Natural Health October 2017

SPECIAL
Bacteria, Viruses & Fungi
7. Statis Dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis also called as varicose
eczema or venousstasis dermatitis
because it usually happens when there
is a problem with blood flow inthe veins
and pressure develops (usually in the
lower legs). This pressure can cause fluid
toleak out of the veins and into the skin,
resulting in stasis dermatitis. Symptoms of
stasis dermatitis include swelling around
the ankles, redness, scaling, itching,
pain; and in more severe cases oozing,
open areas (cracking or larger ulcers)
and infection.
8. Eczema Herpeticum
Eczema herpeticum is a serious skin
infection caused by the herpes simplex
virus that can affect people with atopic
eczema. The condition can affect any
part of the body, but is most common
on the face. Symptoms of eczema
herpeticum are high temperature,
shivering, swollen lymph glands and
clusters of itchy blisters or punched-out
erosions.
Management of Eczema
There is no fixed treatment schedule or
prescription dose for eczema. Treatment
for the condition aims to heal the affected
skin and prevent flaring of the symptoms.
Management of the condition will
revolve around age, symptoms and other
underlying conditions. For some people,
eczema goes away over time, and for
others, it remains a lifelong condition.
Some of the following self-management
techniques can help improve
eczematous conditions:
• Taking lukewarm baths.
• Applying moisturizer within 3 minutes
of bathing to "lock in" moisture.
• Moisturizing regularly.
• Wearing cotton and soft fabrics,
avoiding rough, scratchy fibers, and
tight-fitting clothing.
• Using mild soap or a non-soap
cleanser when washing.
• Air drying or gently patting skin dry
with a towel, rather than rubbing skin
dry after bathing.
• Avoiding rapid changes
• of temperature.
• Learning individual eczema triggers
and avoiding them.
• Using a humidifier in dry or
cold weather.
• Keeping fingernails short to prevent
scratching from breaking skin.
Moisturizing regularly
Using a humidifier
Avoid rapid changes of temperature
The healthcare practitioner may
prescribe medications depending on the
condition ranging from antiinfectives,
antihistamines, antiinflammatory,
immunomodulators, probiotics or
corticosteroids either to be applied on the
skin or to be consumed orally,
Even after the eczematous condition has
healed or improved, it is important to
keep looking after it and avoiding the
trigger factors, as it can easily resurface.
References:
1) Types of Eczema; National Eczema
Society, London; http://www.eczema.org/
varicose; accessed
September 2017.
2) Statistics of Eczema in Malaysia; Bookrev;
March 6, 2016; http://www.paccga.net/
eczema-medication/statistics-of-eczema-inmalaysia;
accessed September 2017.
3) 8 types of Eczema; Eczema Health Centre;
WebMD; http://www.webmd.boots.com/
skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/
eczema-types; accessed September 2017.
4) Dr. Chin-Yun Lin; 2010; Eczema
herpeticum; DermNet New Zealand; https://
www.dermnetnz.org/topics/eczemaherpeticum;
accessed September 2017.
Abraham Mathew Saji is a pharmacist
by qualification, engaged in research
and development of medicines and their
implications on the human body. He is an
avid reader in pursuit of knowledge and
understanding of technological advancements
in the medical and pharmaceutical world.
He is even more passionate about sharing
his acquired knowledge, which he does by
speaking at conferences, lectures and writing.
He can be contacted at maz31abr@gmail.
com for any clarification.
34 Natural Health * October 2017 VOL 84