the severity of symptoms. When children scratch skin that is red, inflamed and itchy, it can become raw. Sometimes, it becomes infected with bacteria such as staphylococcal. The researchers theorized that the bleach’s antibacterial properties diminished the bacteria present on the skin, leading to an improvement in eczema symptoms overall.

It is very important to note that the bleach baths were administered under the care and supervision of specialists. Do not try this treatment for yourself or your child on your own, as bleach used incorrectly can cause a great amount of harm to eczema sufferers. Please discuss whether this is an option for you with your health care provider.

Yes – it is common for eczema symptoms to worsen in winter weather. The cold air and harsh wind can severely dry the skin, as can indoor air which usually has a far lower humidity level in the winter than the 60 per cent required for skin to retain water. Heavy winter clothing can also irritate the skin.
To help combat this, you can try the following:
• Increase the use of moisturizers, or try a heavier moisturizer during the winter months;
• Use humidifiers in several rooms of your home, especially the bedroom, and in your office if possible. Adding live plants to your spaces can also improve the environmental humidity;
• Use tepid water for bathing and washing, as hot water may sap moisture from your skin.

Blisters can be present in most types of eczema; however they are usually associated with dyshidrotic eczema, which affects the hands and feet and is characterized by the sudden onset of small, fluid-filled, clear tiny blisters (vesicles). When the skin becomes irritated, the inflammation that results can cause fluid accumulation in the skin’s tissues, resulting in the appearance of blisters. These may ooze and eventually crust over.

To help prevent flare-ups, avoiding contact with irritants and allergens is important. Some dyshidrotic eczema sufferers will wear protective gloves. Treatments for eczema blisters depend on severity, and can range from applying a cool compress to the blisters to using moisturizers or prescription ointments or creams. Some sufferers also find relief from PUVA therapy, where blistered areas are soaked in a special psoralen solution and exposed to ultra violet light. Newer light treatments include a special narrow band UVB. It is important to speak to your doctor to determine the treatment that is right for you.

It is possible for individuals with allergies to run a low-grade fever when they are having an allergic reaction. This is caused by the body working to fight off an infection or inflammation. Some eczema sufferers do also experience a fever during flares. Consult your doctor if you or your child develops a fever.

It can be very difficult to stop eczema sufferers from scratching, particularly at night as they can scratch in their sleep or be kept awake by intense itchiness. The following strategies may help with night time scratching:
• Skin can become hotter and itchier at night, so it is important to keep the bedroom temperature cool and to use cotton sheets or a natural fibre light duvet.
• Apply moisturizer at least 30 minutes before bed to allow time for it to be absorbed.
• Make it more difficult to scratch by cutting and filing fingernails and toenails regularly.
• Some children wear cotton mittens or socks to bed. Since they may be pulled off during sleep, you can also try sewing the arms and legs of pyjamas shut. Some specialty retailers also sell eczema pyjamas, which are made from organic cotton and have the seams and tags on the outside to avoid irritating the skin. 

In 2005, Health Canada issued a public health advisory suggesting a rare risk of cancer as a result of Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors (TCI) use. Many professional organizations, including the Canadian Dermatology Association, have taken a position that a warning of this nature is not supported by clinical evidence.  Studies have not found a direct link between the use of TCIs and an increased risk of malignancies like lymphoma and skin cancer.

You should always consult your doctor for further information about eczema treatments and the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

An autoimmune disease results from the body’s overactive immune response against substances and tissues that are normally present. In other words, the body’s tissues are attacked by its own immune system.

While the cause of eczema is not known for certain nor fully understood, we do know that eczema sufferers have skin that is different. There is growing evidence to support the theory that a genetic defect in the outermost layer of the skin allows irritants and allergens to penetrate, resulting in inflammation. This skin barrier defect means that adverse reactions to things like dust mites, fragrances, detergents and certain foods are more likely.

While stress does not cause eczema, it may trigger a flare-up. When we are stressed, the mind sends a signal to the body, and the body reacts to that distress signal. For many eczema sufferers that reaction is a flare of symptoms. Anger, frustration and other emotional stressors can also aggravate the condition. It is important to have stress management strategies in place to help control your body’s response to these emotions and situations, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation techniques. Practice these strategies when you are not feeling stressed so that you are ready to implement them when something upsetting does occur.

All three of the conditions mentioned above are common and non-contagious skin disorders. The most qualified professional to discuss your symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment is your family physician or dermatologist.

Psoriasis is characterized by raised, thick, red patches on the skin. They usually have a white or silvery scale on the surface, which is a build-up of dead skin cells. The skin cells are multiplying too quickly and not falling off fast enough. Psoriasis can be hereditary. Although it can be found anywhere on the body, psoriasis is usually found on the scalp, elbows and knees. Occasionally the trunk, arms, legs, and nails are also involved.

