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Introduction

Objectives:

After studying this module, you will:  

  • Understand the signs and symptoms of eczema and that there are different forms of this condition
  • Have a knowledge of some of the factors which may cause eczema to flare up and how these incidents can be treated
  • Be able to offer advice to help sufferers manage their condition and avoid flare-ups
  • Understand the treatments available.

    • What is Eczema?

    Eczema, or dermatitis, is a skin condition that affects people in different ways. Mild forms can make skin dry, hot and itchy, while in more severe cases, skin can be raw, cracked and might even bleed.

    Signs and symptoms
    Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema, affecting 20% of children and 1 in 12 adults.[1] It is closely linked with asthma and hayfever and tends to run in families. About 60-70% of children grow out of the condition as they grow older.[1] Customers will most commonly complain of itchiness, in addition to general dryness of the skin, redness and inflammation.
    Contact dermatitis is another type of eczema that you are likely to come across in the pharmacy. Irritant contact dermatitis can be caused by frequent contact with everyday substances, such as detergents and chemicals, which are irritating to the skin. It most commonly occurs on adults’ hands. Allergic contact dermatitis can flare up when the body’s immune system reacts against a substance in contact with the skin. It often develops over a period of time through repeated contact with the substance, nickel (in gold jewellery) being a common offender.

    Eczema can be a distressing and frustrating condition for sufferers. When skin is dry it becomes itchy and the temptation is to scratch it. This may start a cycle of itching and scratching which makes the skin more inflamed, and can also lead to broken skin that is prone to infection. A flare-up such as this can keep sufferers awake at night and affect their lives both at work and at home.