At Almasi Skincare we offer excellent eczema treatment in Nairobi Kenya that combines the use of prescription medications, over-the-counter products, lifestyle changes and self-care measures.
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 to weather changes.
Atopic Dermatitis Eczema Triggers
Atopic dermatitis eczema triggers that make it flare up or come back after it had gone include the following:
*Dry skin
*Irritants especially those that dry the skin like soaps, detergents, shampoos, bubble baths.
*Airborne allergens like house dust mites, pet fur, pollen, mold, cockroaches
*Food allergies like milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat.
*Materials like wool, synthetic fabrics like polyester
*Bacterial infections like Staphylococcus aureus infection
*Viral infections like the flu
*Stress
*Weather conditions like cold and dry weather or hot and humid 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.
Atopic dermatitis eczema in babies usually affects the cheeks, forehead and other parts of the face as well as the 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 after 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 Ointments for Eczema Treatment
Prescription ointments used for eczema treatment in Nairobi Kenya include corticosteroid creams and calcineurin inhibitor creams. Antihistamine tablets, steroid tablets, immunomodulator tablets and biologics are also used for eczema treatment.
Corticosteroid Creams for Eczema Treatment
Corticosteroid creams are prescribed by our Doctor for atopic dermatitis treatment in Nairobi Kenya to reduce inflammation and itching. Corticosteroid ointments are the best medicine to treat eczema because using these steroid creams is the fastest way to heal eczema. Examples include Hydrocortisone which is used to treat eczema in babies and mild eczema in adults.
However, when one stops using these steroid creams and ointments the eczema tends to recur. Consult our Doctor today so that you can learn how to stop using steroid creams without the eczema recurring.
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 also 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.
Immunomodulator Tablets for Eczema Treatment
Immunomodulator tablets are also used for eczema treatment. Examples include cyclosporine, methotrexate, and azathioprine.
Biologics for Eczema Treatment
Biologic drugs or biologics (monoclonal antibodies) are prescribed for atopic dermatitis treatment in Nairobi Kenya for persons who have not responded to other therapies. Biologics medications are the strongest treatment for eczema. Examples include dupilumab (Dupixent).
Consult our Doctor and get a prescription of these and other medications for eczema treatment.
Over-The-Counter Products For Eczema Treatment
Moisturizers For Eczema
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 trans-epidermal 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.
Nationwide Emulsifying Ointment is the best eczema cream for babies in Kenya as it does not irritate the skin because it is fragrance-free and dye-free. Nationwide Emulsifying Ointment is also the best eczema cream for adults in Kenya. It can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp *254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
Ovelle Emulsifying Ointment is another good brand which can be purchased from Amazon.
The best cream for eczema itching is Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream because it has been clinically proven to relieve itching and dryness caused by eczema. It also offers 24 hour hydration. It contains colloidal oatmeal which relieves the itch, ceramide 3 which strengthens the skin’s barrier and licochalcone which soothes the skin. It is fragrance-free, dye-free and steroid-free. It can be used on the body by adults and children aged over 3 months. In a study 4 out of 5 children who used it remained without eczema flares for 6 months.
Cleansers For Eczema
Cleansers for eczema should clean the skin without stripping it of its moisture and drying it up.
A good cleanser for face eczema is La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash because it contains shea butter to restore the skin’s barrier, glycerin to hydrate the skin and niacinamide to soothe the skin. It cleanses without stripping the skin and provides 24 hour hydration. It has been formulated for very dry skin and sensitive skin. It can be used by babies from the age of 2 weeks as well as by older children and adults. It can be used to cleanse the face as well as the rest of the body.
A good body cleanser for eczema is Dove Soap because it is a gentle cleanser that does not strip moisture from the skin. Dove soap is one of the best soaps for eczema in Kenya. It can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp *254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
Oilatum Soap is the best soap for eczema treatment because it contains liquid paraffin which locks moisture in the skin after cleansing. It can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Store located in Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, shop C15. Call 0721963156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
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How To Prevent Eczema Flare Ups
Lifestyle modifications used to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema) include the following because they also prevent eczema flare ups:
Wash with lukewarm water
Wash your face and body with lukewarm water since hot water can be drying to the skin.
Use gentle cleansers
Do not use soaps, body washes and bubble baths with irritants that dry the skin. Use non-soap cleansers like Eucerin Skin Calming Body Wash or Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash. Other gentle cleansers that can be used since they do not dry the skin include La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash, Dove Soap and Baby Dove Body Wash.
