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.
Atopic eczema is an inflammatory condition causing your skin to become:
The exact cause is unknown. Eczema is related to a gene variation that weakens your skins ability to provide protection against:
This makes your skin more vulnerable against environmental factors.
Treatment is based on controlling symptoms and preventing flare-ups.
OTC – Over the counter
Discover what type of eczema you might be suffering from.
…affects the lower legs and is caused by poor circulation through lower leg veins.
..occurs when a part of the body comes in contact with a substance / allergen.
…red, scaly patches develop on the side of the nose, eyebrows, scalp and ears.
…is eczema that appears in circular or oval patches on the skin.
…causes tiny blisters to erupt across the palm of the hand(s).
Eczema can affect any part of your body.
Some people only have small patches of dry skin. Others may experience widespread inflamed skin all over the body.
Eczema is more common in children and may also clear up as they grow older.
Eczema can also develop for the first time in adults.
Eczema often develops alongside other conditions such as asthma.
Eczema causes an increased risk for skin infections.
Moisturise skin at least twice a day.
Identify and avoid triggers that worsen eczema.
Take shorter showers and bath in warm rather than hot water.
Use gentle / mild soaps.
Dry yourself with care.
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.
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:
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.
Symptoms will depend on the type of insect bite you have.
Immediate response:
Minor delayed reactions:
Anaphylactic reaction:
Most insect bites can be treated at home.
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
Most people only suffer from mild reactions.
Call your local emergency number if symptoms of anaplylaxis are present.
Most people know when they have been bitten or stung because they see the insect shortly after.
Consult your doctor if flu-like symptoms appear in the days after the insect bite.
Some bites / stings can cause infection if the venom contained infectious agents.