At Almasi Skincare we offer excellent eczema treatment in Nairobi Kenya.
What is Eczema?
Eczema or dermatitis is a term that is used for skin diseases that include atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, eczema craquele, nummular dermatitis, gravitational dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and other skin conditions. This blog post will focus on atopic dermatitis which is the condition that is most commonly referred to as eczema.
What is Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)?
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a common skin condition which can occur at any age though it often begins in babies aged around 6 months.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Causes
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis (eczema) is not known. However an interaction of genetic and environmental factors contributes to its development. These include defects in the barrier function of the skin which make it more susceptible to irritation caused by soap and other chemicals in skincare products as well as weather changes.
Triggers for atopic dermatitis that make it flare up or come back after it had gone include the following:
*Irritants especially those that dry the skin e.g. soaps, detergents, shampoos, bubble baths.
*Allergens e.g. house dust mite, pet fur, pollen, mould
*Food allergies e.g. milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat.
*Materials e.g. wool, synthetic fabrics
*Infections e.g. by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria
*Stress
*Cold and dry weather
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Symptoms
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema) include dry skin which is itchy. Acute flares are characterized by patches of skin with weeping blisters. Chronic eczema is characterized by tough, thickened, leathery skin.
In babies atopic dermatitis usually affects the face and scalp.
In older children, adolescents and adults it affects the back of the knees, inside the elbows and other parts of the body.
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Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Diagnosis
A diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (eczema) is made by the doctor taking the patient’s medical history and examining their skin. Lab tests are not required to make this diagnosis.
Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema Treatment in Nairobi Kenya
Atopic dermatitis or eczema treatment in Nairobi Kenya includes the use of prescription medications, over the counter products, lifestyle modifications and self care measures.
Prescription Medications for Eczema Treatment
Prescription medications used for atopic dermatitis or eczema treatment in Nairobi Kenya include corticosteroid creams, calcineurin inhibitor creams, antihistamine tablets and steroid tablets.
Corticosteroid Creams for Eczema Treatment
Corticosteroid creams are prescribed by our Doctor for atopic dermatitis treatment in Nairobi Kenya to reduce inflammation and itching. Examples include Hydrocortisone which is used for mild conditions.
Calcineurin Inhibitor Creams for Eczema Treatment
Calcineurin inhibitor creams are prescribed by our Doctor for eczema treatment in Nairobi Kenya.
Antihistamine Tablets for Eczema Treatment
Antihistamine tablets are prescribed by our Doctor for atopic dermatitis treatment in Nairobi Kenya to relieve the itch. Examples include cetirizine and fexofenadine.
Corticosteroid Tablets for Eczema Treatment
Corticosteroid tablets are prescribed for severe eczema treatment in Nairobi Kenya.
Biologics for Eczema Treatment
Biologics (monoclonal antibodies) are prescribed for atopic dermatitis treatment in Nairobi Kenya in persons who have not responded to other therapies.
Click here to Consult our Doctor and get a prescription of these and other medications.
With adequate treatment the atopic dermatitis (eczema) healing process takes weeks to months. It is important to note that reversing atopic dermatitis involves identifying and avoiding its triggers. Therefore it has been triggered by stress, click here to discover how to relieve stress.
Over-The-Counter Products
Over the counter atopic dermatitis treatment includes the use of moisturizers. Moisturizers are very important because studies have shown that they improve atopic dermatitis or eczema. They do this by restoring the integrity of the top layer of the skin (stratum corneum), preventing transepidermal water loss (water loss through the skin) and replacing important compounds like skin lipids.
Emulsifying Ointment is a good moisturizer as it softens and soothes the skin. It also prevents water loss from the skin by forming a protective barrier on the skin which locks in moisture.
Emulsifying Ointment is the best cream for eczema treatment as it does not irritate the skin because it is fragrance free and color free.
Nationwide Emulsifying Ointment can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Call/Whatsapp 0721 963 156 for countrywide delivery.
Ovelle Emulsifying Ointment is another good brand which can be purchased from Amazon. Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream is another good example.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle modifications used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema) include the following:
*Avoiding irritants in soaps that dry the skin by using Dove Soap because it is a gentle cleanser that does not strip moisture from the skin.
Dove Soap can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Call/Whatsapp 0721 963 156 for countrywide delivery.
Baby Dove Body Wash can also be used. Soap-free body washes like Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash or Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash are other good alternatives.
*Washing your body with lukewarm water since hot water can be drying to the skin. Use non-soap cleansers that do not dry the skin or use soap substitutes like emulsifying ointment.
*Moisturizing your skin several times during the day to prevent dryness which can cause itchiness and trigger eczema flare ups. After taking a bath or shower moisturize within 3 minutes to lock moisture in the skin.
*Avoiding allergens like house dust mite for example by placing covers on your pillow cases and mattresses. Ensure that you also vacuum carpets and soft furnishing weekly.
*Washing your clothes with a mild detergent without using bleach or fabric softener.
*Avoiding materials that irritate your skin like wool clothing for example by wearing cotton next to the skin.
*Avoiding foods that trigger allergic reactions. Peanuts, eggs and milk are common food allergens.
*Managing stress for example by enrolling in our Stress Management Workshops and buying stress relief items in our Self Care Shop.
*Identifying the triggers that cause your eczema flare ups and avoiding them.
FAQ
What Are The Atopic Dermatitis Home Remedies?
Home remedies for atopic dermatitis (eczema) include moisturizing the skin on the affected parts of the body several times during the day and after every shower. Nationwide Emulsifying Ointment is one of the best ointments for atopic eczema and it can be purchased from our Almasi Skincare Shop. Ovelle Emulsifying Ointment is another good brand which can be purchased from Amazon.
Atopic dermatitis self-care also involves adding Colloidal Oatmeal to warm bath water. Colloidal oatmeal forms a protective barrier on the skin. It also helps the skin hold water and reduces inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties enable it to have a soothing effect on the skin. One can also use a bath product with oatmeal like Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment.
Other self care measures that are beneficial for persons with atopic dermatitis include taking short, warm showers instead of long, hot baths as they tend to dry the skin.
In addition, one should avoid scratching the affected areas.
What Is The Most Effective Eczema Treatment?
The most effective eczema treatment combines the use of prescription medications with effective skincare products and lifestyle modifications to avoid eczema triggers like irritating skincare products, inhalational allergens, food allergies, irritating materials and stress.
Identifying your eczema triggers and avoiding them while using your prescription corticosteroid creams as you moisturize your skin several times each day can cure eczema very fast.
To cure your eczema, visit our Nairobi Eczema Clinic on Saturday mornings at 10 am. We are located on Hospital Road, Fortis Suites, 8th floor, room 809. Call 0721 963 156 to book your appointment.