Contact dermatitis is different from psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in that it is usually caused by an allergy or irritation from direct contact to a certain substance in the environment. There are two types of contact dermatitis. The first is irritant contact dermatitis, where the condition is caused by coming into contact with a harsh substance such as detergents, cleansers and industrial compounds. The second is allergic contact dermatitis, where exposure to a substance causes an allergic reaction or skin sensitivity such that whenever the skin is exposed to that substance it becomes inflamed and itchy. A good example of this is poison ivy. The best treatment for contact dermatitis of any type is to avoid the substance causing the reaction. However, if this is unknown, a "patch test" may be performed to determine the substance that you may be allergic to. This procedure tests small areas of your skin for reactions to different substances. It is not used to determine whether a substance irritates you.

Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition that is also red and inflamed and can be very itchy. Unlike psoriasis, however, it does not cause a silvery scale on the surface of the skin. Occasionally when it is severe, it can cause the skin to ooze and occasionally crust. Although this may appear similar to contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis does not have a known cause. Certain environmental influences such as dry air, heat or stress can make the condition worse, but rarely is eczema attributable to a specific compound or substance. Like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis can be hereditary; however it is usually more common in families that have asthma and allergies such as hay fever. Occasionally, determining which condition you have can be difficult and your family doctor or dermatologist may be able to diagnose it by physical examination. Sometimes, however, a skin biopsy has to be performed to determine the diagnosis. Getting a specific diagnosis is important as treatment options can be tailored to your condition.

Although topical corticosteroids are a good option for short term use, the long-term side effects include skin atrophy (thinning of skin), telangiectasia (blood vessels that look dilated), stretch marks, and possibly an increased incidence of infection. These are quite rare depending on the strength of the cortisone that you are using. The stronger the cortisone is, the more chance there is of causing these local side effects that are occasionally seen. Sometimes, if very potent topical steroids are used, systemic absorption can occur and other side effects may be seen, although this is very rare.

There are various moisturizers on the market that are available for sensitive skin. Some of these include Cetaphil®, Tolerin™ and Cliniderm®. These seem to be some of my patients’ favourites.

Any name brand laundry detergent can be used as long as it does not irritate the skin. There are no true specific recommendations. Dish soap can be quite irritating therefore wearing cotton liners in rubber gloves may be helpful. Bar soap such as Cetaphil^®, Petrophilic™, or Dove^® unscented may be helpful.

Itching and scratching is certainly a prominent feature in eczema. The occasional use of oral antihistamines can be helpful. Non-sedating ones are preferred for during the day and sedating antihistamines may be helpful at night. If she stops scratching, she will have fewer sores and therefore eventually less scars. Open sores may require treatment with a topical antibiotic. If there is a lot of redness, inflammation and oozing, one may need oral antibiotics, but this is uncommon. Appropriate treatment with the use of Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors and/or topical steroids may help alleviate the itch and therefore decrease the scratching. 

Unfortunately there is no cure for this skin condition known as eczema. Occasionally children can grow out of it and she may not be scratching for the rest of her life. My best advice is for you to discuss the various medications that are available with your family physician or dermatologist. Appropriate bathing techniques, the use of moisturizers, and antihistamines may also be helpful. Avoidance of aggravating products is also indicated.

Very few over-the-counter (OTC) products are effective, except for bland moisturizers. One can use oral non-sedating antihistamines and sedating antihistamines for night-time use. Some moisturizers such as Cetaphil®, Cliniderm^® or Tolerin^® may be helpful.

A dermatologist or family physician is qualified to diagnosis the skin conditions that you describe. The treatment they recommend will depend on the condition and the severity of the disease as well as other factors. I encourage you to obtain a proper medical diagnosis and then discuss the various medications that are available with your family physician or dermatologist.

Turpentine should NOT be used on the skin. It can cause severe irritant dermatitis which can lead to open sores, secondary infection, and can exacerbate eczema.

This is a very controversial area. If certain foods tend to aggravate the skin, then they should definitely be avoided. Allergy testing can be helpful at an early age from an allergist in order to determine whether one is allergic to certain products or not.

I would suggest that a gentle hypoallergenic shampoo such as Cliniderm^® or Neutrogena^® may be a helpful non irritating way to improve scalp eczema. Also the addition of a topical steroid scalp lotion that has a non-alcohol base can be of benefit. Moisturizing the scalp with regular lotions are messy and impractical.

Eczema can be affected in a number of different ways depending on the individual. For some, the sun may make the eczema worse, or it can make it better as it appears to be with your child. However, sun block is always recommended if there is exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Sun block will prevent the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin. Choose a sunscreen that is non irritating. A use test on the forearm before general application is recommended.

There is no single cause for eczema, and for some, foods can trigger a ‘flare up’. It has been estimated that 80 per cent of those with allergies to either egg, peanut, milk, soy, wheat or fish have eczema. In addition, these foods are 90 per cent of the food allergens that can cause a ‘flare up’. However, the reverse may not necessarily be true, i.e. 90 per cent of eczema patients do NOT have food allergies. If you’re noticing your eczema flares after you eat a particular food, such as dairy, it might be worth the exercise to eliminate that food from your diet for a short period of time and see if you continue to have ‘flare ups’. However, there are many other potential triggers that can make your eczema worsen.

