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ECZEMA

DID YOU KNOW?

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is usually a chronic condition and tends to flare-up occasionally.
Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema although other forms of eczema also exist.

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What is It?

Atopic eczema is an inflammatory condition causing your skin to become:

  • red
  • itchy
  • dry and cracked
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Cause

The exact cause is unknown. Eczema is related to a gene variation that weakens your skins ability to provide protection against:

  • bacteria, irritants and allergens.

This makes your skin more vulnerable against environmental factors.

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SYMPTOMS

The following symptoms might be an indication that you have eczema:

  • itchy, red, dry, sore, thickened, or cracked skin.
  • inflamed skin presents red on light skin and purple grey on darker skin.
The inside of the elbows, back of the knees, and the scalp and face of children is mostly affected.
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TREATMENT

Treatment is based on controlling symptoms and preventing flare-ups.

  • Topical corticosteroids (Hydrocortisone cream from Ascendis) for swelling, redness and itching during flare-ups.
  • Emollients on a daily basis to moisturise your skin.
  • Self-care: Avoiding triggers and reduce scratching.

OTC – Over the counter

The Eczema index

Discover what type of eczema you might be suffering from.

USEFUL INFORMATION

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Eczema can affect any part of your body.

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Some people only have small patches of dry skin. Others may experience widespread inflamed skin all over the body.

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Eczema is more common in children and may also clear up as they grow older.

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Eczema can also develop for the first time in adults.

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Eczema often develops alongside other conditions such as asthma.

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Eczema causes an increased risk for skin infections.

Top Tips

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Moisturise skin at least twice a day.

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Identify and avoid triggers that worsen eczema.

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Take shorter showers and bath in warm rather than hot water.

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Use gentle / mild soaps.

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Dry yourself with care.

Ask your pharmacist about the hydrocortisone cream from Ascendis for the treatment of eczema symptoms

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INSECT BITES

DID YOU KNOW?

Prevention is better than cure.
Knowing how to recognise and avoid biting and stinging insects, is the best way to stay safe.

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What is It?

Bite or a sting by an insect followed by an allergic reaction to the venom deposited into your skin through the insect’s mouth or stinger.

Common bites / stings include:

  • Flea bites
  • Mites & lice
  • Scorpion stings
  • Black and horseflies
  • Mosquito bites
  • Tick bites
  • Bee stings
  • Wasp stings
  • Spider bites
  • Fire ant stings
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Cause

Venom injected into your skin or body when an insect bites you, causes your immune system to trigger an allergic reaction. 

The severity of the reaction will depend on how sensitive you are to the insects venom.

In severe cases, bites and stings can cause anaphylactic shock.

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SYMPTOMS

Symptoms will depend on the type of insect bite you have.

Immediate response:

  • Redness, pain & swelling at the site of the bite / sting.

Minor delayed reactions:

  • Itching, soreness and heat around affected area.

Anaphylactic reaction:

  • Throat tightens
  • Swelling of the lips and throat
  • Difficult breathing
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fever and rapid heartbeat
  • Nausea and / or vomiting
  • Muscle spasms
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TREATMENT

Most insect bites can be treated at home.

  • Remove the insect’s stinger if it is still in your skin.
  • Rinse the affected area.
  • Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.

OTC topical creams (hydrocortisone cream from Ascendis) that can reduce swelling, itching, pain and redness can be used to reduced symptoms.

OTC – Over the counter

USEFUL INFORMATION

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Most people only suffer from mild reactions.

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Call your local emergency number if symptoms of anaplylaxis are present.

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Most people know when they have been bitten or stung because they see the insect shortly after.

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Consult your doctor if flu-like symptoms appear in the days after the insect bite.

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Some bites / stings can cause infection if the venom contained infectious agents.

Ask your pharmacist about the hydrocortisone cream from Ascendis for the treatment of INSECT BITES OR STINGS AND RELATED symptoms

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