Use soap substitutes
You can also use soap substitutes to cleanse the skin. We recommend using Nationwide Emulsifying Ointment as a soap substitute.
Moisturize the skin liberally
Moisturize 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. We recommend using Nationwide Emulsifying Ointment to moisturize the skin on the face and body.
Avoid airborne allergens
Avoid airborne allergens like house dust mite by placing covers on your pillow cases and mattresses. Ensure that you also vacuum carpets and soft furnishing regularly.
Avoid allergens from pet dander by giving away your pets.
Avoid allergens from cockroaches by cleaning the stove, dishes and kitchen after cooking and sealing cracks in the walls and floor.
Avoid allergens from mold by using a mold remover and fixing all leaking pipes and faucets.
Avoid allergens from pollen by stayi8ng indoors when the pollen count is high.
Avoid irritants in detergents
Wash your clothes with a mild detergent. We recommend Molly Suds Laundry Detergent because it uses plant-based surfactants and enzymes to remove oil, soil, dirt and stains from fabrics. It is also a gentle, clean-rinsing detergent that does not contain harsh synthetic fragrance and dyes which makes it ideal for persons with eczema and sensitive skin. Ensure that you also avoid using bleach and fabric softeners.
Avoid irritating materials
Avoiding materials that irritate your skin like wool and synthetic materials like polyester clothing by always wearing cotton undergarments next to the skin.
Avoid allergens in food
Avoid foods that trigger allergic reactions. Peanuts, eggs, milk and wheat are common eczema triggers.
Manage stress effectively
Manage stress effectively by regularly practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation. If you need help, enroll in our Stress Management Workshops and buy stress relief items from our Self Care Shop.
Weather-proof your skin
Since cold and dry weather can trigger eczema, moisturize your skin liberally.
Since hot and humid weather can also trigger eczema, wear cotton and stay hydrated.
Identifying the triggers that cause your eczema flare ups and avoiding them is very important for eczema treatment. To do this, buy a diary and record in it if you have been exposed to the above mentioned eczema triggers whenever your skin starts to get itchy.
FAQ
What Are The Atopic Dermatitis Home Remedies?
Home remedies for eczema (atopic dermatitis) include taking colloidal oatmeal baths. Colloidal oatmeal forms a protective barrier on the skin. It also helps the skin hold water. A study found that colloidal oatmeal can soothe the itchiness caused by eczema.
To prepare a colloidal oatmeal bath for eczema treatment at home, add 1 cup of colloidal oatmeal to a bath tub filled with lukewarm water and mix it thoroughly until the water becomes milky and feels silky. Soak in the water for 15 minutes and then rinse the skin with fresh lukewarm water before patting it dry.
We recommend using Shea Organics Colloidal Oatmeal because it is 100% organic, fragrance-free and does not have any additives or fillers. You can also make your own colloidal oatmeal at home by grinding or blending oatmeal until it becomes a fine powder.
Another great option is to use a bath product with oatmeal for eczema in babies as well as in adults. We recommend Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment because it soothes itchy skin irritated by eczema, insect bites, poison oak, poison ivy and poison sumac. It also soothes skin with sunburn, hives, chickenpox, and prickly heat. This Aveeno eczema therapy product is made from 100% oatmeal and it is fragrance-free, dye-free, paraben-free and soap-free.
Atopic dermatitis self-care involves moisturizing the skin on the affected parts of the body several times during the day and after every colloidal oatmeal bath or shower. We recommend Nationwide Emulsifying Ointment as it is one of the best ointments for atopic eczema because it is fragrance-free and dye-free.
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 also avoid scratching the affected areas.
How To Cure Eczema Permanently?
There is no permanent cure for eczema. However, one can reduce the symptoms of eczema by avoiding eczema triggers like harsh soaps and using prescription medications together with home remedies like colloidal oatmeal baths and moisturizing the skin multiple times during the day.
What Is The Most Effective Eczema Treatment?
The most effective eczema treatment combines the use of prescription medications with effective over-the-counter products and modifying your lifestyle modifications so that you avoid eczema triggers since reversing atopic dermatitis involves identifying and avoiding its triggers.
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.
It is important to note that with adequate treatment the atopic dermatitis (eczema) healing process takes weeks to months.
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.