Consult your doctor for advice about using particular medications while pregnant, or if planning a pregnancy. If advised to avoid certain medications, you can still manage your eczema without them while you’re pregnant. Be mindful of triggers that may cause ‘flare ups’ and avoid them. Also, it is important to keep your skin moisturized, preferably with emollient ointments or creams.

Of course, the best way to prevent an eczema-related scar is to try to stop scratching your eczema to the point of breaking the skin. However, it can be very difficult, as itch is a very aggravating symptom of eczema. Naturally in some cases, eczema-prone skin may be compromised and open wounds can be a result without the itching. However, where it can be prevented it should be. If in general you are prone to hyper pigmentation (darkening of the new skin), you should ask your doctor about prescriptions or over-the-counter products to help reduce the pigment in your skin. In addition, keep the broken skin away from sunlight as it is healing and apply vitamin E.

Eczematous skin tends to be dry and irritated and sufferers are often told about the importance of keeping the skin moisturized with emollients that help lock moisture in the skin. Hot showers or baths can rob the skin of its natural oils and moisture and, consequently, is not recommended for eczema sufferers. On the other hand, tepid baths and showers are great for infusing moisture into the skin, especially when it is immediately followed by a moisturizing agent, such as an emollient, that is applied once the bath/shower is over. At first, there may be a bit of a stinging sensation if there is exposed eczema skin, but do not let this be a deterrent. Daily bathing with tepid water for a short length of time and following with a moisturizer is one way to help increase the moisture level in your skin, and the moisture is trapped in the skin with the emollient. Making this part of your daily routine may help reduce the severity of your eczema symptoms.

Before talking about other medications, it is important that you and your daughter are following some basic steps that can greatly improve her condition. These include avoiding the things that trigger a flare (such as sweat, dust, wool etc.). Frequent bathing and moisturizing are key to keeping eczema flares under control. You should discuss the side effects of both steroid and non-steroid drugs with your doctor or dermatologist.

The exact cause of eczema is unknown; however, it has been linked to environmental, genetic and immunologic factors. The condition tends to run in families where there is a history of eczema, asthma or hay fever. It can also affect children in families with no known history of eczema or other allergic conditions. About 12 to 25 per cent of Canadian children suffer from eczema.

In some children, certain foods (i.e. eggs, milk, wheat, soy, seafood, nuts, etc.) can trigger ‘flare ups’. The doctor may have recommended that you consult other health care professionals, such as an allergist and a dietitian, to determine whether these foods should be restricted from your child’s diet. Making the right changes – under the supervision of a health care team – may help reduce the number or the severity of ‘flare ups’.

A number of other factors also appear to trigger eczema ‘flare ups’. Contact with irritants such as soap, detergents or abrasive fabrics like wool or carpet may trigger itching that could lead to ‘flare ups’. Additionally, heat, sweat and low humidity could do the same. Keeping track of what triggers your child’s ‘flare ups’ may help prevent irritation. Click here to download a trigger chart that can assist you in keeping track of what affects your child so that you can eliminate the triggers and/or manage their effects.

A good skin care regimen of moisturizing and medicating the skin is key in alleviating the itch and pain of eczema in children of all ages. Keep the child’s skin well moisturized, even when a rash is not present. Moisturizers create a barrier against water loss.

While there is no cure for eczema, effective treatments are available to help manage the condition. Don’t be afraid to go back to your child’s doctor to determine the best treatment option – and follow the prescribed treatment plan. While it may take time to find the medication that’s right for your child, be patient; your child’s health care team will work with you to find the treatment that delivers the best possible outcome.

Stasis dermatitis or dependent eczema is a skin rash on the lower legs, generally related to a circulatory problem. Stasis dermatitis occurs almost exclusively in middle-aged and elderly people, with approximately six per cent of the population over age 50 being affected by the condition. Symptoms include itching and/or reddish-brown discoloration of the skin on the legs. Progression of the condition rarely leads to blistering, oozing skin lesions. 

The combination of heat and moisture can make eczema extremely itchy - making the genital region one of the most uncomfortable places to get eczema. There are ways to reduce the itching. Try wearing loose cotton undergarments and light, loose-fitting clothing during the day. If possible, do not wear undergarments while you sleep. This may provide more comfort, as underwear tends to rub against the skin creating discomfort and irritation. Resist the urge to shave. Razors, wax and hair removal lotions will only aggravate eczema. Wait until the eczema clears before you attempt to shave or wax your genital region. Prescription creams and ointments are available to treat eczema and some are safe to use in the genital area if prescribed by your doctor specifically for this area. Speak to your doctor or dermatologist for more information.

Although sunlight has been proven to be beneficial for certain skin conditions, tanning beds are harmful. Phototherapy is a special light treatment for eczema (as well as other skin conditions) that is prescribed and facilitated through a health care professional. Most short-course phototherapy treatments such as ultraviolet B (UVB) and psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) have been shown to have a beneficial effect in adults suffering from severe atopic dermatitis. Narrow band and PUVA therapies appear to be most effective. It should be noted, though, that excessive exposure to UV rays may be harmful to the skin. For more information on light therapy, talk to your dermatologist and click here for more information.